According to football.london, England's path to the FIFA World Cup Round of 16 as group winners after defeating Panama was not spectacular, but they ultimately got the job done.
Goals from Bellingham and Harry Kane were enough to secure England's Round of 16 clash against DR Congo on Wednesday. England had to wait until the second half for Tuchel's first goal celebration, which again came from a set piece. Just like Kane's second goal against Croatia, this one was also from a corner kick—Bellingham scoring with a volley. Kane's header came from a curving cross from Rice, while the Real Madrid midfielder converted a cross from Saka on the other side.
Saka and Rice were often responsible for set pieces during the season Arsenal won the Premier League, which drew considerable criticism and scrutiny. There were external complaints that this style of play ruined the game, was too pragmatic, or lacked entertainment value.
Rice even made a joke about it in a recent interview. He told the English media last week: "Everyone loves set pieces now, don't they? Everyone loves them now." Rice also stated: "I never thought I'd be taking corners or set pieces, but Nico Yovel and the Arsenal manager saw something in me that no one else did. They said I could put the ball in areas no one else at Arsenal could, apart from Saka. From that moment, I really bought into it and believed in it. Over time, every time I stand over a set piece now, whether it's a corner or a wide free kick, I feel like I can get an assist or create a dangerous opportunity. That's the mentality you need for set pieces, and England fans will certainly be excited."
When Bellingham's volley flew into the Panama net, England fans were indeed excited. The difference is that when Rice and Saka took set pieces for Arsenal, both flanks were effective, while Yovel clearly preferred inswinging crosses. Perhaps after seeing England's effectiveness, Arsenal will also make some adjustments next season and try a few outswinging crosses? I'm sure no one would object.
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