According to football.london, England's route to the Round of 32 at the FIFA World Cup 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 book England's place in Wednesday's Round of 32 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. England had to wait until the second half for Tuchel's first goal celebration, and it came from a set piece. Like Kane's second goal against Croatia, this one also came from a Bellingham corner kick. Kane's header came from a Rice free kick delivery, while the Real Madrid midfielder scored a volley from Saka's cross on the opposite flank.

Saka and Rice have often been criticized and scrutinized for taking set pieces during Arsenal's Premier League title-winning season. Some observers complained that this style of play damages the game, is too pragmatic, or lacks entertainment value.

Rice recently joked about it in an interview. He told English media last week, "Everyone loves set pieces now, don't they? Everyone's into them now." Rice also said, "I never thought I'd be taking corners or set pieces, but Nico Jovel and the Arsenal manager saw something in me that others didn't. They said I could deliver the ball into areas that no one else at Arsenal could, except Saka. From that point on, I really embraced it and trusted it. Over time, whenever I'm 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 English fans will definitely be excited."

English fans were indeed excited when Bellingham's volley flew into Panama's net. The difference is that when Rice and Saka took set pieces for Arsenal, both wing delivery options were effective, while Jovel clearly prefers inswinging crosses. Perhaps after seeing England's set-piece effectiveness, Arsenal will make some adjustments next season and try some outswinging crosses as well? I believe no one would object.

Diterjemahkan oleh AI.

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