According to football.london, England's path to the FIFA World Cup Round of 32 as group winners after defeating Panama was not spectacular, but they finally achieved their objective.

Goals from Bellingham and Harry Kane were enough to secure England's Round of 32 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo on Wednesday. England had to wait until the second half for Tuchel's first goal celebration, which once again came from a set piece. Like Kane's second goal against Croatia, this also came from Bellingham scoring on a corner kick. Kane's header came from a curved delivery by Rice, while the Real Madrid midfielder finished first-time from Saka's cross from the opposite flank.

Saka and Rice were frequently responsible for set pieces during the season in which Arsenal won the Premier League, which generated considerable criticism and scrutiny. There were complaints that this style of play ruined the match, was too pragmatic, or lacked entertainment value.

Rice recently made a joke in an interview. He told 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 Willeneueve and Arsenal's manager saw something in me that no one else did. They said I could deliver the ball into an area that no one else at Arsenal, besides Saka, could. From that moment on, I really believed and committed myself. Over time, every time I step up to take a set piece now, whether it's a corner or a free kick, I feel I can provide an assist or create a dangerous opportunity. That's the mentality you need for set pieces, and England fans are certainly excited."

England fans were truly excited when Bellingham's volley flew into Panama's net. The difference is that when Rice and Saka took set pieces for Arsenal, both flanks were effective, while Willeneueve clearly preferred in-swinging crosses. Perhaps after seeing England's results, Arsenal will make some adjustments next season and try some out-swinging crosses? I'm sure no one would object.

Traduzido por IA.

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