Thomas Tuchel to Emulate Arsenal’s Set‑Piece Success

Thomas Tuchel plans to adopt Arsenal’s set‑piece routines for England’s World Cup campaign in the United States. He cites Mikel Arteta’s focus on perfecting Arsenal’s dead‑ball work as a model. Arsenal supplied the most players to England’s World Cup squad and are regarded as set‑piece masters. The club secured its first Premier League title in 22 years in May and reached a penalty shootout in the Champions League final. Declan Rice, whose corners have threatened opponents for Arsenal over the past two seasons, is expected to start at the World Cup and serve as one of England’s set‑piece specialists. Reece James, Chelsea’s right‑back, is also likely to be a primary taker for England, a role Tuchel is familiar with from his time coaching James at Stamford Bridge. Bukayo Saka’s dead‑ball ability is highlighted, though his tendonitis is a concern for England’s early matches. England’s physical profile adds to the set‑piece threat; of the ten outfield players who started against Costa Rica, only James and Elliot Anderson are under 6 ft tall.