One specific area where Pearce wants to see Rice take charge is over dead-ball situations, even if it means stepping on the toes of established stars like Harry Kane. Reflecting on Rice’s ability, Pearce noted that he has seen the midfielder produce world-class moments that haven’t been replicated enough on the international stage.
Pearce, who was famous for his own powerful free-kicks, said: “I was renowned for taking free-kicks, and I saw Dec score two wonder free-kicks against Real Madrid (in April 2025). I’ve barely seen him take one since. Like Dec, I could score from free kicks, and if I were him, I’d be saying to my teammates, Get out of my way. I’m taking this, and I’m taking all of them, unless you can do better than me.”
