Arsenal's International Goals Offer World Cup Attacking Options

A spread of attacking roles

The report credits five Arsenal players with goals for five different national teams:

  • Declan Rice reportedly scored in England’s 3-0 win over Costa Rica on 10 June.
  • Martin Odegaard was on target in Norway’s 1-1 draw with Morocco on 7 June.
  • Kai Havertz scored in Germany’s 2-1 victory over the United States on 6 June.
  • Leandro Trossard found the net during Belgium’s 5-0 win over Tunisia on 6 June.
  • Viktor Gyokeres scored as Sweden drew 2-2 with Greece on 4 June.

The range is more important than the volume. Rice offers late midfield running and physical presence, while Odegaard can dictate attacks from a deeper creative role. Havertz provides movement across the front line, Trossard can operate inside or from the wing, and Gyokeres gives Sweden a more direct focal point.

Why the variety matters

International tournaments often punish teams that depend on one attacking route. Arsenal’s reported contribution points to a broader menu: midfield arrivals, combination play around the penalty area, wide-to-central movement and a conventional centre-forward threat.

That variety also reflects the players’ club responsibilities. Arsenal’s squad is built around forwards who interchange positions and midfielders who contribute beyond possession. For their countries, those habits can provide tactical flexibility when opponents close central spaces or defend deep.

Friendly form needs context

The results themselves offer a warning. Gyokeres scored in a draw, while Odegaard’s goal also came in a stalemate. Friendly matches feature substitutions, lower stakes and different defensive demands from World Cup fixtures.

The next test will be whether these players carry their reported scoring touch into competitive matches. Arsenal’s international influence will be judged less by June goals than by who starts, who delivers under pressure and which attacking roles survive the tournament’s tactical intensity.