One of the bigger on-pitch stories of England’s draw with Russia was the decision to put Harry Kane on corner duty.
The Tottenham striker is by no means terrible from dead-ball situations, but many felt his talents would have been better suited to the penalty area.
Many were wondering whether Roy Hodgson would respond to the criticism and change things up for the meeting with Wales, and we didn’t have long to wait.
England won a corner within the opening five minutes, and Wayne Rooney, not Kane, jogged over to take the kick.
Harry Kane is not taking corners for #ENG… pic.twitter.com/AWLgPfBc1w
— B/R Football (@brfootball) June 16, 2016
Kane off corners. This is not a drill. Rooney takes the first
— Simon Peach (@SimonPeach) June 16, 2016
Theories emerged as to why the change had been implemented.
Guessing Hodgson's taken Kane off corners so he can take goal kicks instead… #ENGWAL
— James Masters (@Masters_JamesD) June 16, 2016
Some were happy with the choice.
Rooney on corners! Hallelujah. #ENG
— John Bennett (@JohnBennettBBC) June 16, 2016
Rooney on corners, finally
— GCIIMessi (PixelPrintDesign) (@GCIIMessi) June 16, 2016
Not everyone was enamoured by the choice of Rooney to replace Kane in that department, though.
That was rubbish. GET HARRY KANE BACK ON THE CORNERS, YOU IMPRESSIONABLE TOSSERS
— MUNDIAL (@MundialMag) June 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/BeechardRich/status/743429722315628544
