Martin Keown examines Harry Kane’s defensive work on set pieces against England

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Former Arsenal defender Martin Keown has run the rule over Tottenham striker Harry Kane’s contribution to England’s efforts to defend set pieces.

The Three Lions let in yet another set piece goal against Czech Republic on Friday night, and Keown says Kane was isolated at the front post.

As per the Daily Mail, he said: “Defensively we have to tighten up at set-pieces. Southgate sets up with Harry Kane at the front post. Kane looks strangely detached in that front-post role – he needs to be square on, looking more up the pitch rather than facing the corner taker, otherwise he’s blinkered.

“I would never have a forward come back to defend a corner without a defender marshalling him. Often, forwards come back for a rest, but they play a key role. You need to pair up a defender with a centre forward, talk him into position and get his body shape right.”

TBR’s View – Kane’s body position less of a concern than Keane losing his man

It might be easy to dismiss Keown’s comments as an Arsenal man trying to single out a Tottenham superstar, but if there’s one thing he should know about, it’s defending a set piece.

But Kane’s body position will likely be less of a concern than Everton’s Michael Keane losing his man as he once again struggles to prove he belongs at international level.

If Kane keeps banging in the goals down the other end, that’s the best thing he can do to ease the pressure on the defence while Gareth Southgate searches for the right formula.