Kane and Unable: Twitter Reacts to England's 1-1 Draw with Italy
Ryan Bailey@ryanjaybailey
Featured ColumnistMarch 31, 2015
Less than 10 months ago, England met Italy on a sweaty night in Manaus, suffering a 2-1 defeat that set the tone for a very disappointing World Cup campaign.
On Tuesday evening, the old European foes met once again in less tropical and less competitive circumstances: a friendly in Turin.
The Azzurri are undefeated since returning from Brazil, and England went into the game on a run of seven consecutive wins. At Juventus Stadium, both sides manage to progress without blotting their copy books, but the game was not a classic.
Before kick-off, most of the Twitter chatter surrounded England's New Savior Harry Kane™, who had been handed his first start for the Three Lions...
There was also much to be said about manager Roy Hodgson's decision to start Wayne Rooney in midfield, with Theo Walcott going up front...
As the game kicked off, Phil Jones trended as a nation revealed its skepticism over the Manchester United star's ability to play holding midfield...
There was also much to be said about the poor turnout at Juventus Stadium...
As the half-hour mark approached, a Rooney shot against the woodwork failed to impress those who had tuned in...
In the 29th minute, however, the game was given an injection of life with a goal. The England defence made it easy for Giorgio Chiellini to put a cross on the head of Graziano Pelle...
It was a great header, but most of the praise directed at Pelle focused firmly on his magnificent hair...
The rest of the first half passed without incident, and the half-time reviews were not positive...
Kane's infallible status as a national treasure also looked to be in doubt...
As the second half progressed, there was a mixed reaction toward Chiellini: Some praised his defending abilities and forward runs, while others were disgusted by his theatrics and rough handling of Kane...
Kane may have felt Chiellini's grip on more than one occasion, but he was praised for the partnership he was forming with Rooney...
It wasn't Rooney or Kane, however, who found the net for England in the 79th minute. Substitute Andros Townsend added to his personal highlight reel with a rocket from 25 yards...
The match finished honours even, which seemed like a fair result. England supporters will have to wait until June to see the national team in action again, but one fan will aim to solve his Ryan Mason tattoo conundrum before then...