Kane started as England's central striker in a 4-3-3 formation, with Luke Williams and John Lundstram on the left and right respectively. From midfield, James Ward-Prowse and (moreso) Ross Barkley looked to join in with the attack. Kane was very much England's offensive focal point throughout the game, with numerous long balls sent his way. He performed well in a difficult role, providing two superb assists for his side. But overall England were poor offensively. With captain Conor Coady in a holding role and both full backs unimpressive, Kane often found himself isolated against a tight Iraqi back four. Often with his back to goal, he used his frame well in shielding the ball and either offloading it or drawing fouls.
Kane was also strong in the air, as one might expect given his build. Even though physical advantages for players at youth levels might dissipate in the long-term, Kane's aerial ability was evident as his flick ons constantly found his teammates. One of these, a superb near post header from an outswinging corner as he came off the front post, led to England's opener. There were definite similarities to his header and to those of coach Les Ferdinand's, and so even if his physical advantage does disappear at a more senior level, his technique will not.
While Kane's strength and technique is often lauded, one of the main criticisms of him is his lack of pace, as Tim Sherwood has mentioned, probably accentuated by his somewhat lumbering style. While he's never going to be someone who can play off the shoulder of a defender, he did at least show some decent acceleration when taking on players, most notably for his run and shot that led to the opening goal's corner.
On a couple of occasions he also won corners from bustling runs on the wings, and it was his fantastic ball on a quick break that led to England's second. Kane recently described Gareth Bale as the perfect role model, and his perfect cross was reminiscent to those that the Welshman provides.
What Kane definitely does lack in his game however, is a killer instinct in front of goal. With the match poised at 2-1 in the final ten minutes, Kane missed a chance after being played through by Barkley. It wasn't an easy chance, but it's one which you'd expect every decent Premier League striker to score.
Even during his fruitful spell at Milwall, most of his goals were great strikes rather than cool finishes. On his debut with Norwich he also spurned a clear chance to win the game, again after being played through late on.
Similarly in the first half, a poor clearance led to a great attacking opportunity for England. Kane, despite being played onside by a deep defender, stayed static throughout the whole move, when a simple run could have seen him put through on goal. His lack of movement is particularly noticeable when compared to Lundstram's run on the right.
With Kane turning 20 next month, it's unlikely that he'll ever develop that fox-in-the-box instinct. But the only way he will improve in front of goal is by being in front of goal, and being there at a higher level, both in terms of skill and in pressure. When Millwall looked to re-sign him on loan last season, manager Kenny Jackett thought that playing in front of a bigger crowd was a determining factor when Spurs chose instead to send him to Leicester. It is imperative that Kane gains Premier League experience in 2013/14, with Tim Sherwood stating before the beginning of last season that Kane had "ticked that box" with regards to Championship experience. He has at least two more chances to attract potential suitors, beginning today against Chile.
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