Harry Kane believes that England should come before ‘anything’ after nine team-mates dropped out of Lee Carsley’s squad ahead of their decisive Nations League double-header this week
Kane trains as England prepare for Nations League clash in Greece
England interim manager Lee Carsley has attempted to cool tensions within the camp by playing down Harry Kane’s criticism of team-mates who controversially dropped out of the squad.
Three Lions captain Kane sparked headlines on Wednesday by saying that he ‘didn’t like’ the fact eight players had withdrawn from Carsley’s original 23-man squad without kicking a ball due to what their clubs say are injuries. That number has since risen to nine, with Everton centre-back Jarrad Branthwaite pulling out just two days after being moved up from the under-21s to the senior squad.
Liverpool right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold, Chelsea pair Levi Colwill and Cole Palmer, Manchester City duo Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale, and Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka of Arsenal all pulled out Monday ahead of this week’s Nations League double-header.
England travel to Greece for a must-win game on Thursday and speaking to ITV, Kane made his feelings clear by saying that the national team should come before ‘anything’, as was the largely case for the last eight years under Gareth Southgate. In his pre-match press conference, Carsley was asked a series of questions related to Kane’s comments.
“The focus all camp has been on the players that are here,” the Three Lions boss said. “It’s important that we make the most of the situation. With the amount of players that have pulled out, it gives other players an opportunity to be here. The focus has been purely on the players that are here.
“It’s [Harry’s] opinion. I can only deal with what’s in front of us. November is a challenging window, in the past we’ve had eight or nine call-offs. I know the Under-21s and Under-20s have had a lot of players pull out as well, so I think it’s definitely that period of the season.
“I think fatigue and small injuries have played a part in it. It’s a brilliant opportunity for other players on the outside of the squad. Now it’s their chance.”
Get involved! Do you agree with Harry Kane’s comments? Have your say in the comments section.
Asked if he feared that the club over country culture which plagued England pre-Southgate is creeping back in, Carsley replied: “Definitely not. The culture and environment that Gareth, Steve [Holland] and the rest of the staff created has made it a really positive environment and the rest of the staff that are here fully deserve to be here and are ready for the game tomorrow.
“We’ve got a really good relationship with all the clubs, especially the medical departments so we’re totally happy with where we are. The players we had doubts about at the squad announcement, that’s why we went with a bigger squad. They were assessed and sent back, so there’s no problem our way.
Carlsey, whose final game before handing over the reins to Thomas Tuchel will be against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday, added: “No [other players have spoken to me about it], definitely not. Like I said, the players that’re here are massively proud of being here, highly motivated for tomorrow. We’re expecting a tough game, a game we have to win, so our focus has been fully on tomorrow.”
Join our new WhatsApp community and receive your daily dose of Mirror Football content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Learn more