LONDON: England captain Harry Kane criticized several players who withdrew from the national team ahead of the League of Nations action against Greece and Ireland, stating yesterday that the country must always come before the club.
England face Greece in Athens early tomorrow morning followed by Ireland three days later at Wembley but nine players, some in the starting line-up, have been called up while boss Lee Carsley pulls out through injury.
Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold, Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite have all withdrawn from the squad.
Kane said that didn’t happen when Gareth Southgate was in charge because he created an atmosphere where players couldn’t wait to get into the England training camp.
“The joy of playing for England, I think he sparked it. Every camp, the players are excited to come, the players want to play for England and that’s the most important thing. I think England is more important than the club,” Kane told ITV Sport.
“It’s the most important thing you do as a professional footballer. Gareth is good about it and he’s not afraid to make a decision if it starts to deviate from certain players.
“It’s been a shame this week. Obviously I think it’s the toughest period of the season now and maybe some have taken a bit of advantage of it. I really don’t like it to be honest… I think England have to come first before anything else.”
While Kane is currently enjoying a winter break from football following his move to German giants Bayern Munich, the player at the English club faces a busy festive season.
New England manager Thomas Tuchel will only take over in the new year but he has no chance to work with the squad until the next international break next March.
Carsley said the withdrawal from the squad gave other players a chance to impress the new coach.
“Harry has his own opinion but I can only work with what’s in front of us,” said Carsley, who will end his interim spell against Ireland on Sunday.