England captain Harry Kane has expressed frustration over the growing number of player withdrawals from the squad ahead of the upcoming Nations League fixtures against Greece and the Republic of Ireland.
On Wednesday afternoon, Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, who was a late call-up, became the ninth player to pull out of Lee Carsley’s squad. He joined a list of high-profile absentees, including Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, and Levi Colwill, all of whom withdrew due to various injuries or fitness concerns.
Kane, England’s all-time leading scorer with over 100 caps, voiced his disappointment with the attitude of some players towards international duty. He emphasized that representing England should always take precedence over club commitments.
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“I think England comes before anything. England comes before club,” Kane told ITV Sport. “Playing for England is the most important thing for a professional footballer. Gareth [Southgate] was very clear on that, and he wasn’t afraid to make tough decisions if players weren’t fully committed.”
Kane acknowledged that the timing, in the midst of a demanding season, may have contributed to the withdrawals, but he still expressed his frustration. “It’s a shame, obviously,” he said. “It’s a tough period in the season, but I don’t like it, to be honest. England should always come first, ahead of any club situation.”
The striker also praised Southgate’s influence in restoring pride in playing for England. “Gareth brought the joy back to playing for England,” Kane explained. “Every camp, players were excited to be there and wanted to represent their country. That’s the most important thing.”
Interim manager Lee Carsley, who will lead the team in the upcoming fixtures before Thomas Tuchel takes over, focused on the positive aspect of the withdrawals, seeing it as an opportunity for others to step up and earn a spot in the squad.
“The focus has been on the players that are here,” Carsley said. “With the number of pull-outs, it’s an opportunity for others to showcase their talent and make a claim for a regular spot in the squad. We’re looking forward to the game.”