England football captain Harry Kane has slammed numerous players who pulled out of the national side ahead of Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland, stating on Wednesday (November 13, 2024) that country must always come before club football.
England face Greece away on Thursday, followed by Ireland three days later at Wembley Stadium, but nine players, including regular starters, who were called up by interim manager Lee Carsley have pulled out owing to injuries.
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 all pulled out of the team.
Kane stated that this was never the case when Gareth Southgate was in charge, as he fostered a climate in which players eagerly anticipated England camps.
“The excitement of playing for England, I believe he brought it back. Every camp, people were eager to attend because they wanted to play for England, which is the most important thing. I believe England comes before anything else, including the club,” Kane told ITV Sport.
“It’s the most essential role you can play as a professional footballer. Gareth was on top of it, and he was not hesitant to make judgments if certain players began to wander away.
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“What a shame this week. Obviously, I believe it is a difficult moment of the season, and perhaps some have taken advantage of that. To be honest, I don’t like it too much. “I believe England comes before anything else.”
Busy festive season
While Kane is currently enjoying a winter break from football following his move to German powerhouse Bayern Munich, English clubs have more fixtures to look forward to during the hectic holiday season.
England’s new coach, Thomas Tuchel, does not take over until the new year, but he will not have the opportunity to work with the group until the next international break in March.
Carsley stated that the absences from the squad provide an opportunity for other players to impress the new coach.
“Harry has his opinion, but I can only deal with what is in front of us,” Carsley, who will return home to Ireland on Sunday, told reporters.
“November is a hard (international) period. It’s that time of year when weariness and minor injuries become more prevalent. But it’s a fantastic opportunity for other players who were on the outside of the squad.”
England, which is pursuing promotion to League A, is second in Group B2 with nine points after losing at home to Greece. Greece has won all four games thus far. Only the top team from each group gets promoted.
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