Harry Kane launches astonishing attack on eight England players after pulling out of international duty
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England captain Harry Kane has launched a scathing criticism of the eight players who withdrew from the national squad ahead of crucial Nations League matches, suggesting some are taking advantage of the busy season.
The Bayern Munich striker expressed his frustration at the mass exodus from Lee Carsley's squad, insisting that representing England should always take precedence over club commitments.
"I don't really like it if I'm totally honest," Kane told ITV. "England comes before anything, any club situation."
The withdrawals have severely impacted England's preparations for their must-win clash against Greece in Athens on Thursday.
Kane's strongest criticism came when discussing the culture fostered by former manager Gareth Southgate.
"Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England and that's the most important thing," Kane said.
England captain Harry Kane has reacted furiously to the news that eight players have pulled out of action
Reuters
The Three Lions captain suggested some players might be exploiting the demanding fixture schedule.
"It's a shame this week obviously. I think it's a tough period of the season and maybe that's been taken advantage of a little bit," he told ITV.
Kane emphasised that playing for England should be the pinnacle of any footballer's career.
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"I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer," he stated.
The eight players who withdrew from the squad are Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish and Aaron Ramsdale.
Alexander-Arnold was forced off during Liverpool's victory over Aston Villa at the weekend.
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Arsenal duo Rice and Saka were both injury doubts before Sunday's match against Chelsea, with the latter limping off late in the game.
England face Greece away on Thursday before hosting the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday, with both matches crucial for their hopes of promotion to Nations League League A.
Jarrad Branthwaite, one of five replacements called up, is also now a doubt after being unable to train with the squad.
Lee Carsley is taking charge of his last England matches before returning to the Under-21s
Reuters
The withdrawals come during interim manager Lee Carsley's final camp before Thomas Tuchel takes charge in January.
At least two of the withdrawals are precautionary rather than due to serious injuries, report the Daily Mail.
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England have called up a largely inexperienced squad this international break
Reuters
Some leading Premier League clubs believe Tuchel's delayed January start date has contributed to the high number of withdrawals.
Kane's comments reflect his desire to maintain the positive culture established under Southgate, who he praised for restoring pride in the England shirt.
"Gareth was hot on that and he wasn't afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players," Kane emphasised.
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