England boss Lee Carsley responds to Harry Kane after captain attacks international team-mates

Kane, England’s captain and record goalscorer, had expressed strong disapproval of players pulling out of international duty, suggesting some were using the packed calendar as an excuse.

“I think England comes before anything. England comes before club,” Kane told ITV Sport.

The England captain emphasised that international duty should be the pinnacle of a player’s career.

He suggested some players were taking advantage of the busy schedule, stating: “I think it’s a tough period of the season, maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit. I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest.”

Lee Carsley has tried to defuse the situation after Harry Kane’s rant

Reuters

Kane also referenced the high standards set under Gareth Southgate’s leadership regarding player commitment.

Among those withdrawing from the squad were Chelsea duo Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, along with Manchester City’s Phil Foden, who had all completed 90 minutes for their clubs at the weekend.

JUST IN:FA to ‘hold talks’ with Thomas Tuchel over hiring ‘ethnic minority coach’

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and Aaron Ramsdale were also among those pulling out of Carsley’s squad.

Adding to the list of absentees, Jarrad Branthwaite, who was called up as a replacement, has since withdrawn from the squad.

Speaking in Athens ahead of the Nations League match against Greece, Carsley repeatedly emphasised his focus on available players.

READ MORE: Emma Raducanu reveals plans to leave the UK with tennis star to stick with tradition

“The focus all camp has been on the players that are here,” Carsley said. “It’s important that we make the most of the situation.”

He firmly rejected suggestions of a deteriorating team culture, stating: “The culture and environment that Gareth, Steve and the rest of the staff created has made it a really positive environment.”

Carsley also maintained that relations with clubs remain strong, particularly regarding medical departments.

Harry Kane fumed at his England team-mates

Reuters

Several of the withdrawals were linked to injuries sustained during weekend matches, with Alexander-Arnold, Rice and Saka all forced off during their club games.

Arsenal goalkeeper Ramsdale reportedly suffered a fractured finger during Southampton’s defeat to Wolves.

LATEST SPORTS NEWS:

Lee Carsley is takin charge of his last matches as interim England boss

Reuters

Manchester City’s Jack Grealish has been absent from his club’s last seven matches.

Branthwaite is believed to have played for Everton against West Ham whilst carrying a knock on Saturday.