England Nation's League Withdrawals Disappoint Harry Kane

Harry Kane expressed his disappointment with the significant number of withdrawals from the England squad this week. He emphasized the importance of prioritizing the national team and putting collective success above individual interests. As they prepare for a crucial Nations League match against Greece, followed by a meeting with Ireland at Wembley, Kane acknowledged the challenges faced by interim boss Lee Carsley due to eight players pulling out of the squad. Despite the setbacks, Kane is determined to lead the team to victory in Athens and remains focused on achieving the goal of automatic promotion. The absence of key players has only fueled his determination to deliver a strong performance and make the nation proud.

Asked if there was one thing former manager Gareth Southgate put in place that senior players need to ensure is not lost, the striker told ITV: "I think the joy to play for England. I think he brought that back.

"I think every camp people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England and, yeah, that's the most important thing.

"I think England comes before anything. England comes before club."

The Bayern Munich forward said it was a "shame" that so many players had withdrawn.

"It's a tough period of the season and maybe that's been taken advantage of a little bit," he said.

"I don't really like it if I'm totally honest. I think England comes before anything, any club situation."

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Eight players withdrew from Carsley's initial 26-man squad for the Nations League double-header, including Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka and Cole Palmer.

Jarrad Branthwaite was among five players brought into the squad but the Everton centre-back did not travel to Greece, with Liverpool's Jarell Quansah called up in his place.

Carsley insisted he was simply focusing on the players available to him.

"The focus all camp has been on the players that are here," he said. "It is important that we make the most of this situation.

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"With the amount of players that have pulled out, it gives other players the opportunity to be here. We're looking forward to the game."

Carsley, who will return to his job coaching the England Under-21s after the Nations League games, sought to sidestep Kane's comments and said the drop-outs were not unusual at this time of year.

"I think it's his opinion. I can only deal with what's in front of us.

"With the amount of pull-outs we've had in this window, historically it has been like that in the past. November has always been a challenging window.

"The players who are currently here fully deserve to be here and are ready for the game tomorrow.

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"Look at the players we've brought in," he added. "It is really a proud moment for them. The focus is on the players that are here, not the ones that aren't."

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)