England captain Harry Kane has publicly criticized his teammates for withdrawing from the national team squad ahead of crucial matches. Kane expressed his disapproval of players prioritizing club commitments over international duty, stating that “England comes before anything.”
Eight players, including Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, and Declan Rice, withdrew from interim manager Lee Carsley’s squad on Monday, just days after the initial announcement. Some of these withdrawals followed statements from club managers indicating that their players would not be released for international duty.
Kane, who has 101 caps for England, suggested that the absence of a permanent manager might be a factor in players’ decisions to withdraw. Former manager Gareth Southgate resigned after Euro 2024, and his successor, Thomas Tuchel, is not due to start until January.
Kane believes that Southgate fostered a strong sense of commitment to the national team, and he is concerned that this attitude might be waning. He praised Southgate for instilling a sense of joy and excitement in playing for England.
The England captain’s comments highlight a potential tension between club and country loyalties among players. With important European Championship qualifiers approaching, Kane’s remarks have sparked debate about the commitment of some players to the national team.
