Kane Criticizes Player Withdrawals from England Squad: ‘England Comes Before Club

Captain Harry Kane has expressed disappointment over the number of players who have pulled out of England’s latest squad, emphasizing that representing the national team should be prioritized over club commitments.

With nine players stepping down ahead of two critical UEFA Nations League matches, Kane voiced his frustration, insisting that playing for England is “the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.”

“England comes before anything,” Kane told ITV Sport in an interview. “England comes before club. Gareth [Southgate] was hot on that, and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.”

His comments come amid what he sees as a decline in commitment to national duty, especially as the team faces a crucial juncture in the Nations League.

The squad has been hit with a series of withdrawals, including high-profile names like Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Aaron Ramsdale, and Levi Colwill.

Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite, initially called up as a replacement, also withdrew, leaving Liverpool’s Jarell Quansah as his substitute. Quansah has joined the team in training, filling one of several gaps in a depleted squad.

Lee Carsley, stepping in for his final matches as interim manager before Thomas Tuchel assumes the role in January, acknowledged the challenges of the situation. “It’s important we make the most of the situation,” Carsley remarked.

“With the amount of players that have pulled out, it gives an opportunity for the players that are here.” He added that November is traditionally a difficult time for international fixtures, with players often fatigued or carrying minor injuries from an intense season schedule.

For Kane, however, the high volume of withdrawals is more than a scheduling issue. When asked if the desire to play for England has waned among some players, he acknowledged a growing concern. “Yeah, it’s a shame this week obviously,” he said.

“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. I think England comes before anything, any club situation.”

Kane’s comments reflect his longstanding dedication to the national team and echo the sentiments of former manager Gareth Southgate, who had been adamant about maintaining players’ commitment to England.

Southgate’s approach reportedly included making difficult decisions when players were perceived to prioritize club over country, a principle Kane believes should still guide the squad.

Despite the setbacks, England remains focused on securing promotion to League A of the UEFA Nations League. The team faces Greece in Athens on Thursday, followed by a decisive match against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.

Winning both games is likely essential for England to achieve promotion, a goal that has become more challenging in light of the squad’s recent roster changes.

As England prepares for these crucial matches, Kane’s rallying call underscores the captain’s determination to keep national pride at the forefront.

He hopes the team will unite under the banner of representing England and make the most of this opportunity, despite the obstacles posed by the recent wave of withdrawals.

For the players called up, it’s a chance to prove themselves on an international stage and honor the commitment Kane believes should define every England player’s career.