Harry Kane has revealed his disappointment with the number of withdrawals from the England squad this week.
Eight players pulled out of England’s squad to face Greece and Republic of Ireland on Monday night.
Three Lions interim boss Lee Carsley, who is taking charge of his final camp before new boss Thomas Tuchel takes over, will be without a string of senior players after Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jack Grealish and Phil Foden withdrew from the squad.
“[Gareth] Southgate brought the joy to play for England back,” said Kane.
“Every camp people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England and that’s the most important thing.
“I think England comes before anything. England comes before club, it is the most important thing as a professional footballer.
“Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.”
When asked if he felt that feeling had drifted from players this week, Kane said: “It’s a shame this week, obviously. It’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.
“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. England comes before anything and any club situation.”
More to follow…
