Harry Kane slams England teammates after nine withdrawals

Harry Kane has questioned the commitment of his 3Lions teammates after nine withdrawals from the upcoming fixtures against Greece and Irelan...

Harry Kane has questioned the commitment of his 3Lions teammates after nine withdrawals from the upcoming fixtures against Greece and Ireland. (Photo credit: BBC)

Harry Kane, the striker for England and Bayern Munich, has criticized his teammates for withdrawing from the UEFA Nations League matches against Greece in Athens and the Republic of Ireland next week.

Arsenal’s duo of Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Chelsea’s duo of Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, Manchester City’s Phil Foden, and Liverpool’s Trent Alexander Arnold are among the nine players who have withdrawn from the two fixtures, with Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite being the latest to pull out.

Harry Kane, who will captain the team for both games, has expressed his disappointment at the rate of withdrawals, leaving Lee Carsley with significant challenges in his final games in charge before Thomas Tuchel officially takes over.

"I think it is a joy to play for England. I think he brought that back." I believe that everyone at the camp was eager to attend; their desire to represent England was paramount. England comes before club.

"England is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer, and Gareth was hot on that,"

When asked if the situation had significantly changed due to the nine withdrawals, Kane responded, "It's unfortunate that this week has been particularly difficult." Indeed, it's a challenging phase of the season, and it's possible that some players have been exploiting it.

"I don't really like it, if I'm totally honest. As I mentioned earlier, I believe that England takes precedence over any club situation.

Branthwaite was called up to replace one of the players that pulled out of the two games, but the Everton man has excused himself, citing fitness concerns as he is only just returning to action after a long layoff.