England captain Harry Kane has criticized several players who withdrew from the national team ahead of their Nations League matches against Greece and Ireland, stressing that representing England should always come before club football.
Nine players, including regular starters such as Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, withdrew from the squad citing injuries.
Kane expressed his disappointment, emphasizing that players should be excited to represent their country, a sentiment fostered by former manager Gareth Southgate.
“It’s a shame this week,” Kane told ITV Sport. “I think England comes before anything. It’s the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.”
Kane’s comments come ahead of England’s match against Greece today, followed by a home fixture against Ireland at Wembley.
England, who are seeking promotion to League A, sit second in Group B2 with nine points, behind Greece, who have won all four of their matches so far.
