Harry Kane ‘didn’t expect’ reaction to club vs country comments | OneFootball

Harry Kane says he was surprised that his criticism of the players who withdrew from the England squad received “as much coverage as it did”.

Nine players pulled out of the squad for Lee Carsley’s final two games as interim head coach against Greece and the Republic of Ireland before Thomas Tuchel takes over.

The Three Lions captain said during the week that “I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest”, adding “England comes before anything, England comes before club”.

Trent Alexander-Arnold, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka, and Declan Rice were among the key players to withdraw as the Uefa Nations League group stage comes to a conclusion.

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Kane clarified at Saturday’s pre-match press conference that his criticisms were levelled at clubs rather than his international teammates.

“All the players try and give their best whenever they come with England, I know it’s a really tough stage of the season,” the Bayern Munich striker said.

“Whoever is in the squad is the most important thing. Whatever we have here is all we can work with.

“Going forward there are always going to be injuries, it is just whoever is with the squad is ready to make a difference.”

On the traction his comments got, Kane added: “I didn’t expect it to get as much coverage as it did. The November camp has always been difficult – you’re in the heart of a lot of games.

“So it’s just my opinion that it is really important after a major championship, where September, October, November camps are really important in a year ahead to the World Cup.

“These are the camps as well where you build that culture and that togetherness that lead you into a World Cup. It was just a reminder that it’s really, really special to play for England.”

Carsley confirmed that Kane will start against Ireland at Wembley on Sunday after he was surprisingly named on the bench for Thursday’s 3-0 win over Greece in Athens.

“It’s not the first time I have been a sub for England. Since Lee has been in charge, I have only played one game per camp,” Kane said.

“I always want to start every game, I have never shied away from that, we’re in a tough stage of the season.

“But whenever called upon, I will always give my all for the team, whether it’s off the bench or starting, I will always give my ultimate effort.”

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