England captain Harry Kane has hit out at his teammates who opted out of international duties this November due to different reasons.
Kane who has become popular for his dedication to the national team noting that he is frustrated that the sense of pride in the shirt seems to have disappeared since the departure of Gareth Southgate in July.
According to the Bayern Munich forward, certain players have used the packed calendar as an excuse to withdraw from Lee Carsley’s final camp in charge.
Lee Carsley has seen nine players withdraw from his final squad in interim charge – some are obviously injured but others risk being accused of taking advantage of the situation – and Kane fears that the culture instilled by Southgate has ebbed away.
“The joy to play for England – he brought that back,” the striker told ITV. “Every camp people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England. That’s the most important thing. England comes before anything. England comes before club. England, it’s is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer. Gareth was hot on that.
“He wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. It’s a shame this week. Obviously it’s a tough period of the season. Maybe there’s been a little taking advantage of that. I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. England comes before anything, before any club situation.”
England’s new manager Thomas Tuchel will begin his new role in January 2025 with Harry Kane expected to continue his leadership role.
