Nine players have left the England camp prior to their Nations League matches, a situation that bothered the captain
Harry Kane has warned his English teammates that the country must come before the club, after admitting his disappointment at the avalanche of casualties for the matches of the UEFA Nations League of this week.
Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, Manchester City’s Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, Chelsea’s Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold and Southampton’s Aaron Ramsdalehave withdrawn from matches against Greece in Athens and against the Republic of Ireland a Wembley.
The defender of Everton, Jarrad Branthwaiteone of the substitute players called up, became the ninth player to withdraw from the squad on Wednesday.
The interim coach Lee Carsley remains in office, while the permanent successor of Gareth Southgate, Thomas Tuchelwill not start work until January 1, after agreeing an 18-month contract with the Football Association.
If England does not beat Greece by two goals difference on Thursday, it is likely that they will have to play in the play-off of the Nations League in March, but Carsley has a selection headache after having called up Morgan Rogersof the Aston Villa; Tino Livramentoof the Newcastle; James Traffordof the Burnley; y Jarrod Bowenof the West Ham. The defender of Liverpool Jarell Quansah He also joined on Wednesday to replace the retiring Branthwaite.
However, Kane is part of the squad, and reflecting on what they need to keep after the departure of Southgatethe England captain declared ITV: “I think the joy of playing for England, he brought that back.”
“I think in all the concentrations people were excited to come, in all the concentrations people wanted to play with Englandand that’s the most important thing.”
“I think that England It is above everything. “England comes before the club.”
“England It is the most important thing for a professional footballer, and Gareth “I was very aware of it, and I wasn’t afraid to make decisions if some players started to deviate from that line.”
Asked if that could have been diverted after the nine withdrawals, Kane replied: “It’s a shame about this week, obviously. Yeah, look, I think it’s a difficult period of the season and maybe there’s been a bit of taking advantage of that.”
“I don’t like it, if I’m honest. I think that, as I just said, England is above everything, any situation at the club.”
On Wednesday at Grecia, Carsley He rejected the idea that clubs had pressured their players to retire.
“No, certainly not,” he said. “We have a very good relationship with all the clubs, especially with the medical departments. We are very happy with our situation. The players about whom we had doubts in the call – that is why we went with a larger squad – were evaluated and returned. For us part, there is no problem.”
Asked if he felt personally disrespected, Carsley responded: “No, not at all. Historically, November has always been a difficult month, with departures. Look at the players we have brought in. It is a proud moment for them. The focus is on the players who are here, not on those who are not there.”
“I know that the under-21s and under-20s have also had a lot of absences. I think it is definitely that period of the season in which fatigue and minor injuries have played a role, but it is a brilliant opportunity for other players who are out. of the template”.
Both Of as Rice They couldn’t finish Sunday’s game against Chelsea (1-1)in which Palmer He was left in pain, according to Enzo Maresca.
Pep Guardiola He barely concealed his frustration at the initial call for Grealishsince I didn’t play with him City since October 20 due to a groin problem.
In statements last Friday, Guardiola He said: “In 17 days he did not train even once. Today was the first training session and he trained for 20 minutes. That is the reality.” “Yes, he was in the gym for a few minutes the last two days, but it is a question for the UK coach [Inglaterra]… I’m not involved.”
