Why did Harry Kane criticize England players? Three Lions squad withdrawals prompt captain’s angry outburst | Sporting News

England have been left with a lengthy list of absentees for their UEFA Nations League matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland this November international break, and captain Harry Kane is none too pleased about it.

No fewer than nine players were named to the England roster this month only to see them withdraw from the squad, citing a litany of varying fitness concerns.

On the heels of some recent adverse results, the Three Lions were relegated from League A and now are in peril of failing to top their League B group, potentially squandering a chance to be promoted back to the top division.

It’s left Kane irritated to the point of speaking publicly on the matter, sending a clear message to the players nursing their injuries that they need to get their priorities straight.

The Sporting News explains exactly what has Kane perturbed and who are the individuals that have sparked this bout of frustration.

Why did Harry Kane criticize England players?

As captain of the England national team, it’s Harry Kane’s job to serve as the mouthpiece for the squad, both in times of support and times of accountability.

It’s the latter role which Kane played ahead of the November international break, as England found themselves saddled with a piecemeal roster thanks to a host of late withdrawals.

To Kane, it’s unacceptable for players to use international breaks as a period of rest, allowing them to remain fit for the long club season. According to the England captain, international duty should come before all else, and the players should find other moments to care for their fitness.

“It’s a shame this week, obviously,” Kane said about the lengthy list of absentees. “It’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit. I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. England comes before anything and any club situation.”

Which England players have withdrawn from the squad?

Nine players have found themselves at home nursing fitness concerns after being initially named to the England roster for games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland across the November international break.

The most notable absentees are Declan Rice, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

While Saka’s absence can likely be excused as he was withdrawn in the final minutes of Arsenal’s weekend draw with Chelsea with a clear fitness concern, the other three have less obvious excuses.

Rice was brought off in the 71st minute of that match against Chelsea but did not appear to be struggling with any issue, while Palmer and Foden each played the full 90 minutes of their club’s weekend games.

Others to pull out of the squad include Jack Grealish, Aaron Ramsdale, Levi Colwill, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Jarrad Branthwaite.

Grealish is excused as he has not appeared for Man City since October 20, while Branthwaite has struggled with a groin injury all year, but the likes of Ramsdale and Colwill have not missed any club action of late and appear otherwise fully fit.

The absence of 19-year-old Kobbie Mainoo is excusable as the Man United midfielder has been missing from club action for nearly a month. Alexander-Arnold seemed to get a pass as he was withdrawn early in Liverpool’s win over Aston Villa this past weekend, but reports indicate he will be fit for the Reds post-international break, potentially leaving him in range of Kane’s ire as well.