England captain Harry Kane complains about stars like Foden after nine rejections

In the unstable phase of the England national team, many stars are not traveling. Captain Harry Kane doesn't like that at all – and he made that clear ahead of a crucial Nations League game.

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For England, there's a lot at stake. Of course, it's just the Nations League and B-League, but England are in danger of missing out on direct promotion to UEFA's highest level. But this is more about the Three Lions' self-image and it would be a heavy blow for them not to be grouped with Greece, Ireland and Finland.

But that's what will happen if England don't leave the pitch at Athens' Olympic Stadium as winners on Thursday night (8.45pm). Then Greece, which won at Wembley in October, will no longer be able to catch up and will probably have to enter the promotion and relegation stage. If they lose against Greece and Ireland, there is even a risk of relegation.

There are two games left and in the event of a draw, the winner will be determined first.Image: Screenshot uefa.com

Amid this instability, interim head coach Lee Carsley, who will be replaced by Thomas Tuchel in January, has to deal with being without nine players. Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, Manchester City's Phil Foden and Jack Grealish, Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Levi Colwell, Arsenal's Bu Caio Saka and Declan Rice have all withdrawn from the international squad, as has Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale. Subsequently nominated Everton player Jarrad Branthwaite also failed to arrive.

For Grealish, the nomination comes as a surprise in any case as he has not played since mid-October due to injury. Saka, Rice and Alexander-Arnold were substitutes due to injuries at the weekend. Foden, Palmer, Colwell and Ramsdale, who played more than 90 minutes at the weekend, are all considered minor injuries, as is substitute Branthwaite.

Captain Harry Kane doesn't really believe in roasts. “It's a shame,” the 31-year-old told ITV when asked about canceled flights. “November is always a difficult time and I think some people take advantage of the situation. I don't like that. The Bayern striker said that in his opinion some players might delay injuries in order to get a little rest during an intense phase of the season. Kane said that was not an option for him, making it clear: “England comes first before the club. That's the most important thing for a footballer.”

Kane even indirectly demanded consequences. When asked about former national team coach Gareth Southgate's most important achievement, Kane said: “He brought back the joy of playing for England.” Southgate also emphasized that the players put England on In the first place. “He didn't shy away from making tough decisions when the focus of some players changed,” Kane said.

However, interim coach Carsley expressed reassurance. “It was Harry's opinion,” the Irishman explained, stressing that there are always flights canceled due to fatigue or minor injuries in November. «The focus is on the players here. This is an opportunity for them, they are highly motivated and very proud to be part of the team,” said the 50-year-old. He also explained that he did not take the rejections personally .

England temporary trainer Lee Carsley.Image: trapezoid

Carsley dodged many questions about the captain's comments and kept his focus on the players who are here now. Five players including Tyler Harwood-Bellis, Morgan Rogers, Tino Liveramento, James Trafford and Jarrell Quassah have not represented the national team. Now the Three Lions are in a precarious position and need them.