Harry Kane Intensifies Criticism of England Player Withdrawals

Harry Kane has reiterated his criticism of the players who withdrew from this month's England squad, cautioning that they could jeopardize the sense of unity fostered during Gareth Southgate's reign.

Eight members of Lee Carsley's original squad pulled out due to injury, with replacement call-up Jarrad Branthwaite also subsequently withdrawing, prompting Kane to question why players were prioritizing their clubs over their country.

While some fans have criticized Kane's viewpoint and have also directed their frustrations towards FIFA for scheduling a third international break so early in the club season, the Bayern Munich striker has stood firm in his stance.

'I expressed my opinion on the matter,' Kane stated ahead of Sunday's match against the Republic of Ireland. 'I perhaps didn't anticipate it receiving as much attention as it did.

'But it was simply my opinion that representing England is of utmost importance. Following a major tournament like the one in the summer, the significance of these September, October, and November camps can sometimes be overlooked.

'A victory against Ireland would set us on a strong path for the upcoming year leading to the World Cup. These camps are where the foundation of unity and camaraderie is established, paving the way for success in a World Cup. So it was just a gentle reminder that playing for England is truly special.'

He added: 'Building a positive culture takes time, but it can erode quickly if not handled with care. However, we are well aware of that, particularly the experienced players. There is a strong bond among us as players.'

'I know it may have come across as calling out the players, but that wasn't my intention. It was simply highlighting that this is not a trend we want to see regularly, and thankfully, it has not been the case in recent years under Gareth, which has been a crucial factor in the team's success.'