Harry Kane is in great danger in England

«That's his opinion.» We suspected from this statement that Lee Carsley had not necessarily taken Harry Kane's criticism very well towards his teammates who preferred to announce their withdrawal rather than go to the selection. The interim coach undoubtedly agrees on the substance but less on the form. This kind of remark, especially when you are the captain of the team, can shatter a locker room. Especially since the absentees are not just anyone: Cole Palmer, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Declan Rice were all targeted by Kane's statements.

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Several explanations have been put forward by the English press. First there are the ever-increasing schedules but above all the fact that Carsley will no longer be there after this international meeting. In other words, there is no risk of losing your place. “I think England comes before any club situation. (…) I think that the joy of playing for England was him (Gareth Southgate) who brought it back. At every rally the guys were excited to come and at the camps the players wanted to play for England“, said the striker at a press conference before facing Greece.

Carsley benches Harry Kane

And surprise at the kick-off of this meeting, the Bayern scorer was sent to the bench. However, it was a crucial match since the Greeks were first in this Nations League group, ahead of the Three Lions, whom they had beaten last month at Wembley (2-1). Kane came on after the hour mark, replacing Ollie Watkins, the match's first scorer, which Carsley justified after his team's 3-0 success. “It was important to give Ollie Watkins a chance. Experiencing an evening like this is great for him. Harry is fine. He wants to play. His attitude has been fantastic since then but it's important to give players a chance.» Especially to those who are not used to being there.

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«Some players were not there but we focused on those who were present», insisted the coach, who will give way to Thomas Tuchel on January 1. This is also what Jude Bellingham wanted to emphasize, preferring to put the controversy aside. “There was a lot of talk about the guys who weren't there, but I think the guys who came were incredible. Curtis (Jones) made his debut. He scored, played like he knows how and it was incredible. I'm really proud of the boys tonight.» By wanting to emphasize the importance of the national team, Kane may have shot himself in the foot.

England blame Kane

The Telegraph even published an editorial stating that “there is no longer any guarantee that Harry Kane will start with England.» The English daily even congratulates Carsley for having had the courage to open the debate, and Watkins for having seized his chance. On the set ofITVwe were also critical of the Munich resident. “We go from total unity in the team, to a few abandonments, and then we hear a lack of commitment. (…) The FA has set a precedentpestait Ian Wright. Harry says that about players with whom he played two Euro finals, a World Cup semi-final. He knows the value of these players. I can't understand. I'm shocked to hear it.» Kane definitely hasn't made any friends in the last few hours.