Harry Kane Expresses Disappointment After Nine Withdrawals from England’s Nations League Squad
England captain Harry Kane has voiced his frustration after nine players were forced to withdraw from Gareth Southgate’s squad ahead of their crucial UEFA Nations League fixtures. The Three Lions, who are gearing up for matches against Italy and Ukraine, face an uphill battle as injuries and fitness concerns plague the team.
Among the notable absentees are key figures such as Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, and John Stones, leaving Southgate to call upon less experienced players to fill the void. Kane, speaking to reporters from Bayern Munich’s training ground before joining the national team, emphasized the importance of maintaining momentum despite the setbacks.
“It’s always disappointing to see so many of the lads miss out due to injuries or other issues,” Kane said. “These games are critical for us, not just in terms of the competition but also for building the team ahead of the Euros next summer. The absence of key players is a blow, but it’s also an opportunity for others to step up and show what they can do.”
Kane, who remains England’s all-time leading scorer with 63 international goals, stressed the need for unity within the squad. “We’ve dealt with challenges like this before. It’s about focusing on what we can control and supporting the new faces coming in. As captain, I’ll do everything I can to keep the group motivated and focused on the task at hand.”
The withdrawals have forced Southgate to look deeper into the player pool, with first-time call-ups for players like Morgan Gibbs-White and Levi Colwill. While this offers an opportunity to test England’s depth, the disruption comes at a time when Southgate’s side is aiming to build consistency.
England will face Italy at Wembley before traveling to Ukraine, with both matches pivotal for their chances of topping the Nations League group. Despite the challenges, Kane remains optimistic about England’s prospects. “We’re still a very strong side, and with the support of our fans, I’m confident we can get the results we need.”
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