England interim manager Lee Carsley has played down Harry Kane's strong words about the withdrawal of many of his teammates, insisting he is looking forward to working with other players who also deserve a chance.
An unprecedented nine players have pulled out Carsley's final England squad before he steps aside to allow Thomas Tuchel to take charge in the new year.
After the eight initial withdrawals, which included the likes of Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice, Cole Palmer and Phil Foden, Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite became the ninth player to exit the camp on Wednesday evening.
In a bombshell interview with ITV ahead of England's trip to Greece, Kane did not hold back in saying what he thought of players seemingly prioritising their clubs over representing the Three Lions.
Kane showed his displeasure, ranting: "England is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer and Gareth [Southgate] was hot on that and he wasn't afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players."
"I think it's a tough period of the season, maybe that's been taken advantage of a little bit. I don't really like it if I'm totally honest."
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Carsley responds to Kane's criticisms
During his pre-match press conference, Carsley was understandably quizzed on the choice of words Kane used in his interview, but the interim boss was unwilling to get bogged down on the topic or create any more drama.
In summary, Carsley was adamant the positive culture formed under Gareth Southgate was not at risk; insisted that he did see the injury withdrawals as personally disrespectful, and that no other players had made comments like Kane's regarding the pull-outs.
Carsley sought to see the positives out of the situation, claiming that it gives other players the chance to prove what they can do on the international stage.
"The focus all camp has been on the players that are here, it's important that we make the most of the situation. With the amount of players that have pulled out, it gives other players an opportunity to be here. The focus has been purely on the players that are here.
"I know the Under-21s and Under-20s have had a lot of players pull out as well, so I think it's definitely that period of the season. I think fatigue and small injuries have played a part in it. It's a brilliant opportunity for other players on the outside of the squad. Now it's their chance."
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Carsley disregards rumoured discontent forming in camp
In regards to Kane's comments in particular, Carsley did not say much in particular, stating purely: "It's his opinion".
When the question was posed about whether there was a danger of a club versus country culture returning, something that was prevalent in the years prior to Southgate's reign, Carsley said: "Definitely not.
"The culture and environment that Gareth, Steve [Holland] and the rest of the staff created has made it a really positive environment and the rest of the staff that are here fully deserve to be here and are ready for the game tomorrow."
Carsley explained the reason behind some of the call-ups, and was keen to stress that there is no issue with any Premier League clubs, especially after Pep Guardiola's comments about Jack Grealish's inclusion in the initial squad, which the Manchester City boss found baffling.
"We've got a really good relationship with all the clubs, especially the medical departments so we're totally happy with where we are," Carsley stated.
"There were players we had doubts about at the squad announcement, that's why we went with a bigger squad. They were assessed and sent back, so there's no problem our way."
England face Greece in Athens on Thursday in their must-win UEFA Nations League encounter, before finishing the group phase with a home clash against Ireland on Sunday evening.
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