Kane Reminds England Players: “Country Comes Before Club”

Harry Kane doesn’t hold back on England’s recent absentees: ‘Country should come before club’

November 13, 2024
10:02 pm

In a no-holds-barred chat, Harry Kane has thrown out a rallying cry to England’s recent absentees, calling out what he sees as a worrying trend: players putting club commitments ahead of national duty. With several big-name withdrawals ahead of Lee Carsley’s final stint as interim England manager, Kane has shared his disappointment, suggesting some players might be using the season’s hectic schedule as an excuse to skip out on representing their country.

The England captain, who’s the nation’s all-time top scorer, has always been proud to wear the England jersey. Even when dealing with injuries or fatigue, Kane rarely hesitates to show up for his country, and his dedication sets a high bar. Now, he’s worried that this pride is fading, a change he links to Gareth Southgate’s departure in July. “Gareth really brought back the joy of playing for England,” Kane told ITV. “Every camp had a buzz; players genuinely wanted to be there. England should always come first—before any club. It’s the peak of your career as a pro.”

Kane’s words come as England’s squad strength takes a hit with eight players missing from this camp, including stars like Jack Grealish, Phil Foden, Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Declan Rice. For Kane, these absences aren’t just logistical—they’re about national pride. England is gearing up for a crucial double-header in the Nations League against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. With high stakes, Kane feels the absence of key players puts extra pressure on those who are there and lessens the sense of responsibility that comes with representing the national team.

Looking back on his time under Southgate, Kane compared it to the team culture that had been built in recent years. Southgate wasn’t afraid to make tough calls about commitment. “He was strict about the priorities,” Kane added. “If players were straying from that commitment, he didn’t shy away from making decisions. That sense of pride is slipping this week, and it’s disappointing. It’s a tough time in the season, sure, but I think a few are taking advantage of that. I don’t really like it, to be honest. For me, England comes first, before any club commitment.”

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With some young, relatively untested players stepping in, Kane knows this week’s Nations League matches will test England’s squad depth and resilience. But despite these worries, he’s feeling optimistic about the team’s direction, especially with newly appointed manager Thomas Tuchel coming in January. Tuchel’s reputation as a world-class tactician has given Kane hope for the future. “I was surprised by his appointment, honestly,” Kane admitted. “I thought he’d be going back to club football. But he was a big reason for my move to Bayern last year. He’s a fantastic coach, tactically brilliant, and has that winning mentality. I think he’ll bring the exact energy we need.”

Kane expects Tuchel’s attention to detail and disciplined approach to help revitalize the team. “He has a unique ability to elevate teams in high-stakes situations, and that’s what we need now,” said Kane. “He’ll bring a lot of passion, energy, and focus. He treats players like adults, expects total commitment, and won’t hesitate to call players out if they aren’t delivering. That’s crucial, especially in a team environment.”

As England aims for promotion in their Nations League group, Kane believes Tuchel’s arrival will spark a renewed sense of purpose. England currently sits second, needing wins against Greece and Ireland to secure automatic promotion to League A, with second place putting them in a promotion/relegation playoff. Kane is confident that Tuchel’s experience in tournament football will give England a fresh edge. “Tuchel has shown he can adapt his style to different teams,” said Kane. “His tactical knowledge is second to none. He knows how to make adjustments and sees all the little details that can make a difference at the top levels.”

With Tuchel’s January start date approaching, Kane sees the upcoming months as a chance to refocus on the core values of playing for England. “Gareth fostered a team where everyone knew what was at stake, where total commitment to the badge was the bare minimum,” Kane reflected. “As we move into a new era, I think it’s time we all remember what it means to represent England. It’s about honor, dedication, and putting England first. That’s something we should all keep in mind, especially as we face these crucial matches.”

For Harry Kane, the message is clear: England duty is a privilege, not an option. And under Tuchel’s leadership, he hopes the squad will remember that every time they wear the Three Lions.