Saka has been FAILED! Arsenal didn't protect their 'Starboy'

Top 10 Premier League signings of the season so far - ranked

Six Man Utd stars who should be on Amorim's naughty list

Salah reigns at Xmas as Liverpool trio send message to FSG

I miss Sam Kerr

'Every coach's dream' - Guardiola tipped for sensational Madrid move

Kane's Bayern team-mate hits back at club over broken promises

Mbappe handed new nickname at Real Madrid after Sevilla stunner

Amorim moves out of Manchester hotel shared by Mourinho

GOAL's Premier League Team of the Season so far

Why Ten Hag thought Antony was 'better player' than Amad

Yamal spends Christmas in Dubai for special injury treatment

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_5704afb8-c10b-4ba5-9cb4-d7fb6098ef90"}}</script><ul><li>Nine players have excused themselves from England duty</li><li>Kane questioned commitment to the national team</li><li>Carsley refrained from joining the debate</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Lee Carsley addresses potential rift between club and country after Harry Kane snipe as interim England boss defends nine dropouts from Nations League squad

<p>Ahead of the Nations League double-header <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/england-injury-blow-harry-kane-defender-ninth-player-withdraw-lee-carsley-squad/bltb80fd5b9fbde501e" target="_blank">a host of England’s key players pulled out from the squad </a>due to injuries and fatigue. The list of absentees includes notable names such as Manchester City's Jack Grealish and Phil Foden, Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold, and Everton's rising star Jarrad Branthwaite. Chelsea's Cole Palmer and Levi Colwill, along with Arsenal’s Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice, also exited the squad, accompanied by Southampton goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>Kane, England’s captain, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/harry-kane-hits-out-england-squad-dropouts-bayern-munich-taken-advantage-three-lions/blt2d752c0f6e0570b3" target="_blank">did not hold back</a> when asked about the withdrawals. Known for his steadfast commitment to the national team, the Bayern Munich striker stressed that playing for the England team “comes before anything", making it clear that his colleagues should value answering the Three Lions' call above all else.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Responding to Kane’s critique, interim manager Carsley offered a more measured perspective, emphasising the physical demands on players during the November window.</p><p>“It’s his opinion,” Carsley remarked about Kane’s comments. “I can only deal with what is in front of us. November is a challenging window. In the past, we had eight to nine call offs. It is definitely that period of the season where fatigue and small injuries have played a part in it. I think it is a brilliant opportunity for the other players who were outside of the squad and now it's their chance."</p>

WHAT CARSLEY SAID

<p>Despite the setbacks, England head to Greece with confidence, aiming for a strong performance to secure their place at the top of the group. Following that game, they will take on Ireland at Wembley on November 17. </p>

WHAT NEXT FOR ENGLAND?

Lee Carsley addresses potential rift between club and country after Harry Kane snipe as interim England boss defends nine dropouts from Nations League squad | Goal.com

Lee Carsley has defended the nine dropouts from England&apos;s UEFA Nations League squad after Harry Kane seemingly took a dig at his team-mates.