Ian Wright admitted he was “very surprised” to hear Harry Kane’s comments apparently criticizing the nine players who left the England squad.
England are in Athens to take on Greece in a must-win match for the Three Lions as they look to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat they suffered at home to the hosts on Thursday night and top the group.
But the build-up to the game has been dominated by discussions about the numerous players who have withdrawn from Lee Carsley’s team, due to injury problems and other reasons.
Kane was questioned about the situation before the match, and it emerged on Wednesday that he had suggested some of his team-mates had “taken advantage” of a busy club schedule.
Former England international striker Wright, however, was apparently unimpressed by the England captain’s comments.
‘I was very surprised. We’re talking about someone who’s been in the trenches with those guys,” he said on ITV’s pre-match coverage on Thursday night.
Ian Wright criticized Harry Kane’s comments ahead of England’s clash with Greece
Kane had suggested that those who had withdrawn from the team had “taken advantage” of the club’s busy schedule.
Lee Carsley’s side have been hit by injuries and nine players have returned to their clubs after being called up.
‘Every England call-up is important and is an opportunity. We are talking about the captain of a group of players, the team where Gareth had the group united, all so strong.
“We went from all the unity in the team, to then some withdrawals, and then you hear a lack of commitment (from Kane).
‘Once again, the FA have decided not to bring their manager here. The FA has set a precedent in this regard.
“But for Harry to say that about the players he’s been in the trenches with, two finals, the semi-finals of the World Cup, know the caliber of the players, say he’s disappointed especially with the matches and the incredible number of games that they have to play, it was a shock to me.
Wright added: “He knows these guys.” I can’t understand it. I’m surprised to hear it. (The international break) It is a time when we have the opportunity to try to get in shape.
“No one is taking liberties with Carsley or (Thomas) Tuchel. The fact is they have taken the opportunity to try and get fit for those clubs.
Carsley left Kane out of the starting XI as a tactical decision, with Ollie Watkins giving him the chance to lead the line in the crucial clash in Athens.
Roy Keane, also a member of the ITV pundit team, meanwhile admitted he was more surprised that the striker was not in the team.
Roy Keane questioned the timing of Kane’s comments and admitted he was surprised by the captain’s omission from the starting XI.
But the Manchester United legend was also intrigued by the timing of the captain’s comments, especially given the emphasis on team unity that had been a key element in the Gareth Southgate era.
“The noise coming out of the England camp over the last few years was that they are all together and proud to play for the country and they will turn up too,” he said.
“Harry Kane didn’t come at the right time to try it, but he’s a veteran player and he’s entitled to have an opinion.” The big surprise for me is that he doesn’t play.
And he added: “My concern is to throw out a comment like that… what players are you talking about?
“They have played week in and week out for the last few years for England and their club and are always available. What lads are you talking about? You just made a general comment.
Kane’s comments come against the backdrop of a season that will see more club games than any other.
The change in the Champions League format will see teams play more preliminary matches in the league stage, while there has also been an increase in the number of matches in the Club World Cup, scheduled for the summer.
MORE TO FOLLOW.
