England drop-outs 'hit back' at Harry Kane as club vs country row threatens to boil over

Harry Kane is facing a potential backlash after calling out several England teammates over their commitment to the national side.

Kane, 31, expressed his frustration with several England players this week after a number of them pulled out of the squad ahead of Thursday's crucial Nations League clash with Greece.

Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Levi Colwill, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Aaron Ramsdale all pulled out of the squad through injury – leaving interim manager Lee Carsley with an unfamiliar group of players for this month's games against Greece and Ireland.

Speaking to ITV Sport, Kane was asked to name one thing former manager Gareth Southgate brought to the national set-up that the Bayern Munich striker and other senior players needed to ensure isn't lost.

"I think the joy to play for England, I think he brought that back," said Kane.

"Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England. And yeah, that's the most important thing. I think England comes before anything.

"England comes before club. England is the most important thing."

Asked if that mentality has drifted since Southgate's departure - with new manager Thomas Tuchel not due to start until 2025 - Kane added: "It's a shame this week.

"Obviously I think it's a tough period of the season and maybe that's been taken advantage of that a little bit. I don't really like it if I'm totally honest. Like I said there, England comes before anything."

The Daily Mail has now reported that Kane's comments haven't gone down well with the representatives of several of the England drop-outs, who have now 'hit back' after feeling he is unfairly targeting the players.

It's claimed 'there was a significant degree of annoyance from representatives of England players' who have insisted that the 'withdrawals are for genuine reasons'.

Harry Kane called out several England teammates (Image: Getty)

The report does not state which players' representatives contacted the Mail to issue their complaints. However, it is stated that Arsenal star Declan Rice's representatives were not among those who did.

Despite turning up for international duty, Kane is expected to start on the bench when England face Greece in Athens on Thursday night.

England then host Ireland at Wembley on Sunday as they look to secure promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League.

The Three Lions are currently second in League B Group 2, three points behind Greece with only two games remaining.