'It was a bit of a shock to me' - England legend Ian Wright digs out Harry Kane for comments about players withdrawing from international duty ahead of 3-0 Nations League win over Greece

Without the service of key players, Lee Carsley led England to a decisive 3-0 victory over Greece in Athens, demonstrating the depth and resilience of the team as goals from Ollie Watkins, Curtis Jones and an own goal by Greek goalkeeper Odysseas Vlachodimos paved the way for a comfortable victory. However, controversy brewed before kick-off as Aaron Ramsdale, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Cole Palmer, Jarrad Branthwaite, Jack Grealish, and Phil Foden chose to stay back on English shores due to injuries and knocks.

Kane was sharp in his criticism ahead of England’s match against Greece as he suggested that certain players prioritised their clubs over national duty sparking debate on loyalty and commitment, especially among squad mainstays who have consistently shown up for the Three Lions in past tournaments. However, Wright found the comments surprising and was taken aback, particularly since they were directed at players with whom Kane has fought many international battles.

Ahead of kick-off, Wright said: "What I would say in respect to the players that have pulled out, you would like to have seen them there. But we are talking about a period of time where the players have seen that the FA have chosen not to have the manager for this game.

"What kind of message are you sending to the players? I’m not going to blame the players or question the integrity of the players in respect of them joining up, but if they have got the knocks and they feel like they’re going to sit out this one, then the opportunity should be for those coming in. The big issue is the scheduling, that’s what it comes down to. The managers are talking about it, the players are talking about it, people are getting injured and they are glossing over that."

Wright pointed out that the Football Association (FA) itself has added to the confusion, especially by delaying the arrival of Thomas Tuchel to 2025.

"I was very surprised if I am totally honest as you are talking about somebody who has been in the trenches with those guys," Wright said.

"Every single England call-up is important, every single one is an opportunity and it just felt like we are talking about the captain of a bunch of players who have said that Gareth [Southgate] has brought them together and everything is so strong – to go from all that unity in the squad to then a few withdrawals and then you’re hearing the lack of commitment.

"Again, I have to go back to the FA. The FA have chosen not to have their [new] manager here. They’ve kind of set a precedent for it, but for Harry to say that about the players he’s been in the trenches with, two finals, semi-finals of the World Cup. Knowing the calibre of the players, to then say he is disappointed to see them not coming, especially with the fixtures and how the game is going crazy, it was a bit of a shock to me."

With a 3-0 win over Greece behind them, England now turns its attention to an upcoming match against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley. A victory there would secure England’s return to the top division of the Nations League, a goal that Carsley and his players are eager to achieve despite a depleted squad.