Uproar in England

Kane thinks it’s a “disgrace”, Mikel Arteta counters

Harry Kane (l.) criticized the numerous withdrawals in the Nations League, Mikel Arteta (r.) countered on Sunday.(Bild: AFP/APA/Marco BERTORELLO/Adrian Dennis)

Harry Kane does not approve of the fact that a total of nine players have recently withdrawn from the England national team, even calling it a "disgrace". Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta fired back on Sunday.

"It's a disgrace. I don't like it if I'm completely honest. I think England comes before everything else. England comes before the club," Kane had criticized his team-mates during the two Nations League games against Greece (3-0) and Ireland (5-0).

"Can gladly send an x-ray"
With key players such as Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Trent Alexander-Arnold unavailable, as well as Arsenal stars Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka, their coach was asked about Kane's accusations after the 3-0 win over Nottingham. "We are happy to send an x-ray. The communication between our medical department and the England national team was clear at all times," said Arteta, addressing Saka.

Bukayo Saka scored to make it 1:0.(Bild: AP/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

Although the winger was back on the pitch against the "Tricky Trees" and even scored in the 15th minute to make it 1-0 in the meantime, it had been unthinkable for him to play in the days before. "He couldn't do anything. He needed time to recover. He did a training session during the international break," explained his coach. Rice, on the other hand, remained on the bench for the entire match - it is quite possible that Arteta wanted to rest his star six-man for the Champions League match against Sporting on Tuesday.