Harry Kane: ‘I trust England absentees who have pulled out due to injury’

Harry Kane has backed England’s injury-hit players to put their own wellbeing first after Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento withdrew from the latest squad.

The withdrawals have become a talking point ahead of England’s Nations League campaign, with several key players unavailable for the upcoming fixtures.

However, captain Kane has moved to shut down any suggestions that the absentees have let their country down, insisting he has complete trust in his teammates.

Kane believes the players made the right decision by prioritising their fitness rather than risking further problems by joining up with the England squad.

The England captain’s comments may draw a line under a subject that had begun to dominate discussion around the squad.

Palmer’s absence is particularly significant given he has been a mainstay for Chelsea this season and featured in their last game before the break.

He was upset after manager Thomas Tuchel didn’t call him up for the 2026 World Cup following a subpar club campaign.

Many people expected him to fight his way back into the squad, but he has reportedly pulled out for load management.

Rice has also established himself as one of the team’s most reliable midfielders and will be a massive miss.

Rashford is an important option for England, while Mainoo and Livramento provide further depth in midfield and defence respectively.

Rather than letting the withdrawals create division in the squad, Kane has made it clear that England’s players remain united and that injuries should be treated individually.

England now have to focus on the demanding schedule ahead, beginning with a Nations League meeting against reigning world and European champions Spain on September 26.

Tuchel’s side will then face Czechia on September 29 before taking on Croatia on October 3. England will complete the run of fixtures against Czechia three days later.