Harry Kane has made his feelings clear on players withdrawing from England duty after one pundit suggested bans be brought in
12:47, 31 Mar 2026
Harry Kane of England is interviewed in the mix zone following the FIFA World Cup 2026 qualifier match between Albania and England at Air Albania Stadium
View 3 Images
England captain Harry Kane didn't hold back when giving his take on players withdrawing from international commitments(Image: Francesco Scaccianoce - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)
England skipper Harry Kane has made his position abundantly clear that he "doesn't like" players withdrawing from international duty unless absolutely essential. His previous remarks carry renewed significance following Gabby Agbonlahor's suggestion that departing players "should be banned."
Thomas Tuchel's squad face Japan in a friendly on Tuesday, having drawn 1-1 with Uruguay just four days prior. The manager's selection has been severely depleted following eight players' withdrawals from camp to return to their respective clubs, three of whom play for Premier League leaders Arsenal.
Former Tottenham captain Kane addressed player commitment back in November 2024. At the time, interim boss Lee Carsley saw his squad ravaged by eight withdrawals ahead of a UEFA Nations League fixture against Greece.
"I think England comes before anything," Kane told ITV when questioned about what representing the Three Lions means. "It comes before club, and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.
FOLLOW OUR ARSENAL FB PAGE! Latest Gunners news, analysis and much more via our dedicated Facebook page
"Gareth [Southgate] was hot on that, and he wasn't afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players. It's a shame this week, obviously. Yeah, I think it's a tough period of the season and maybe that's been taken advantage of a little bit.
"I don't really like it if I'm totally honest. I think as I just said there England comes before anything, any club situation. The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England and, yeah, that's the most important thing."
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice of Arsenal interact during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Emirates Stadium
View 3 Images
Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice's England withdrawals have been treated as suspicious by many fans(Image: Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)
Noni Madueke's withdrawal from England camp wasn't seen as suspicious given the Arsenal winger appeared to suffer a genuine injury against Uruguay. However, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka's exits have been criticised by some fans given neither player featured in that game.
The true extent of any knocks or niggles the pair may have picked up remains unclear. Yet former Aston Villa striker Agbonlahor was unequivocal in his scepticism over the legitimacy of their absences, especially after a total of 10 Arsenal players from various national squads similarly withdrew from international duty this week.
England's 2026 World Cup kits
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Content Image
Various Prices
England Official Store
Buy Now on England Official Store
England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer's FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
Speaking on talkSPORT, he said: "If I was part of the Premier League and I was making a decision, I would bring in a new rule, you miss the next Premier League game available if you pull out of international duty.
"I tell you something, players will stop pulling out. Playing for your country is an honour. If I'm Harry Kane, I'm speaking about this and saying, 'Come on, guys, let's not go back to what we were doing four or five years ago, where players are pulling out non-stop.'
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor on talkSPORT
View 3 Images
Gabby Agbonlahor suggested players who leave national team duty should have to miss their next league fixture(Image: talkSPORT)
"I get it, Arteta is doing everything possible to win these trophies. Their next game after the international break is the FA Cup [quarter-final] against Southampton. I'm just not keen on players pulling out of international duty. It's an honour to play for your country. It doesn't sit right with me."
Article continues below
Noni Madueke's withdrawal from England camp wasn't seen as suspicious, given the Arsenal winger appeared to suffer a genuine injury against Uruguay. However, Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka's exits have been criticised by some fans, given neither player featured in that game.