Harry Kane has scored a record 68 goals in 102 appearances for England
Harry Kane Stresses Importance of England’s Team Culture Amid Squad Withdrawals
Harry Kane has called for England to protect the strong team culture developed over recent years after nine players withdrew from the squad for the UEFA Nations League games against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. Interim head coach Lee Carsley faced a reshuffled lineup in what is his final camp before Thomas Tuchel takes over as England boss in January.
Speaking before England’s 3-0 win over Greece, Kane expressed disappointment at the withdrawals, stating, “England comes before club.” Reflecting on his comments later, he acknowledged the November camp’s challenges but emphasized its significance in maintaining unity and focus.
Building on Gareth Southgate’s Legacy
Kane credited former manager Gareth Southgate for fostering a culture that led to notable successes, including consecutive European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final in 2018. He warned, however, that this culture could be easily eroded without vigilance:
“It takes a long time to build and maybe not so long to lose if you’re not careful.”
Kane stressed the importance of autumn camps, often overlooked, as opportunities to build the camaraderie essential for major tournaments like the 2026 World Cup.
Focus on the Future
Ahead of Sunday’s game against the Republic of Ireland at Wembley, Kane highlighted the stakes:
“If we win, it sets us up really well for the year ahead going into the World Cup. These are the camps where you build that culture and togetherness.”
He called playing for England one of the greatest honors of his career, urging the next generation to embrace the same spirit. Kane also noted the importance of sharing tournament experiences with less experienced players to help them prepare for high-pressure moments.
Carsley’s Final Game as Interim Boss
Lee Carsley, who leaned heavily on young talent during his interim tenure, has given six players their England debuts in five matches. Curtis Jones, Lewis Hall, and Morgan Rogers shone in the victory over Greece, which Carsley described as proof of their readiness to compete.
“The challenge for these players is to stay in the squad. The competition is so extreme they have to make sure they stay in the race.”
Carsley plans to meet with incoming manager Thomas Tuchel after the camp to share his insights and discuss the squad’s development.
Kane’s Commitment and Future Role
Despite being benched in favor of Ollie Watkins against Greece, Kane replaced him in the 66th minute and is expected to start against Ireland. He admitted to being “a little bit” shocked by the decision but accepted it, stating:
