Paul Merson has defended Arsenal duo Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka after England captain Harry Kane appeared to criticise teammates for withdrawing from the latest Nations League squad, with Merson addressing the issue in an interview with Sky Sports.
Rice and Saka were among nine players who pulled out ahead of interim head coach Lee Carsley’s final two matches before Thomas Tuchel takes charge.
The withdrawals included Trent Alexander-Arnold, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Cole Palmer, Aaron Ramsdale, Levi Colwill, and Jarrad Branthwaite, leaving England’s squad significantly weakened.
Currently sitting second in Group B2, Carsley’s side face a pivotal encounter against Greece tonight at the Athens Olympic Stadium, seeking to avenge their surprise defeat in the reverse fixture, before hosting the Republic of Ireland at Wembley on Sunday.
Speaking to ITV Sport, Kane expressed his frustration, emphasising that playing for England should take precedence over club commitments. “England comes before anything,” he said. “It’s the most important thing you play for as a professional footballer.”
Kane also suggested that some players may have exaggerated minor injuries to skip the international break, calling it “a shame.”
The remarks sparked debate among fans, with some accusing the Bayern Munich striker of unfairly questioning his teammates’ commitment.
Merson sympathised with players like Rice and Saka, stressing genuine fitness concerns as key factors, noting that Rice was unfit, Saka had to be substituted during a vital match for Arsenal, and Palmer was visibly hobbling, all of which underscored the circumstances of the withdrawals.
The former England international acknowledged Kane’s frustrations but stressed the importance of focusing on the task at hand. “This is a big match. England needs to win to return to competing with the top nations,” he said.
Merson also questioned the Football Association’s decision to let Carsley oversee squad selection, despite confirming Tuchel’s appointment a month ago. “Tuchel should have a say. It feels like a wasted opportunity,” he added.
Reflecting on his playing career, Merson reiterated that representing one’s country is the pinnacle of football. “You play for your club to earn the chance to represent your country. That’s what it’s all about,” he said.
As England prepare to face Greece, Merson urged the squad to focus on redemption. “If I were one of the players, I’d want to set the record straight after the embarrassing defeat last time,” he concluded.