Harry Kane benched! England squad stunned by huge selection call as Lee Carsley decides to drop Bayern Munich star for crucial Nations League clash with Greece

The Three Lions need a positive response in Athens on Thursday to the shock defeat that they suffered to the same opponents at Wembley in October. Kane, as captain of his country, has travelled to the Greek capital amid a flurry of withdrawals.

• Getty

  WHAT KANE SAID

  He has spoken out against those that have been quick to return to their clubs with supposed knocks, telling ITV after seeing England lose nine players that were originally called upon: “It’s a shame this week. Obviously it’s a tough period of the season. Maybe there’s been a little taking advantage of that. I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest.”

  THE BIGGER PICTURE

  Jarrad Branthwaite, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Levi Colwill, Cole Palmer, Declan Rice, Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and Aaron Ramsdale have all withdrawn from the England squad, meaning that interim boss Carlsley is having to shuffle his pack and get creative.

• Getty Images

  DID YOU KNOW?

  According to The Guardian, he has still found no place for Kane within his starting XI. Those left in England’s squad are said to be shocked that their skipper and all-time leading goalscorer is being overlooked, with Aston Villa striker Ollie Watkins expected to lead the line.

  WHAT NEXT?

  Kane has scored 68 goals for England through 101 appearances, having made his senior debut back in 2015. He is now 31 years of age, but remains a prolific presence for Bayern Munich and has offered no indication that he intends to bring a historic international career to a close any time soon.