What is Kane's standing after Lee Carsley benched him against Greece? Should Watkins start? Or is Bellingham the answer?

Harry Kane was a shock exclusion from England's win over Greece and the captain admits he was shocked by the news before he shifted his focus to ensure the team was properly prepared

Harry Kane admits he was shocked at being dropped for England’s game against Greece but is not worried about his long-term future. The country’s record goalscorer was left out of Thursday’s 3-0 Nations League win in Athens, which came just months after his form during Euro 2024 came under heavy scrutiny.

Harry Kane has said that England’s senior players know that the team culture can be lost quickly if they are “not careful”. The 31-year-old was speaking for the first time since his eye-catching interview this week where he reminded his team-mates of the importance of reporting for England duty this month.

The foundations that turned England into a force on the international stage were crumbling before Gareth Southgate stepped down as manager, so Harry Kane felt the time was right to make his point.

Lee Carsley has insisted that he “definitely didn’t drop” Harry Kane, and reiterated that England’s captain will return to the starting line-up against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. Carsley made the brave decision to play Ollie Watkins ahead of Kane for Thursday night’s 3-0 win in Greece,

Lee Carsley has confirmed whether Harry Kane will start England’s all-important Nations League clash against the Republic of Ireland on Sunday. The Three Lions host the Boys in Green at Wembley, knowing that victory will guarantee promotion back to the top tier of the Nations League.