Kane supports Rice after England withdrawal, cites grueling schedule
The short version
- Declan Rice withdrew from England duty along with four other players for UEFA Nations League fixtures
- Kane said Rice personally messaged and voice-noted him to explain the decision
- Kane cited a grueling schedule and said Rice has been struggling with issues
- Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner were called up as replacements
- England face Spain at Wembley on Saturday, then Czechia in Prague next Tuesday
England captain Harry Kane says Declan Rice contacted him personally to explain pulling out of Nations League duty, and he backed the midfielder's decision.
England captain Harry Kane revealed that Declan Rice contacted him directly after withdrawing from the national squad for upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Rice was one of five players to pull out, joined by Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento. Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner were called up as replacements.
Kane, who had criticized players for withdrawing in November 2024, struck a more sympathetic tone this time. "Everyone has their own situation," Kane said, via The Mirror. "I know how tough the summer was and I know especially in the Premier League how gruelling that schedule is."
Kane noted that he now benefits from a winter break while many Premier League players do not. He said Rice "goes far and beyond for the club and country" and has been dealing with issues for some time, adding that the midfielder needs to get fresh with big games ahead for Arsenal and England.
Kane said Rice sent him a personal message and a voice note, while he had not spoken with Palmer. He added that communication with the coach is ultimately a matter for the players.
England host Spain at Wembley on Saturday before traveling to face Czechia in Prague next Tuesday. The squad then faces Croatia in Rijeka on October 3 and hosts Czechia at Wembley on October 6.
