Harry Kane has defended Declan Rice following the Arsenal midfielder’s withdrawal from the England camp for the September-October internationals.
Declan Rice withdrew from the England squad on Monday, having initially been one of five Arsenal players included by Thomas Tuchel for the September-October international break.
There’s been a heavy focus on Arsenal players withdrawing from international duty following the high number of withdrawals earlier this year. That’s regardless of the fact that the injuries all turned out to be genuine, and most of the players missed multiple club games as well.
So it was certainly no surprise that England captain Harry Kane was asked about Rice’s withdrawal, but the striker was quick to defend his international teammate.
“Look, everyone has their own situation,” Kane said. “I know how tough the summer was and I know especially in the Premier League how gruelling that schedule is.
“I’m in a different situation now where I have the winter break and I have moments to recharge and refresh. Some of the players don’t get that.
“I spoke to Dec, and I know Dec goes far and beyond for the club and country, so I know how much he gives and I know he’s been struggling for a while with his issues.
“Someone like Dec has to get himself sorted and get himself fresh, and he has big games for club, big games for country coming up.
“Dec just reached out to me just personally. He just sent me a message, just kind of voice noted me. They don’t have to talk to me. I know they spoke to the coach.”
Rice completed his last appearance for Arsenal against Brighton and Hove Albion last Saturday, so there was no obvious warning that he might be about to pull out of the international break.
But it’s well known that the midfielder has been struggling with a niggling hamstring issue in recent months, and he seemingly needed the time off to help deal with that.
Arsenal will now hope to get Rice ready for their next game at home to Leeds United on October 10th.
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