Kane backs Rice after Arsenal midfielder withdrew from England Nations League squad

Harry Kane has backed Declan Rice after the Arsenal midfielder withdrew from England’s Nations League squad, saying the 26-year-old “goes far and beyond” for club and country and needed time to recover from a gruelling schedule.

Rice was among five players — alongside Cole Palmer, Marcus Rashford, Kobbie Mainoo and Tino Livramento — to pull out of the squad for England’s four Nations League fixtures. Morgan Gibbs-White and James Garner were called up as replacements.

Kane, who was openly critical when nine players withdrew in November 2024, struck a more sympathetic tone this time, pointing to the physical demands of the Premier League season as a key factor. The England captain also noted his own situation at Bayern Munich, where a winter break gives him recovery time that Premier League players do not have.

“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.”

Kane revealed that Rice had contacted him directly to explain his withdrawal. “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,” he said. “Dec just reached out to me just personally. He just sent me a message, just kind of voice noted me.”

The England captain added that players are not obliged to inform him of their decisions. “They don’t have to talk to me. I know they spoke to the coach, so, yeah, that’s down to the players.”

Kane confirmed he had not spoken to Palmer, whose withdrawal came despite the Chelsea midfielder playing the full 90 minutes in each of his club’s last four Premier League games. Rice, by contrast, played 69 games for club and country last season and struggled physically at the summer’s World Cup.

England host Spain at Wembley before travelling to Prague to face Czechia, then play Croatia in Rijeka on 3 October, and conclude the international window against Czechia at Wembley on 6 October.