Following the victory over Greece this week, Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were among the England players who made mention to the players who had withdrawn from international action.

Jude Bellingham, a former Birmingham City player, echoed Harry Kane’s comments on the players who did not report for England this week after the team’s 3-0 victory over Greece. Following their shocking loss to Ivan Jovanovic’s squad at Wembley last month, the Three Lions knew going into Thursday night’s crucial game in Athens that only a victory would put them in a strong position to secure their Nations League group.

Ollie Watkins set the tone for Lee Carsley’s team by giving England an early lead. After halftime, Odysseas Vlachodimos’ own goal and Curtis Jones’ debut strike gave England two more goals to reclaim their lead in Group B2.

With up to nine England players withdrawing from the squad, Carsley had a difficult run-up to the match. In a pre-game interview, Kane expressed his frustrations by saying: “I think England comes before anything.” It is the most crucial role a professional football player plays and comes before club.

“Gareth was on hot on that and he wasn’t afraid and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.”

“Obviously, this week is a shame. According to the Mirror, “I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.”

In a post-match interview with ITV Sport, Bellingham praised his teammates, saying: “A lot was made of the lads that weren’t here, but I think the lads that did show up were amazing.” Playing as he did, scoring, and making his debut, Curtis Jones was incredible. Very pleased with the lads tonight.