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,

England interim boss Lee Carsley has backed Harry Kane to respond to being dropped against Greece by confirming he will start in Sunday's UEFA Nations League clash against Republic of Ireland at Wembley.

England interim manager Lee Carsley chose a bold starting XI to face Greece in Athens and, after being rewarded with an impressive 3-0 win, he made his feelings clear

England interim head coach Lee Carsley has attempted to play down Harry Kane 's criticism of the squad's long list of absentees for this month's internationals, repeatedly insisting that he is only focused on the players who have reported for duty.

Lee Carsley was proud of the way England took control of their Nations League destiny and praised “great example” Harry Kane after surprisingly dropping the skipper for the must-win match in Greece.

This time, Lee Carsley’s gamble paid off. In a surprise move, England’s interim coach left captain Harry Kane on the bench for the Nations League match against Greece on Thursday and the youthful team eased to a 3-0 win in Athens.

The Three Lions made light of their star absences to keep alive their hopes of promotion to the Nations League's top tier. Read more at straitstimes.com.

In a surprise move, England's interim coach left captain Harry Kane on the bench for the Nations League match against Greece on Thursday and the youthful team eased to a 3-0 win in Athens.