Harry Kane shocked by England omission but feels in ‘best form of career’

Harry Kane admits he was shocked at being dropped for England’s game against Greece but is not worried about his long-term future.

The country’s record goalscorer was left out of Thursday’s 3-0 Nations League win in Athens, which came just months after his form during Euro 2024 came under heavy scrutiny.

Kane will be restored to the team for Sunday’s game against the Republic of Ireland, with Lee Carsley laughing off suggestions this could be the beginning of the end for the striker, but the Bayern Munich man said it took time for him to get his head around Carsley’s decision.

Special feeling playing for England ❤️

The skipper ✊ pic.twitter.com/Cc4h532fKG

— England (@England) November 16, 2024

Asked whether he was shocked when he found out, the 31-year-old said: “Probably a little bit, when he told me, it was like, ‘OK’, getting my head around it.

“I wasn’t down about it, I wasn’t worried about it, I understood where he was coming from and I think that’s part and parcel of being captain as well, being a leader.

“You sometimes have to take things in your stride and say, ‘Ok, I am ready to help the team, like I did when I came on the other night.

“Look, I’ve made it clear that I want to start every game. I want to try to help the team. But I understood his decision. But it was new for me.”

With new manager Thomas Tuchel starting in January, Kane could feel vulnerable, but he insists his performances for Bayern make him “one of the top goalscorers in the world” and worthy of his selection.

“I always feel like I’m picked for England on form and credit. It’s not just because I’m England captain,” he told talkSPORT.

“I’m coming off the back of my best season, last season, individually and also this season, I started the year