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,

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.

Its important that I think if we are going to put these players in a position where we are going to go and win the World Cup then they need to have as many experiences as they can. So, it was no slight on Harry.

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.

Lee Carsley insists that his decision to bench Harry Kane for a must-win UEFA Nations League clash with Greece was “no slight” on the England captain.