Following the Three Lions’ 3-0 victory over Greece in their Nations League group match in Athens on Thursday night (14.11.24), nine senior England players were not present - including the likes of Phil Foden, Jack Grealish, Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice - which led to Kane, 31, criticising his teammates for dropping out.

Now, the 21-year-old Real Madrid midfielder has voiced his support for his captain, and heaped praise on the England newcomers who stepped up in the game such as Curtis Jones, who scored on his debut.

Bellingham told ITV Sport: “A lot was made of the lads that weren't here, but I think the lads that did show up were amazing. Curtis making his debut, scoring, playing as he did, amazing. Really proud of the boys tonight.

“There would have been a million and one excuses if we didn't play well or didn't get over the line but the lads went out and did their business so professionally. Back to the top of the group where we belong.”

Kane criticised his teammates who dropped out for seemingly taking “advantage of a tough period of the season” insisting representing your country should "come before anything”.

He said: “I think England comes before anything. It comes before club and it is the most important thing you play as a professional footballer.

“It’s a shame this week obviously. Yeah, I think it’s a tough period of the season and maybe that’s been taken advantage of a little bit.

“I don’t really like it if I’m totally honest. I think as I just said there England comes before before anything, any club situation.”

After a shock loss against Greece last month, England’s victory over Ivan Jovanovic’s side has placed the Three Lions back at the top of Group B2

The match will be the penultimate game for interim manager Lee Carsley - who took over from Gareth Southgate as England’s head coach - before he hands the reigns to the Three Lions to Thomas Tuchel.

England will next face the Republic of Ireland on Sunday (17.11.24).