Harry Kane was disappointed to see England close out the international break by losing to Denmark, but despite two red cards the captain insists the national team have no disciplinary concerns overall.
Despite starting in control of proceedings, a sending-off for Harry Maguire and a penalty minutes later put the Three Lions in the backseat of the Nations League game. Gareth Southgate’s team couldn’t find a way through in the second half and Reece James was also shown a red card after full-time.
Kane says there were frustrations in the game for the players, but that they can happen in isolation and instead opted to focus on what he saw as a positive response to going down to 10 men.
“There were some decisions that didn’t go our way, but that’s football. From our point of view this is about preparing,” he told Sky Sports after the match.
"I know [Maguire] would love to have [the tackles] back and not make them, but it’s part of the learning curve at international level. Of course he’ll be disappointed but he’ll bounce back, he’s had a few great years at the top level and you have ups and downs in your career.
"I don’t think we’ve got discipline issues. The one at the end was just something when you’re a professional athlete and things don’t go your way, that’s what happens.
“It was a tough game, the boys gave it everything. After going down to 10 men and conceding the penalty we dug deep, they didn’t create many chances and we had a few ourselves. We’re disappointed we lost but I’m proud of the boys.”
Midfielder Declan Rice similarly explained that matters might be made more prominent by the fact the headlines revolve around international player by their very nature.
"The limelight is always on you playing for England. You need to be on it, you’re representing England.
“Some of the decisions were tough for us to take: the red card, the penalty. Some of the tackles our lads were putting in were perfect and they were getting fouls. There is a frustration because we’ve lost and it’s not the way we want to go.”
