Tottenham striker Harry Kane has lifted the lid on the England bust-up between Raheem Sterling and Joe Gomez.

Sterling confronted Liverpool defender Joe Gomez on Monday, with emotions still clearly raw from the Reds' win over Manchester City on Sunday, and the pair had a heated exchange before being separated. As a result, Sterling was dropped for the Euros qualifying thumping of Montenegro.

England captain Kane explained: “I was not in the room when it happened. So after it happened I asked a few of the players about what went on.

“I then spoke to Joe privately about how he was feeling. Emotions had run high just after it happened so I spoke to Raz and then me and a few of the senior players spoke about what we should do.

“Joe and Raz then got together and had a chat. After that, I spoke to Joe again to see how he was feeling. He was feeling better after his chat with Raz."

Yet the severity of the confrontation, instigated by Sterling, was such that Kane, experienced team-mates and coach Gareth Southgate knew there had to be some punishment.

“The gaffer spoke to me and a few of the senior players and we made the decision we wanted to make and we did it as a group," said Kane. “Raz missed the game, apologised, and him and Joe were fine after that.

“We had a private meeting and I won't discuss what we said but it is about understanding what went on and why, speaking to both players and trying to control it.

“It was a different week to what I have been used to. In life, in football, as one of the leaders, stuff happens and you have to adapt and control the situation and me, the gaffer and Hendo - who was involved even though he was not there - handled it as well as we could have, I think.

“Raz has owned up to everything. He put out a tweet and apologised to Joe and has taken not playing on the chin.

“Raz is a great professional and we want to move on and try and win our last game."