NUNO MENDES hit back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s moan about Portugal stars crying off international duty.
Roberto Martinez’s side lead group A1 by three points going into Nations League finales against Poland and Croatia.
Like England, Portugal have had a number of drop-outs and Ronaldo, 39, raged: “There’s nothing better than representing your country, your culture, your children.
“That’s why I’m disappointed by some players.”
Bayern Munich’s Joao Palhinha is the latest to withdraw, heading back to his club for treatment on a muscle injury.
But Paris Saint-Germain defender Mendes, 22, is expected to play alongside Ronaldo against Poland.
He said: “I’m very proud to represent Portugal.
“I think it shows, I give my all on the pitch and in training. Ronaldo has his opinion. I have mine.”
England captain Harry Kane shared Ronaldo’s view, arguing Three Lions duty 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.
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“Gareth was hot on that and he wasn’t afraid to make decisions if that started to drift from certain players.
“It’s a shame this week obviously. 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 England comes before anything, any club situation.
“The joy to play for England. I think Gareth brought that back. Every camp, people were excited to come, every camp people wanted to play for England.”
