Thomas Tuchel laid down the law by warning he is prepared to drop his biggest stars and will put England's needs ahead of those of top-flight clubs.
Tuchel's side face Latvia at Wembley on Monday night hoping to build on Friday's opening World Cup qualifying win over Albania.
The German coach had called out Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford for disappointing performances and doubled down on this on Sunday, saying all that matters is the team.
'We have to find the best group,' said Tuchel. 'If that means we leave very good players out of the squad, this can happen. It is important we find the right team and not the most talented 26 players.
'We need to get the team spirit right because it's one thing to play qualifiers and another to play tournament football.
'I am surprised with people suggesting Marcus and Phil should be offended with what I said. I don't see it that way. I think the important word is "mild" (criticism). I said they didn't have the impact we wish.
'It's clear, if you look at shots or chances created, they can do more. But it's not that it has to happen every match. We try to be honest but nothing I say in public is something they haven't heard from me before.'
Anthony Gordon was due to start but the Newcastle winger has returned home with a hip injury. Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is hopeful of starting, as is West Ham's Jarrod Bowen.
Tuchel dismissed suggestions he might worry about whether Premier League clubs think he is overusing their players.
'I don't think Harry Kane is worried about his place in the starting line-up tomorrow,' he said. 'Some players know if they are fit, they will play, and some players don't. This is normal.
'Given Declan Rice played a 7-1 first leg in the Champions League and then played the next leg with Arsenal, I didn't have the feeling they (the clubs) think so much about us so I don't think we have to break our heads about this.
'I take care of the players but it would be the wrong signal to tell players now, "Hey, you have tough (club) matches coming up so I rest you now."
'We have a qualifier to play. We do what's good for us. We are in contact with the clubs and we won't take any unprofessional risks. We take care of us and the clubs take care of themselves.'