John Stones is expected to play for England against Serbia in their opening Euro 2024 match, as revealed by Jordan Pickford, who also praised the Manchester City star as “one of the best center-backs in the world.”
The fact that frequent partner Harry Maguire is out of the tournament due to injury has increased Stones’ significance to England.
The 30-year-old, meanwhile, has recently struggled with his own health. After suffering an ankle injury during last week’s friendly loss to Iceland, he was unable to practice on Wednesday due to sickness, reports The Standard
However, Pickford gave Gareth Southgate a major boost by confirming that his teammate is “fit and ready to go.”
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Southgate now has to choose which of his deputy center-backs starts with Stones on Sunday, with Marc Guéhi of Crystal Palace the likely choice.
“I played with Stonesy in Germany when we were U19s, and he advanced quickly,” Pickford remarked. It’s been a while since I’ve known him. With the victories he has had for his team, he is a great player.
“He’s one of the greatest center backs in the world, and his number of caps for England speaks for itself.” He’s also a great guy.
Kyle Walker, Kieran Trippier, Pickford, and Stones have all been the cornerstones of Southgate’s defense at the previous three major championships.
While Luke Shaw continues his recuperation, Trippier is anticipated to start against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen as a left-back, and Maguire’s absence means the Three Lions will have a different appearance.
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