Stones hails England’s subsequent famous person – and urges Southgate to make key change
John Stones believes England have a superstar on their hands – in the shape of defensive partner Marc Guehi.
England were dealt a major blow ahead of Euro 2024 when experienced centre-back Harry Maguire was ruled out injured. But Guehi has stepped up to the plate in stunning fashion, to help the Three Lions top Group C with one game to go.
The Crystal Palace defender has been almost faultless in the opening two matches against Serbia and Denmark. And despite it being his first taste of a major tournament, Guehi has been Gareth Southgate’s best player so far.
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And no-one has appreciated Guehi’s contribution more than the bloke who stands next to him. Stones said: “He’s been so, so good. For him to come in, and not to have felt the feelings around tournament football or these kind of games, all the different emotions that come with it that you’ve never experienced before.
“He has handled them so well in his performances, and I said to him ‘when we’re in this or whoever we’re playing with, I’m your right arm, you’re my left, and we do this together. I’ve got your back’. He’s bought into that.
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“I believe massively in partnerships, that you do it all together and so far, we’ve had two games together – conceded in the last one, but if we’re going to concede in that manner, from a great strike, quite far outside the box, right in the corner. Sometimes you can’t really do much about it.
“We could have done better the other day with the goal (Denmark scored), but if it is going to be struck that far out, sometimes you have got to hold your hands up. But he’s handled the occasion so well – and I’ve really enjoyed playing with him.”
Stones, meanwhile, believes Phil Foden should be picked in the No.10 role for England, because that’s hist best position. Foden has been deployed out wide up to now, but Stones added: “Phil loves playing through the middle.
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“He’s played every position up top for us at (Manchester) City. It’s a difficult one, and I’m glad I’m not the manager to make those decisions. Wherever Phil plays, he’s incredible. He’s a top player. Everyone has their strengths in different positions.
“Everyone’s entitled to their opinion, and I’m sure it brings up some good debates. I just want Phil to enjoy his football, that’s when he’s at his best.
“With Phil, if he keeps working hard, as he is in training, scoring the screamers he does, eventually it’ll come out on the pitch. He drifts a lot anyway, he finds pockets of space. I hope he continues to be himself and impose himself on games.”
