England have received a boost ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia after John Stones returned to training following illness.
- Stones falls ill in lead up to Euros
- Man City ace put into isolation
- Defender returns to England training
WHAT HAPPENED?
The Manchester City star trained with his England team-mates on Tuesday but was placed in isolation after contracting a sickness bug. That meant the 30-year-old, who was removed from the group to try and prevent the illness from spreading, missed Wednesday’s defensively-focused session with the Three Lions. However, Stones was back in training on Thursday ahead of England’s opener against Serbia, as reported by The Times.
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THE BIGGER PICTURE
This is a big boost for Gareth Southgate’s side as they are already without former captain and centre-back Harry Maguire due to injury for the Euros. Stones picked up an ankle problem in the 1-0 loss to Iceland last week but the fact that he is back training shows he may be fit to face Serbia on Sunday. If he is available, it remains to be seen who will start alongside the former Everton star.
WHAT HAS BEEN SAID
Fellow England defender Dunk took exception to the notion that England’s backline is the weakest part of their team.
He told reporters: “Of course we are dismissing that. That is your opinion and you are entitled to it, but inside the dressing room and inside the camp we are as confident as ever. We wouldn’t be here if the manager didn’t think we could play for England. I don’t see why that would be the case.
“We’ve been together since the March camp, so a few camps now. This group has been there together for most of it. There may be less experience in the back line but I’m sure there is still as much quality. You get that [understanding by] training every day with each other. You build up relationships and learn each other’s styles. All of us have played against each other. We know how people work. I watch lots of football, all these boys do, so we know each other’s games.”
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WHAT NEXT?
Southgate’s England begin their 2024 European Championships campaign against Serbia on Sunday night, before taking on Denmark and Slovenia in their remaining group stage fixtures on June 20 and 25 respectively.
