John Stones admits he thought England were heading home from Euro 2024 against Slovakia, but hopes the dramatic win is the turning point in their campaign.
The 30-year-old won his 76th cap in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday as England snatched a 95th minute equaliser against the side ranked 45th in the world, before progressing to the quarter-finals via a 2-1 win after extra-time.
“The biggest thrill that I can get out of playing is that winning feeling. To create history for us a nation” 🙌
John Stones is hungry for Euro success! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/8BSvEQa96V
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 4, 2024
📰 Table Of Contents
Going home not coming home
Gareth Southgate’s side turned in another below-par performance, having failed to shine in their Group C campaign against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia too.
“I thought we were going home after 60 minutes,” Stones admitted. “It’s only human to have those thoughts.
“I think it’s a turning point for us, emotionally, to do it in such a high pressured moment. I believe it’s going to change a lot of things for us as a team – going through those emotions.
“It shows that unity and togetherness of us. When you have done these things you believe even more – we can recapture those moments.”
The Man City defender said Jude Bellingham’s last-ditch goal not only sends a message to the squad, but also others in the tournament.
“To change our mindset and keep the belief has a lot of power behind it – for ourselves and other teams.
“We are there to do it right until the last minute – literally. We should take great confidence from that as it’s not easy to do in a high-pressured game.”
Fans frustration
Stones admitted ‘understandably the fans weren’t happy with the performance’ but said they had enjoyed some leisure time with families before hitting the training pitch, adding: “We have worked on a few things, trying to get back to that fluid, exciting football, creating chances.”
Stones said England fans throwing plastic cups at the manager might get the reaction they were after, claiming: “I’m sure that will have motivated him a bit more.”
“We want to win for the manager and staff, ourselves, our families, and everyone in the nation,” he added.
The Barnsley-born defender shrugged off concerns over a knee problem after being pictured with knee strapping on Wednesday, and said the squad remain focused on re-writing the history books in Berlin’s Olympiastadion on July 14.
“The biggest thrill for me is that winning feeling,” he said. “To create history for everyone back home – for me and the lads to do something which has never been done before and lift this trophy.
“We are trying to create our own history.
“(Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland) will be a really good test for us. How they have played this tournament and the players they have got – they’ve been brilliant, so it is down to us now.”
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Three at the back
England are reportedly looking at starting with a back-three in Dusseldorf, with Marc Guehi missing through suspension and Ezri Konsa tipped to step in.
Stones revealed: “We train with everyone in training, in different positions, different scenarios. It’s good for us.
“Whoever is in at the weekend plays for a reason. Everyone is raring to go. Whoever plays I have massive faith in them.
“It’s down to the manager, what he decides to do, what he sees in (Switzerland’s) strengths and weaknesses.
“I don’t think any of us know the exact team or system yet. Whoever plays is fully ready. The standards in training from every player have been incredible.
“Whoever steps in is worthy of being there and hopefully we will produce.”
