Stones goes from brink of retirement to World Cup 'pure joy'

John Stones has earned 89 caps for England

Published 39 minutes ago

John Stones' inclusion in England's World Cup squad raised a few eyebrows - and even he might have been taken aback had he been told during his lowest moment that his country would still have a need for him.

Stones acknowledges he had to "dig deep" to navigate one of the toughest phases of his career before earning his spot in the 26-man squad.

The 32-year-old is poised to start in England's tournament opener against Croatia on Wednesday, despite revealing last October that he had contemplated retirement after a series of injuries.

Stones is held in high regard by manager Thomas Tuchel and could become a regular in the World Cup lineup if he maintains fitness, which has been uncertain in recent years.

"It was a tough period when I said that [about retiring] and I hope I never reach that point again," Stones told BBC Sport.

"We can all measure ourselves against others or different players from various eras and think about how their path went or how it could have been different, and I am guilty of that - 'why are these things happening to me? It doesn't happen to other people.'

"And I truly had to dig deep, and I take pride in being so mentally resilient throughout and emerging from those challenges or circumstances.

"I consider one of my greatest accomplishments to be continually bouncing back from those setbacks, no matter how significant they are, and returning to top form and performing at such an elite level."

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Tuchel 'saw the child inside' when he called up Stones

Stones lined up alongside Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa in England's most recent friendly and could be selected ahead of Manchester City teammate Marc Guehi for the Croatia match (Wednesday, 21:00 BST).

Stones logged just 439 minutes of Premier League action in the recently concluded season, appearing in only 18 games for City across all competitions.

He missed two months due to a thigh injury and was forced to sit out England's two friendlies before Tuchel chose his squad because of a calf issue.

However, Stones, who announced in April that he will leave City this summer, insists he has been "fit, pretty much all season."

Tuchel showed his support for Stones, picking him ahead of Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill, by stating he remains a "big part" of his plans and has "a lot of credit in the bank."

This marks Stones' sixth major tournament with England, having helped the team reach the semi-finals and quarter-finals of the previous two World Cups.

"I love being here, and I think that goes without saying," Stones said.

"But when I received the call from the manager, I believe he saw the child inside me, how I reacted in a way where I could barely contain myself.

"It felt like the first time, just pure joy pouring out of me, and I think that is one of the qualities he values - how all of us in this group can be our true selves as players."