Manchester City and England centre-back John Stones has now provided a fitness update about himself after a concerning image of him was captured.
Stones was seen with a heavy strapping on his right leg in training ahead of the Three Lions’ quarter-final clash against Switzerland at Euro 2024.
With Marc Guehi already suspended for the contest, it seemed like there was a possibility that Gareth Southgate could lose two of his starting centre-backs for his team’s biggest game of the tournament.
The winner of the knockout game will face whoever wins between the Netherlands and Türkiye — and on paper, England should be a safe bet to reach the final.
However, if Manchester City’s number five was ruled out of the game due to the injury, Switzerland could become the favourites to emerge as the victors from the showdown.
John Stones reveals whether he is fit to start for England against Switzerland
The potential loss of a leader like the 30-year-old would also have been detrimental — considering how experienced he is when it comes to knockout football at both club and international level.
But England supporters can breathe a sigh of relief as Stones has confirmed that he is fit to start against Switzerland.
The Englishman said via Sky Sports News: “No, no, all good. Looks worse, the strapping, obviously a heavy strapping than what I’ve done so I know I’m all good, all good with what I’ve done.”
It seems set that Stones will be on the first names on the team sheet for Southgate as he picks his starting XI to go toe-to-toe against Switzerland.
John Stones will be relieved that is the case
Having missed a chunk of last season through injury, the City defender would have been gutted if he was ruled out of England’s upcoming fixture.
Elite players like Stones embrace playing on the big stages, whether that is for club or country.
The former Everton centre-back would also have been aware that in his absence, the Three Lions would be a lot more vulnerable at the back.
In knockout football, even the slightest of errors in defence are often punished.
Especially by a Swiss side that not only have a lot of quality but several experienced campaigners.
On Saturday, the six-time Premier League winner has the chance to qualify for another semi-final with his national team — a prospect that must excite him. Stones is fit and firing and he will be determined to play a key role in helping England qualify for the semi-finals and taking another step towards winning the European Championship.
