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Manchester City defender John Stones has been an England mainstay throughout the last decade, was crucial to Gareth Southgate's side and is still the best option for Thomas Tuchel ahead of the World Cup
John Stones will have more difficult nights than the one he had against Wales. Which is the precise reason Thomas Tuchel has to make sure Stones is leading England's defence, when these occasions do come along.
Which they will next summer, when England head to the World Cup and are expected to reach the latter stages. A place Stones has found himself in numerous times before.
The Manchester City defender was part of the England side which reached the World Cup semi-finals in Russia in 2018 He was an ever present from start to finish.
Just like he was in 2020, when he started all seven games, with England conceding just two goals before losing the Euros final to Italy.
And guess what? Stones was also ever present in England's run to the final of Euro 2024, which also ended in defeat, this time to Spain in Berlin.
Stones was invaluable to Gareth Southgate, in terms of what he achieved during his time as England manager.
Down the years, Stones has been described as a 'Rolls Royce' of a defender. Yet some cruel injuries have reduced him to resembling a Robin Reliant at times. But Stones has always returned to the highest level, to remind people what England miss when he's not around.
Like his class on the ball, ability to read and anticipate what is going on around him, and lead from the front, even though he operates at the back. More injuries have disrupted Stones' start to the new season. Which means he has started just five games for Pep Guardiola so far.
But it is a measure of how much value he still has to new England manager Tuchel, that the German picked him in his latest squad.
Because Tuchel knows Stones has the one thing the likes of Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Djed Spence don't have as much of - big game experience.
A quality he hopes will see the presence of Stones benefit those around him. For when the going gets tough, which it will.
Stones revealed last week he almost quit football last season, after missing 30 games across all competitions. And all those who support England should be grateful that he chose not to.
Because if the Three Lions are to stand a genuine chance of winning the World Cup, it won't happen unless Stones is part of it.
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