World Cup: John Stones had to dig deep to secure a place in England’s squad after his retirement scare

Stones It started with Aston Villa’s Ezri Konsa. England’s latest friendly and Manchester City team-mate Mark Guhi could be tipped for the Croatia game (Wednesday, 21:00 BST).

Stones played 439 minutes of Premier League football last season, making just 18 appearances for City in all competitions.

He missed two months with a thigh injury and Tuchel had to sit out two friendlies in England before making the squad due to a calf injury.

But Stones, he announced in April Get out of town this summer. He says, “It’s suitable for all seasons.”

Tuchel has backed the Stones ahead of Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill, saying he remains a “big part” of his plans and has “a lot of credit in the bank”.

This is Stones’ sixth major tournament for 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 it goes without saying,” Stones said.

But when I answered the manager’s call, I think he saw the child in me, that I responded in such a way that I couldn’t really control myself.

“It was like the first time, it’s just pure joy that comes out of me, and I think that’s one of the characteristics that he likes – how this whole team can be ourselves as players.”