‘It was difficult watching from home’ - John Stones felt ‘helpless’ out of England squad
/dnl.eurosport.com/sd/img/placeholder/eurosport_logo_1x1.png){kind=logo}
Published 24/03/2021 at 11:05 GMT
The Manchester City defender is back in Gareth Southgate’s plans after a series of impressive performances for the Premier League leaders. Stones is preparing for World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland and says his year and a half out of the squad gave him motivation to get better.
John Stones (right) is back in the England squad
Image credit: Getty Images
John Stones says he felt “helpless” during his year and a half out of the England squad, and that rejection gave him motivation to get better.
The Manchester City defender is back in Gareth Southgate’s plans for the first time since November 2019, after a series of impressive performances for the Premier League leaders alongside Ruben Dias.
Stones is in contention to start the upcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino, Albania and Poland and he has been itching to get back on the international stage.
"It was very tough and I think it would be the same for everyone," said Stones about watching games on TV.
It was difficult watching from home. You feel a bit helpless that you can't contribute and be a part of the squad, but I used it as a motivation to strive to be better.
"When I got the text the other day, it was a great feeling to be back involved and see all the faces I've got some great memories with.
"I was very nervous. I had worked so hard and I was hearing people say, 'You should be in'. But I didn't take any of that in until the text arrived. I wanted to hear from the source. I was absolutely made up."
Stones insists he has nothing to prove on his England return and also hopes he can transfer his form for City on to the international stage - as can his club team-mates Raheem Sterling, Phil Foden and Kyle Walker.
"I'd love everyone to be coming to camp after winning something but that's not possible.
"But that winning mentality - if we can bring that into the England squad it would be invaluable I think.
"I think it would be massive for us if we can keep pushing and keep fighting until the end of the season and see what happens.
"But definitely the keyword is that winning mentality”.
Scan me
Share this article
Advertisement
Advertisement