John Stones ready to embrace England captaincy challenge ahead of the national side’s upcoming international games.
John Stones is talking about control. And there a lot of things he wishes to get under control at this juncture of his football career.
Stones has nearly become a permanent fixture at the club, but the Premier League’s charges against them, the dispute over associated party transactions (APT), and the obvious animosity between the two sides make for an uncomfortable moment. Pep Guardiola’s future may be affected by the impending departure of the director of football, Txiki Begiristain, at the end of the current campaign. Yes, that is also present.
Stones’s involvement and game for Guardiola’s club are within his control, and the truth is that thus far this season, as it was for a large portion of the previous one, dealing with frustration has been the main outcome.
Stones had an unusual season at City, marred by health problems, and one figure stuck out: he was used as a substitute just 17 times. Following his injury sustained on March 26 while playing for England against Belgium, he only appeared in six further City games. He began 12 league games in all. Though Stones has only started three games for City, one of which was in the league, it was anticipated that the new season would bring better luck.
However, Stones is still unquestionably the best defensive player in the middle when it comes to England. During the team’s journey to the final at Euro 2024, Gareth Southgate played him every minute, showing his faith in him. And that’s still the case under Lee Carsley, the acting manager, who will soon award Stones his 82nd cap—his first as captain—in Thursday night’s Nations League match against Greece at Wembley.
Early in his leadership, Carsley has said unequivocally that he is looking for players who are in form and playing for their clubs. Kyle Walker had not played for City, thus he could not be justified in calling him up when he made his initial squad announcement in September. Harry Maguire, who has failed to play in the league for Manchester United since the previous international break, was dropped by him this time.
Aged 30, Stones has seen the lot, winning it all with City; going so close with England. It was his perspective and focus that came to the fore as he considered his situation at club level.
“I’m in a positive mindset and that is really important because, at times like these, more inexperienced players can maybe get frustrated and that has a bad effect when called upon,” he says. “It means you’re not ready. It’s something I’ve learnt over the years … to put my personal problems or feelings to one side and be there for the team.
“It’s always frustrating when you want to play. Coming back later than the majority of the squad after the Euros, the team being in good form … there have been a lot of factors. But I’ve been in this position before, where you are in and out, and you know how important you are and not to get frustrated. I am always going to say I wish I could start every game, but it is a long season and there are a lot of important games coming up.”