Danny Murphy has now claimed that England have no chance of winning UEFA EURO 2024 without Manchester City No.5 John Stones.
The 46-year-old made the comment when speaking on talkSPORT.
So, what did Danny Murphy say about John Stones? Let’s take a look…
What’s the story?
Well, the man from Chester believes the 29-year-old has to be fit if England are to stand any chance of winning UEFA EURO 2024 in the summer.
Murphy – who was also baffled when Kalvin Phillips found himself called up ahead of Rico Lewis – said: “Best centre half we have got bar none. With the ball, quick, strong, takes the ball anywhere. Can come out with it. Wonderful talent. To win the Euros he has got to be fit, for us to have a chance.”
We strongly agree – Stones has quickly become a hugely important player for both Manchester City and England, mainly due to his remarkable effectiveness in a new hybrid role created by Pep Guardiola.
The John Stones Role – as it has become known – involves the England international effectively playing as both a central defender as well as a midfielder alongside Rodri, depending on whether Manchester City are attacking or defending.
It helped push Manchester City towards a historic treble last season, and if Gareth Southgate can replicate the tactic alongside Declan Rice, England’s chances of winning UEFA EURO 2024 would surely increase tremendously.
When John Stones could return for Manchester City
Unfortunately, Stones has already missed 11 games due to a thigh injury this season, and recently suffered a setback despite appearing to shake off the problem.
The Evening Standard mention that the Barnsley-born defender will be out “for the coming weeks” after Guardiola said his £47.5m man will be sidelined “for a while” after the setback.
However, the situation has somewhat been shoved into the darkness, with many actually unsure on when Stones may return – there have even been suggestions that he could even play against Liverpool, with Michael Brown claiming that Guardiola has to start his No.5 if he is able to.
Be sure to keep an eye on this situation, as Guardiola should provide an update in his pre-match press conference later this week.
