John Stones has provided a significant boost to England’s Euro 2024 preparations by returning to training ahead of their opening match against Serbia. The Manchester City defender’s readiness for the Group C fixture had been uncertain after he sustained an ankle injury during last week’s friendly defeat to Iceland at Wembley and subsequently missed training due to illness.
Stones rejoined the squad on Thursday morning in Blankenhain, Germany, participating in a session that included all 26 members of Gareth Southgate’s squad. Despite limited play for Manchester City in the latter part of the season, Stones is expected to start as the senior centre-back in the match against Serbia, alongside either Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, or Lewis Dunk.
Relatedly, FA chief executive Mark Bullingham has addressed the future of Southgate, whose contract expires in December. While Southgate has delayed discussions about his future until after the tournament, Bullingham confirmed there have been no approaches from clubs regarding the England manager, despite persistent links with Manchester United.
“There have been no approaches,” said Bullingham. “Any organization really has a succession plan in place for their top employees, and we are no different to that. Gareth has been really, really clear that he wants to talk about [his future] after the tournament. I don’t want to provide any distraction for him and the team.”
Southgate, who has been linked with Manchester United, indicated he might leave his role if England does not win Euro 2024.
