John Stones: 'Me and Maguire can lay the groundwork for the championship'

Stones is widely acknowledged as the best central defender in English football since John Terry and Rio Ferdinand. But in the last few weeks before joining England for the 2022 World Cup, a seemingly ironic thing is happening to this 28-year-old player. After a period of absence due to injury, Stones must regain form and sharpness in the right-back position - where England has no shortage of talent.

But when Kyle Walker - the number one choice for the right-back position at both Man City and England - was also out injured, coach Pep Guardiola asked Stones to fill that role. And after a hard time at first, the 28-year-old gradually adapted to his new position.

Stones actually played right-back at Barnsley as a child, but not in the way that Man City currently operates. Under Guardiola, the full-backs often bunched up in the middle, sometimes even kicking as a number 10 right behind the striker. For someone as used to the position as Stones, this role change presented a fresh challenge.

"I'm enjoying the opportunity to learn," Stones told British newspaper Sportsmail on November 14. "Different positions to receive the ball, constantly moving to choose the correct position. Man City used to rotate the ball from center-back to right-back. But now, when I kick the right-back, I can't play well. I'm passing the ball like I'm playing at centre-back I've learned the kinds of situations I've put my teammates in. I didn't know that until I was playing at right-back. I love learning new things like that. I won't stop. and always looking for ways to grow".

Stones prides himself on being able to adapt quickly to Guardiola's tactical requirements, having started as a right-back in the last four Premier League matches. These are also the first games for the Stones after recovering from a hamstring injury from the UEFA Nations League match against Germany in September.

The 28-year-old believes his recent streak has helped him adapt more and more to Gareth Southgate, especially when kicking right in a back three if required. Having to raise the offensive support when kicking the wing also motivates, helping Stones quickly regain form.

But most likely, Stones will return to play at central defender - a more familiar position on the England team - from the opening match of the 2022 World Cup against Iran on November 21. On the way to the runner-up position of Euro 2021, Stones started every match, and took only 11 minutes to rest in the final match of the group stage, beating the Czech Republic 1-0. This central defender helped England's defense steady, keeping a clean sheet until the semi-final victory over Denmark 2-1 in 120 minutes.

Euro 2021 is therefore a great tournament individually and perhaps collectively. But the Stones have so far not swallowed the defeat to Italy in the penalty shootout in the final. "I haven't watched that game yet, and have no intention of rewatching it," he insisted. "There are some aspects of the game that I watch with the whole team to analyze, but I can't watch the whole game."

Man City midfielder said he will only watch the Euro 2021 final after retiring. "What England have done is amazing and I don't want to tarnish my memory by reliving something that ended in a negative result," Stones explained. "That's how I deal with failure. Everyone has a different way of coping."

To go deep or even dream of lifting the Gold Cup in Qatar, England's defense must be as synchronized as Euro 2021. Once again, Southgate's summoning of Harry Maguire created mixed reactions. Despite injuries and a decline in form, the 52-year-old coach explained that the inclusion of Maguire in the list of 26 players to Qatar was because of international experience.

In fact, Maguire and Stones played well, but only started together twice in England's last 6 winless matches, two draws with Germany, 1-1 and 3-3, in Group A3 Nations League. "I've only heard, but not read, those criticisms," Stones said, revealing to avoid using social media while preparing for and competing at the 2022 World Cup. "I've been through such difficult times and this It's never easy. I'm sure Maguire is aware of that."

Stones praised the senior center-back as a top player, an extraordinary human being and did not give in to criticism. "I admire Maguire, his mentality," added Stones. "Not only does he want to prove people wrong, but he also proves that he is always true to what he believes in and is fighting for."

Stones affirmed that he and Maguire know their strengths and weaknesses, thereby supporting each other and becoming a good partner. Even, Stones believes the two "will become the foundation and launch pad" in their ambition to win the World Cup for the first time since 1966. "What we did, fought through adversity, especially in some games, and the way we support each other is very special. We've been through some big games together, and those are memories that will stay with me forever," emphasized Stones.

Replacing Sam Allardyce since 2016, Southgate has helped England gradually improve its performance. They finished fourth in the 2018 World Cup, third in the 2019 UEFA Nations League, and then second in Euro 2021 - the tournament was postponed for a year due to Covid-19. However, the "Three Lions" did not run well for the 2022 World Cup when they did not win the last six matches.

In the summer, they lost both matches against Hungary, drew Italy and Germany in the UEFA Nations League. In September, they lost 0-1 to Italy and then drew 3-3 with Germany, finishing bottom of the group and having to be relegated to B division in the 2023-2024 season. This result puts England at great risk when it comes to the Euro 2024 qualifying draw, when it has to face many strong opponents at a higher rank.

"It's never easy when you're going through a bad period," admitted Stones. "The most important thing is that we accept that we did not play well. England have many champions who have won many titles. They are all very hungry, especially after missing Euro 2021. We have to win. Every game to win the World Cup, it's very difficult, but that's the goal of the whole team. England want to win."

Stones also affirmed that the whole team can hold their heads high if they give their all, even if they are not crowned in Qatar. "It may not be what we want, and I hope England will fulfill their dream," he added. "I am a positive thinker. England has a great team, a strong mentality, confidence and quiet positivity."