Stones goes from brink of retirement to World Cup 'pure joy'

John Stones' selection for England's World Cup squad may have raised a few eyebrows, but the player says he had to "dig deep" to secure his place in the 26-man travelling party.

John Stones has gone from the brink of retirement to experiencing "pure joy" as a member of England's World Cup squad. The Manchester City defender admitted he had to "dig deep" to secure his place in Gareth Southgate's 26-man party after a difficult period in his career. Stones' inclusion raised some eyebrows as he has not been a regular starter for his club and has struggled with injuries. However, the 28-year-old has shown signs of recovery in recent weeks and started England's opening World Cup match against Iran, a 6-2 victory. "A few months ago, I wasn't even sure if I would be at the World Cup," Stones said after the match. "I had to dig deep, believe in myself, and work hard to get back to my best. Now I'm here, feeling pure joy." Stones' career peaked in the 2019-20 season when he was a key player for both Manchester City and England. But then injuries and loss of form saw him lose his place at club level, and he even considered retirement. However, through hard work and a change in mindset, he regained Pep Guardiola's trust and rediscovered his form just before the World Cup. "Football has its ups and downs," Stones said. "What matters is how you deal with the lows. I have great family, friends, and coaches who helped me through. Now I just want to enjoy every moment and contribute to the team." England's performance in their opening match was impressive, with Stones' solid display at the back laying the foundation for the win. Next up are the United States and Wales, and Stones is likely to keep his place. "We have a strong squad, everyone is confident," Stones said. "The World Cup is the biggest stage, and we want to go far. I will keep working hard to help the team achieve its goals." For Stones, the journey from the brink of retirement to the World Cup is a victory in itself. His story inspires many players going through tough times: never give up, and a turnaround may be just around the corner.

Stones goes from brink of retirement to World Cup 'pure joy'

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