STONES BACKS HARRY TO HIT HEIGHTS AGAIN
JOHN STONES insists England can rely on him and Harry Maguire at the heart of their defence.
The pair have formed a solid partnership for the Three Lions alongside Kyle Walker, below, in Gareth Southgate’s preferred back three.
Stones, 28, and Maguire, 29, are set for their third tournament together after reaching the 2018World Cup semi-finals and last year’s Euro 2020 final.
The pair have played together 29 times for England, but Maguire has been out of favour at Manchester United, starting just once in the Premier League since August because of form and injury.
Stones, though, is not concerned. “When I look at Harry, I see a partner,” said the Manchester City defender. “Through all the experiences we’ve had together he’s had my back and I’ve had his.
“We’ve had so many games together, we’ve made a bond.We know what the other person is going to do. It clicks.
“Whatever team or whatever system Gareth decides, if it’s me and Harry we will use those bonds again. They are too strong to be broken by game time, form, whatever.
“You don’t get to the standard he has without being an incredible player.
“The adversity he has gone through shows the character never to give in.”
Maguire has been booed by United and England fans. But Southgate is expected to stick with the United man for the opening game against Iran on Monday.
The manager has set up his own “support line” to Maguire, being in touch on a regular basis throughout his problems at United.
He has reassured Maguire that he would happily let him wear the captain’s armband.
The defender has won 48 caps and earned the unerring faith of Southgate, who thinks his squad has a better chance of winning theWorld Cup with Maguire in the line-up.
He is part of the squad’s leadership group along with captain Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling.
Stones is joined in Qatar by City teammates Walker and Kalvin Phillips, despite the pair only just returning from injury.
Walker has battled through a groin problem while Phillips has overcome a shoulder operation.
Stones said: “They have both been working extremely hard to make the tournament.
“They have defied some expert advice and I’m so happy for them.
“It has not been easy for them, so to go back and get the green light that you’re weeks in advance is a great credit to the
guys at City.”