JOHN DISHES THE DIRT
JOHN STONES has launched a scathing attack on Colombia and branded them the “dirtiest team” he has faced.
Diego Maradona declared England’s win a “monumental theft” and claimed Gareth Southgate’s players ” threw themselves to the ground”.
But Stones blasted back at the Argentina legend’s comments and said: “I’d never seen a game like that before and how they behaved.
“There were things we’ve never experienced – it was so surprising to come across those things.
“They were probably the dirtiest team I’ve come up against Surrounding the referee, pushing the referee, the headbutt you’ve BY ANDY DUNN in Repino seen, scuffing the penalty spot and a lot of off-the-ball things you haven’t heard about.
“I thought there could have been several red cards in that game from what happened.”
Stones insisted the Colombians took their dirty tricks into the penalty shootout and added: “There was a lot of movement from them – they were saying a lot of things to us while the lads were walking up to take penalties.
“We showed massive character to keep a cool head and not get into the brawl they wanted.
“The best thing for us was to beat them at football. That’s the biggest thing that’ll hurt them. We’re into the next round and that’s something special and they were on the plane back home.”
Stones will now focus on facing Sweden in the quarter-finals tomorrow as he tries to keep his World Cup dream alive.
He says: “I would love to win the World Cup. We are one step closer to doing that... the dream is there and why not?”
Sweden are playing mind games by insisting England are favourites but Man City defender Stones insisted England will take nothing for granted.
He said: “They are kind of putting all the pressure on us but they are in the same situation as us. They are playing it down aren’t they? They are not going to be able to hide away from what qualities they have.
“They would not be where they are without quality and without having that hunger to get where they are. We have to respect that.”
Stones was thrilled with England’s shootout success and even more thrilled to meet one of his heroes after the game.
He spotted Glenn Hoddle in a corner of the Spartak Stadium and went over to speak to the former England player and boss.
Stones said: “I’ve seen him on TV and never had the chance to meet him. He has always spoken highly of me which I appreciate a