Stones ‘gutted’ for Sane

JOHN STONES admits he could not bring himself to contact Leroy Sane after Germany axed the winger from their World Cup squad.

England defender Stones says he was devastated for his 22-year-old Manchester City team-mate, but wanted to “let the dust settle” before offering his commiserations.

Stones said: “Leroy’s a world-class player even though he is so young. I am so, so gutted for him.

“I know how much this meant to him and it will have hurt him massively.

“I haven’t spoken to him yet, I kind of want to let the dust settle a bit and then speak to him. It’s a massive blow for Germany too in my opinion to be without a player of his ability.

“All the City lads in the England squad myself, Raheem Sterling, Kyle Walker and Fabian Delph are close, so we know it will have hurt Leroy.”

Energy

England leave for Russia on Tuesday and Stones added: “I will speak to him before we fly out and make sure he’s OK but I’m still quite shocked, really.”

Stones is hoping to start in a three-man defence with Walker and Gary Cahill in England’s first game against Tunisia.

And he knows the importance of getting off to a flyer following England’s failure to win their openers at the 2014 World Cup – when they lost 2-1 to Italy – and again at Euro 2016 in France, where they drew with Russia.

“Definitely that has to be the aim,” said Stones. “We have to focus all our energy into the Tunisia game.

“It’s not an easy start, Tunisia are ranked just below us and are a decent side. But if we do well that will set the tone for what happens next.”