Pep: Not my fault if Stones misses Euros

PEP GUARDIOLA has maintained he cannot be held responsible if £49million defender John Stones misses out on Euro 2020 due to a lack of game time at Manchester City.

Stones, one of the first names on Gareth Southgate’s team sheet when England reached the World Cup semi-finals two years ago, is struggling for form and confidence at the Etihad Stadium and has made just 10 Premier League starts this season despite a long-term injury to Aymeric Laporte.

After being taken apart by Crystal Palace’s Wilfried Zaha on January 18, he has had just two brief appearances as a cup substitute, having fallen behind Nicolas Otamendi, Fernandinho and 19-year-old Eric Garcia in the pecking order.

Guardiola is sympathetic towards Stones’ battle with Harry Maguire, Joe Gomez, Tyrone Mings and others for a place in Southgate’s 23 this summer but insists he has to put City’s interest first.

‘I hope John goes with the national team. I am a human being and suffer when my players suffer,’ said the City boss ahead of today’s home game with West Ham. ‘I want to make decisions that he likes but I have to make decisions to be honest with me. He has good points and some have to improve. I know it’s not been easy for him.

‘Of course I want all my players selected for the national teams at the Euros but I have to think about every game and making decisions about tomorrow and day after day. Not for the future.

‘They have to play here as best as possible then after that go to the national team. I selected Eric and the reason is he’s played very well in the games.’