They have lacked game time for their clubs... but John says: Harry & me have a special bond for England, it just clicks
JOHN STONES insists England can rely on him and Harry Maguire at the heart of defence.
They have formed a solid partnership in the past alongside Kyle Walker in Gareth Southgate’s preferred back three.
Stones, 28, and Maguire, 29, are set for a third tournament together having reached the World Cup semi-finals in 2018 and Euro 2020 final 16 months ago. Maguire is out of favour at Manchester United under new boss Erik ten Hag, starting just one Premier League game since August because of poor form and injury. But Manchester City’s Stones says that does not mean their defensive bond for England - they have played together 29 times - has been broken. “When I look at Harry, I see a partner. Through all the experiences we’ve had together he’s had my back and I’ve had his back,” he said.
“We’ve had so many games together, we’ve made a bond and a partnership. We know what the other is going to do and how we work best together. 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 it is. That kind of goes out the window when these moments hit.
“Harry’s an incredible player, you don’t get to the standard he has without being. The adversity he has gone through, and still is to some extent, shows the character of the person to never give in.”
Maguire was booed by United and England fans recently, which will add to the pressure if he starts against Iran next week.
But Southgate is expected to stick with the man who has delivered in an England shirt for him.
Stones has been joined in Qatar by City team-mates Walker and Kalvin Phillips, despite them only just returning from injury. Walker has battled through a groin problem to make the trip, while Phillips has overcome a shoulder injury which needed an operation.
“They’ve both been working extremely hard to make the tournament, and they still are, so credit to them,” said Stones. “They’ve defied some expert advice and I’m so happy for them as people and players that they’re on the plane.
“It’s definitely not been easy for them, to have surgery and a long time frame that puts you out of the World Cup on paper.
“So, to go back to the same surgeon, get the green light that you’re weeks in advance is a great credit to the guys at City who’ve been working with them and to themselves.”