JOHN STONES was subbed off during England’s win over Czech Republic due to fatigue and NOT injury in a huge boost for Gareth Southgate.
The Manchester City centre-back, 27, was surprisingly taken off with ten minutes to play – replaced by Tyrone Mings – sparking fears he had picked up a knock.
Stones’ withdrawal meant there were two left-sided centre-backs on the pitch in Mings and Harry Maguire – who was making his return following a 44-day injury lay-off – suggesting it wasn’t planned by Southgate.
But The Athletic now claim Stones was simply tired following a gruelling season and is fit for next Tuesday’s last-16 game.
The defender has played 40 times for club and country since the end of October 2020, including the full 90 minutes against Croatia and Scotland.
Stones has looked assured all tournament so far and his absence would have been a huge blow.
So the news he was simply fatigued is a huge boost to both fans and the squad.
As well as Stones, Maguire and Mings, Southgate has Conor Coady and Ben White at his disposal in the heart of defence.
England have a week off ahead of their last-16 clash.
Following Tuesday night’s win over Czech Republic – with Raheem Sterling scoring the winner – the Three Lions now don’t play until Tuesday June 29.
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England will go up against the runners-up from Group F – one of France, Germany, Portugal of Hungary.
As things stand, the Germans will be the last-16 opponents with Joachim Low’s currently in second place in the ‘Group of Death’.
England will learn their last-16 fate TONIGHT, as Germany face Hungary at 8pm.
Simultaneously, France take on Portugal with everything to play for.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
