LONDON (UK) – John Stones, who has carved a place for himself at the heart of the Manchester City defence this season, hopes his return to form will prompt England coach Gareth Southgate to bring him to the national squad again.
The player, who has not dribbled the ball for England since 2019, has created a strong centre-back tie-up with Ruben Dias at City. The duo conceded one goal in the 10 games they have started together.
Stones was instrumental in scoring two goals in City’s 4-0 win over Crystal Palace on Sunday. He told local media that an England recall would “mean everything”.
“Watching them on TV is something no player wants to do,” said Stones. “All I can do is get a run of games and impress Gareth. If it happens it happens.”
The player has been praised as one of England’s brightest talents when he arrived at City from Everton for 47.5 million pounds ($64.51 million) in 2016 but struggled to hold down a regular place under Pep Guardiola.
Last season, Stones, 26, made just 16 league appearances and said he often exerted too much pressure on himself.
“When you do get a chance, you don’t perform because you are putting too much pressure on yourself,” he added. “I wanted to be able to look in the mirror and tell myself I was doing everything to get back, to keep the faith, keep grinding away.”