John Stones: The Manchester City defender, England, considered retiring after an injury spell: “It was a very difficult place.”

The 31-year-old missed 33 games injured in the 2024/25 season, with only six Premier League starts.

He missed the final three months of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

“I didn’t want to do it. I was very professional and I was trying to do everything right on my own, so I kept breaking and didn’t have the answer. It was a very difficult place.

“There are some things you don’t know why that happens, and it can be even more difficult for you to put in so much effort and you are very professional and you can play and make it available.

“When that time comes and something happens, it’s easier to say, ‘Well, I didn’t do x, y, z, so that’s why’ – but when you do it, it’s mentally challenging. Hopefully I won’t go back to that place. ”

The Stones have started five games this season at Manchester City and are being called to the England team for upcoming games against Wales and Latvia.

“My feelings were high,” he added about his thoughts on retirement.

“I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think I’ve ever done it. I told City years ago that he wanted to give me a new challenge.

“Yes, I have that fight within me and I have an unstoppable mentality.”

The Stones represent England in five major tournaments, but have not played any international games since October 2024.

Three lions will beat Latvia next Tuesday, with other results moving forward, and they will secure their positions in the next year’s World Cup, in the US, Canada and Mexico.

England manager Thomas Tuschel appeared to be revealing his positive feelings for the stone when he invited him to become part of the camp in June despite his injuries.

“I think it’s difficult to write my love for England, words. I love England and I love playing in England,” Stones said.

“I had the best moments of my career in the England (and AT) tournament. It was easy when he (Tuchel) said, ‘I’m coming out and staying with everyone and continuing to train.’

“I wanted to be there, but I was around guys. He saw it from so many perspectives. I wasn’t around the team (and he knew I was a lonely training myself and in a difficult place.

“(But) it’s a presence, a vent for the people who speak, a young person. I think I know that someone (not healthy) is willing to be part of the team. This shows a lot of things to the young people who are on the team and the young people that England have created over the years.

“To come, show me my face, give me advice and become a good teammate — it was a special moment.”

Anthony Gordon maintained his spot after being moved by a 5-0 victory in September against Serbia.

However, Newcastlewinger, who won 13 caps for the national team, says he doesn’t feel safe in his place with the team.

“The moment you start thinking like that, you’re having problems. At this level, the team is constantly changing, the players are in and the players are leaving.

“I think you have to be a bit of a paranoid that you’re not going to get in because you push you further.

“The young people you compete in are always at the highest level, so you have to constantly challenge yourself, because that’s the level we play.

“So I don’t think I’m glued to it at all, but obviously that’s a big goal for me and what I’m pushing.”