Injury made Stones 'think about retiring' last season

Recent in Sports
Brazil's undisputed star? Neymar's World Cup race against time
'Gobby troublemaker to meticulous coach' - Bellamy's evolution
'Martin's excruciating Rangers era finally at a chaotic conclusion'
No panic - but is this Liverpool's transitional season coming a year late?
Wales recall Ramsey for Belgium and England games

England and Manchester City defender John Stones has revealed that he contemplated retirement last season due to injuries.

Stones only made 11 appearances in the Premier League during the last campaign, impacted by foot and hamstring ailments, the latter of which prematurely concluded his season in February.

At 31 years old, Stones has played for England in five major tournaments but has not featured for the national team since October 2024, following Thomas Tuchel’s appointment as manager in January.

He is selected for Thursday's friendly match against Wales at Wembley as well as the World Cup qualifier against Latvia on Tuesday, 14 October, both starting at 19:45 BST.

A win in Riga would almost ensure England’s qualification for next summer's World Cup finals, which will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Stones shared with BBC Radio 5 Live, "Last season was hard for me, to the extent that I thought about quitting."

"I didn't want to reach that point. I was tired of being professional and putting in all the effort only to keep getting injured without understanding why. It was a very challenging situation."

Injuries have hindered Stones from exceeding 27 league appearances in a single season with Manchester City, a club he joined from Everton back in 2016.

"There comes a time when you become uncertain about the reasons behind it all, and it’s even more frustrating when you have been diligent and committed to your training and availability," Stones remarked.

"When things go wrong despite your hard work, it becomes a mental hurdle. I hope I never have to face that situation again."

This season, Stones has made five starts, although Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola seems to prefer a centre-back pairing of Ruben Dias and Josko Gvardiol.

"My emotions were heightened. I wasn’t thinking clearly. Deep down, I don't think I could have ever actually retired," said Stones.

"I mentioned years ago that when City suggested a new challenge, my response was that I would fight. That’s what I have known since childhood—why should I abandon that now?"

"Indeed, there is a fighting spirit within me and a determination to succeed that refuses to let go."

Tuchel mentioned last week that no player is assured a spot in his England squad, having excluded Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, and Jack Grealish.

Nevertheless, Stones’ significance to Tuchel became evident in June when he was invited to join the squad in Spain for a training camp, despite his injury.

"My love for England is hard to articulate. I adore playing for England," Stones expressed.

"I’ve experienced some of the best moments in my career while representing England in tournaments. When he [Tuchel] asked me to join and continue training with the team, it was an obvious choice."

I desired to be present, to be among the guys. He recognized it from multiple perspectives. I had not been with the team, and he was aware that I felt isolated training alone, being in a tough situation.

"Additionally, I aimed to provide a presence, someone for the younger players to talk to, a source to express themselves. I think realizing that someone who is not fully fit is eager to participate in the team demonstrates a lot to the newcomers and illustrates what England has developed over time.

"For me, appearing and giving support, being a good teammate – it was a moment of significance."

Anthony Gordon from Newcastle has made a mark on the left wing under Tuchel, but he feels he has yet to reach his full potential when representing the national team.

"I believe I have only been operating at about 50% when wearing an England jersey," he stated. "I'm far from where I can ultimately reach. However, I find myself becoming more at ease with each match I play.

"I am eager to deliver performances like that more frequently. I probably should have been achieving those results a bit sooner. I thought I played well in Serbia, and I am aiming to build on that."

Gordon is not taken aback that Tuchel maintained the same squad from the September camp, which he referred to as "the best I have experienced regarding the atmosphere of the camp" since "everything functioned smoothly both on and off the field."