Manager Thomas Tuchel intends to give John Stones every chance of breaking into England’s World Cup squad, describing the injury-hit centre-back as his “key player”. However, the Manchester City player warned: “I have to be healthy.”
Stones has 87 international caps but has only appeared in four games under Tuchel since taking charge, due to injury problems.
The City defender was due to play against Uruguay at Wembley on Friday, but was left out of the squad due to a minor calf problem.
Ahead of Tuesday’s friendly against Japan, Tuchel said Stones was a key part of his plans for this summer. That is, as long as he is in good health when the tournament squad is announced in early June.
“It’s not ideal for John or for us,” Tuchel said of the Stones’ latest setback. “John was emotionally devastated by this little incident. Given what had happened so far, we had to be careful. There was no point in pushing him through this and making things worse by trying things.
“He has a lot of confidence for me in the bank. He is an important player for me, whether as a starter or coming off the bench. His quality, mentality, character, his condition are still a big part of my plans, but like any other player he has to get fit.”
“There are no big exceptions to that. But let’s wait. I think he will be out for a few days and then return to the pitch. I think he can get away without spending too many minutes, but then as usual we make late decisions. Let’s wait and see how it plays out.”
Tuchel’s comments contrast with what he has said about fellow experienced England centre-back Harry Maguire. The Manchester United defender played well against Uruguay, but Tuchel later suggested Maguire could remain fifth in the pecking order in his position.
“I haven’t changed my mind, but there are other players I would like to start and I think other players are moving on with different profiles,” he said.
John Stones joined England camp but was subsequently injured
Coach Tuchel will be cautious about injuries ahead of the World Cup
Tuchel then pointed out how the injury could be decisive in terms of his World Cup prospects, pointing out that other countries have also lost important players. “Injuries, everyone is affected. We have to be careful, we have the main options available,” he said.
But Tuchel has been particularly affected ahead of the match against Japan, with Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka returning to Arsenal with problems after being rested against Uruguay, and Noni Maduke and Adam Wharton both picking up injuries in that game and will be unavailable on Tuesday. Eberechi Eze and Jarel Quansah had already retreated before the camp.
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Saturday’s social panel will discuss which number 10 will be selected for England’s World Cup squad and who will miss out.
Tuchel admitted it was frustrating not having all his options available, but accepted that it was always a possibility with the March camp at a busy time in club football’s calendar.
Asked about his absence, Tuchel said: “It’s disappointing, but not for the players. We want everyone to be fit and healthy.”
“It’s the reality of the end of the season and the end of March, the reality of paying for European games and multiple competitions with all the cup competitions.
“There are some players in camp who have already played more minutes than last season, so there is some concern.
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Sky Sports’ senior correspondent Rob Dorsett asks who is best suited to lead England’s front line in Harry Kane’s absence and whether the Three Lions can cope without him at the World Cup.
“The players needed and deserved a mental break from soccer. You could see their energy coming back to camp and trying to reconnect in a new environment.”
“We want them to perform for their respective clubs, but the reality is that this is their last camp before leaving for America, so we want to stick to our principles once again.
“Unfortunately, I’m not mad at the players, I’m not angry. Some of the injured players stayed here and started their treatment. We had dinner, dinner and breakfast again.”
“Everyone was more affected by leaving than by being able to stay.
“We’ll have a strong squad tomorrow. We’ve all been training (Monday) and we’ve got a full selection. We’ve got some fresh legs back so we’re looking forward to (Tuesday).”
Coach Tuchel says about Japan: “We need the best performance to win”
Asked about the challenges facing Japan, Tuchel warned that his side, ranked 18th in the world, who arrive at Wembley after beating Scotland 1-0 at Hampden Park on Saturday, cannot be underestimated. They have only lost one game in their last 17 games.
“I’m expecting a well-drilled team. They’re mobile, they’re fluid, they love switching plays. They love possession,” said Tuchel, who is familiar with the back-five set-up.
“I myself have played in this formation many times. It’s very difficult to press. If you want to win the ball and get a good ball recovery, you have to be smart and press as hard as you can.”
“Given the very fast players and Japan’s formation, there is always the possibility that we will have trouble switching plays. However, we have had one more training session and are preparing well. It will be an interesting match.”
He added, “In order to win the match, I need to be myself and give my best performance.”
Follow England vs Japan on Tuesday on the Sky Sports website and app. Kickoff 7:45pm
