John Stones was absent from England’s Wednesday practice due to illness, just before the Euro 2024’s kick-off.
Last week, the Manchester City centre-back played in the Three Lions’ 1-0 loss to Iceland, but an injury saw him replaced at the interval.
On Tuesday, however, he did participate in training in Blankenhain.
In preparing for the tournament, Gareth Southgate has faced multiple withdrawals and concerns regarding player fitness, notably excluding Harry Maguire, Stones’ usual defensive counterpart, because of an injury.
“This morning, the Three Lions prepared without John Stones, sidelined by illness,” stated England’s post on X, as they looked forward to their Group C play against Serbia on Sunday.
Among active central defenders in the 26-member squad, Stones leads with 72 national caps, including 19 in significant competitions.
At age 30, his count stands as the squad’s third highest, contrasting starkly with fellow defenders Joe Gomez, Marc Guehi, Lewis Dunk, and Ezri Konsa, who collectively hold 36 caps.
