England’s preparations for their next two World Cup qualifying matches have been dealt a setback after defender John Stones was forced to withdraw from the squad through injury.
The 31-year-old Manchester City centre-back arrived at the training camp carrying what manager Thomas Tuchel described as a “muscular issue.”
Hopes that the problem would ease during the week proved unfounded, leading to the experienced defender departing the camp on Friday morning.
Stones has played every minute of City’s three Premier League matches this season, suggesting the issue is a minor one.
But Tuchel was adamant he would not risk aggravating the problem in what could be a defining month for England’s qualifying campaign.
“He came with minor issues and didn’t progress as we thought and hoped he would, so he left camp this morning,” Tuchel explained.
“Everyone else is available. We had 21 players yesterday and 21 players today, and hopefully we make sure everyone is ready for tomorrow.”
England host Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday before travelling to Belgrade to face Serbia on Tuesday, a fixture that is widely seen as the sternest test in Group B.
Tuchel’s Defensive Options
Stones’ absence leaves Tuchel with four recognised centre-backs: Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, and Jarell Quansah.
While each offers attributes of their own, none can quite replicate the blend of composure, passing ability, and tactical versatility that Stones brings.
Tuchel has spoken often about his admiration for the City defender, describing him as a player capable of changing the way England build from the back.
More intriguingly, Tuchel has also suggested Stones could be redeployed as a holding midfielder, filling the void left by England’s lack of a natural number six.
Injury has so far denied the German coach the chance to test that theory. Stones has not featured in any of Tuchel’s first three England camps, having also missed the last two gatherings with fitness issues.
His continued absence deprives the team not only of his defensive quality but also his potential as a midfield option.
A Blow Ahead of Serbia
Football reporter Alex Howell described Stones’ withdrawal as “a blow for Tuchel.” The former Chelsea manager had been keen to accelerate his tactical adjustments during this international break, with a particular focus on midfield balance. Stones, with his ability to step into central areas for City, was viewed as an ideal candidate.
The match against Serbia is expected to be a significant hurdle. Playing away from home, Tuchel will have to rely on less experienced alternatives, with Guehi and Konsa most likely to form the central partnership. Burn offers height and strength, while Quansah, the Liverpool youngster, remains a wildcard option.
Tuchel will now need to adjust quickly, ensuring that his message on organisation and structure resonates with a backline that lacks the leadership Stones provides.
Keeping an Eye on October
For Stones, the priority will be recovery. While the problem does not appear to be long-term, the repeated interruptions to his international involvement are frustrating. He has earned 83 caps since making his debut in 2014, yet his England career has often been punctuated by spells on the sidelines.
Tuchel remains hopeful that Stones will be fit in time for England’s next round of qualifiers in October. The German insisted he would rather lose the defender temporarily than jeopardise his availability for the months ahead.
For now, though, England will move forward without one of their most reliable performers. As Tuchel seeks to blend experience and youthful energy in his evolving side, the absence of Stones could prove telling in Serbia next week, when England’s ability to withstand pressure will be severely tested.
The Three Lions have options, but they will miss their defensive cornerstone when they need him most.
