John Stones is set to experience a moment he will cherish forever as he leads England as captain for the first time in the match against Greece on Thursday. The Manchester City defender will have the honour of walking out at Wembley with the captain’s armband, a role he takes on in the absence of Harry Kane due to injury. Stones expressed his excitement, calling it an “incredible moment” as he prepares to earn his 82nd cap for his country.
Reflecting on this significant milestone, Stones shared that it fulfills a childhood dream, and he is grateful for the opportunity. He mentioned how special it is for his family to witness him captain the England team and expressed his gratitude to Lee, likely referring to England manager Gareth Southgate, for entrusting him with this responsibility. Stones described their conversation as great and admitted to being somewhat speechless during it. He emphasised the honour he feels to wear the captain’s armband and stated that it is a moment he will forever hold dear.
In addition to Stones’ captaincy, there is anticipation that his former Manchester City teammate Cole Palmer will make his first competitive start for England. Palmer, who now plays for Chelsea, has been in impressive form, and Stones praised his development since leaving City. Despite expressing sadness at Palmer’s departure from City, Stones commended his growth and performance at Stamford Bridge. He highlighted Palmer’s ability to excel in significant moments and big games, such as scoring in a final, and expressed hope for his continued success.
Stones and Palmer could potentially feature together in the starting XI for England, showcasing a reunion on the international stage following their time at Manchester City. Their camaraderie and shared experiences add an intriguing dynamic to the upcoming match against Greece. As Stones prepares to lead his country onto the pitch at Wembley, the significance of this moment in his career resonates deeply, marking a milestone he will forever treasure.