Since the Three Lions’ first international fixture, a 0-0 draw with Scotland in 1872, they have been consistently led by heroic defenders who have written their names in folklore.
In their most successful tournaments, they have built on colossal rearguard action which has helped them compete at latter stages of competitions.
Bobby Moore in England’s triumphant 1966 World Cup campaign, Terry Butcher at the semi-final of Italia 90 and Tony Adams in the last-four of 1996 European Championships are just three examples.
And across the Three Lions’ last three major tournaments – John Stones has been a key cog at the heart of Gareth Southgate’s defence.
The Yorkshireman played every game at the 2018 World Cup as his nation reached the semi-final before featuring seven times as they reached the final of Euro 2020 and five times en route to the quarter-final at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
With England through to the 2024 European Championship final, Stones has once again played every assignment for his nation in Germany ahead of the showpiece at Olympiastadion on Sunday 14 July at 20:00 (UK).
It’s the latest highlight in a career which has seen him lift 16 major honours with City as he eyes his first international trophy.
After departing Barnsley for Premier League Everton in 2013, it didn’t take long for his maiden England inclusion to arrive – moving up to the senior squad following appearances for the Under-19s, 20s and 21s.
Compared to his vital role for the Three Lions across the last six years – it wasn’t all plain sailing for the versatile defender.
During Roy Hodgson’s tenure, Stones would endure a few set-backs after being left out of the 2014 World Cup squad in Brazil before being left on the sidelines across the 2016 Euros in France.
After the former Liverpool boss’ reign came to an end following a shock 2-1 defeat to Iceland – Sam Allardyce was appointed before he was replaced by Gareth Southgate on 27 September 2016.
The promotion of the former Under-21s chief to the senior role sparked a change in Stones’ fortunes on the national stage – immediately becoming one of the ex-Aston Villa defender’s most trusted lieutenants.
City’s defender played 14 times ahead of the 2018 World Cup in Russia before playing every match for his nation at the major tournament – scoring twice in their 6-1 group win over Panama as the Three Lions utilised set plays to help them compete at the business end of the competition.
That performance and victory helped his nation to the last-four for the first time in 22 years as the players and staff alike captured the hearts and attention of the nation back home.
Following on from narrowly missing the World Cup final, Stones has been a mainstay as his nation have rearranged the shape of their backline between a three, four and five.
The 1966 world champions then went one better at the following tournament across Europe as they reached the EURO 2020 final at Wembley.
Throughout their journey to the showpiece, Stones helped them record a fifth straight clean sheet in a tournament game with a 4-0 win over Ukraine in Rome.
That shutout broke the record for most consecutive competition clean sheets set by Moore in 1966.
However, it would be penalties heartbreak for Southgate’s men who drew 1-1 with Italy at Wembley in the final before a 3-2 defeat in the resulting shootout.
Attentions quickly turned to World Cup qualification and Stones continued to play alongside Harry Maguire as their relationship on the international stage grew.
Perhaps the most notable victory as they built momentum towards Qatar was when he helped England to a 10-0 win away against San Marino.
After winning the 2021/22 Premier League title with Pep Guardiola’s side, he continued his strong displays domestically into the 2022/23 campaign before the first winter edition of the World Cup.
That earned him his starting spot for England as a result and he was an integral part of the side that kept back-to-back clean sheets against USA (0-0) and Wales (3-0) after a 6-2 opening match win over Iran.
Another shutout followed in a 3-0 win over Senegal in the Roun-of-16 before a narrow 2-1 defeat to France ended England’s hopes for another year.
Despite the disappointment on the international stage, he returned to the Etihad Stadium and played an crucial part in our historic Treble success as well as the FIFA Club World Cup triumph in 2023.
So far, Stones has played every minute of Euro 2024 for England in Germany and has once again delivered strong defensive displays as England have grown into the tournament.
He contributed to two clean sheets during the group stages as his nation topped their chart before dramatic knockout wins over Slovakia, Switzerland and the Netherlands which booked their spot in a second straight European Championships final.
Having won everything at club level, winning a first major honour for his country would conclude the next excellent chapter in his illustrious career.
