‘Take the handbrake off’ - Man City star hopes Gareth Southgate changes England tactical approach

John Stones has said he hopes England ‘take the handbrake off’ for future games at Euro 2024 and called for the team to take risks.

The Three Lions put in another disjointed display on Sunday night against Slovakia, one that lacked rhythm and penetration in the offensive areas. But with a minute left to play of injury-time, a dramatic Jude Bellingham overhead kick saw England equalise in Gelsenkirchen, before Harry Kane grabbed the winner in extra-time to set up a quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday.

While the performance - and decisions made by manager Gareth Southgate - raised many questions, England’s determination and ability to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat has been praised. Speaking after the game, Stones said he hopes the win can result in a change of approach from the team.

“I hope now, coming through such a tough time and doing things, taking risks with the ball, we can implement that now and kind of take the handbrake off in some senses to let our quality show,” he told beIN Sports.

“What a game, what a way for us to get through,” he added. “It was not the way that we wanted to but I think the fight, the desire that people wanted to see from us at home, from people in the stands – that fight for the shirt, for everyone that’s come out to support us was there and more.

“That’s what’s got us through, we didn’t play the best and that is down to us, which is frustrating.”