Gareth Southgate gets England fitness boost as Man City defender to return to training

John Stones returned to England training on Thursday morning after missing Wednesday’s session through illness.

The Manchester City defender was unable to take part due to illness and was the only player not involved in the session. But he made a quick comeback on Thursday, as reported by several journalists based in Germany, including PA’s Simon Peach.

It’s a huge boost for Gareth Southgate given Stones is his most experienced centre-back option. The 30-year-old has double the number of caps earned by fellow defenders Lewis Dunk, Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa and Joe Gomez, one of whom is expected to start alongside Stones when England take on Serbia this weekend.

Guehi was awarded the no.6 jersey when the squad numbers were announced on Wednesday, perhaps an indication he is Southgate’s first choice at the heart of defence.

It’s not been a straightforward build-up to Euro 2024 for Stones, who played just 21 minutes in City’s final seven Premier League matches of the 2023/24 season. He then picked up a minor knock which forced him to come off at half-time in last week’s friendly loss against Iceland, prior to his illness.

His place in the side is particularly key given long-term partner Harry Maguire hasn’t been selected in the squad through injury, while Luke Shaw, who is recovering from a four-month layoff, will not be available for the opening match of the month-long tournament.

The Three Lions kick off their Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia on Sunday in Gelsenkirchen, before group games against Denmark and Slovenia. The competition begins on Friday night when hosts Germany face Scotland.