John Stones: Manchester City, England defender considered retirement after injury-hit spell: ‘It was a very difficult place to be in’

The 31-year-old missed 33 games with injury in the 2024/25 season and only made six Premier League starts.

He missed the last three months of the campaign with a hamstring injury.

“I didn’t want to do it. I had had enough of being so professional and trying to do everything right in my power, to then keep breaking down and not having the answers. It was a very difficult place to be in.

“There comes a point where you don’t know why it happens and it is even harder when you put in so much effort, or you are ultra professional, to be able to play and be available.

“When that time comes and something happens, it would be easier to say ‘well I didn’t do X, Y and Z that’s why’ – but when you do it, it’s then mentally challenging. Hopefully I don’t go back to that place.”

Stones has started five games for Manchester City this season and has been called up to the England squad for upcoming games against Wales and Latvia.

“My emotions were high,” he added about his retirement thoughts.

“I wasn’t thinking straight. I don’t think deep down I would have ever done it. I said years ago when City wanted me to have a new challenge, I said ‘I am going to fight’. That’s all I have known since I was a kid – why should I stop that now?

“So yes, there is that fight in me and that winning mentality that doesn’t want to stop.”

Stones has represented England at five major tournaments but hasn’t played an international game since October 2024.

If the Three Lions beat Latvia next Tuesday and other results go their way, they will secure their place at next year’s World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

England manager Thomas Tuchel appeared to make clear his positive feelings towards Stones when he invited him to be part of a camp in June despite being injured.

“My love for England, I think it’s difficult to put into words. I love England so much, I love playing for England,” Stones said.

“I have had some of the best moments in my career playing for England (and at) tournaments. When he (Tuchel) said, ‘will I come out and be with the guys and continue my training’, it was a no-brainer.

“I wanted to be there, be around the guys. He saw it from so many points of view. I hadn’t been around the team (and) he knew that I was lonely training by myself, being in a difficult spot.

“(But also) to be a presence, to be someone to speak to, a vent for the younger guys. I suppose knowing that someone (who is not fit) is willing to come and be part of a team, that shows a great deal to the lads that are coming into the squad and what England has and has created over the years.

“For me to come and show my face, offer advice, be a good team-mate – it was a special moment.”

Anthony Gordon has kept his spot after impressing in September’s 5-0 victory over Serbia.

But the Newcastle winger, who has won 13 caps for the national team, says he doesn’t feel his place in the squad is secure.

“I think the moment you start thinking like that, you’ve got a problem. At this level, you see the squads changing all the time, players come in, players leave.

“I think you’ve almost got to be a bit paranoid that you’re not going to get in because it pushes you even further.

“You’ve always got to challenge yourself because the lads who you’re competing with are always at the highest level because that’s the level we’re playing at.

“So, I never think I’m nailed in, but obviously it’s a massive goal for me and one that I’m pushing for.”