Manchester City defender John Stones has pulled out of the England squad for the next two 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers due to injury.
Manager Thomas Tuchel confirmed on Thursday that the 31-year-old centre-back, who arrived at camp with a muscular issue, has not recovered sufficiently to take part.
“John came with minor issues and didn’t progress as we thought and hoped he would, so he left camp this morning,” Tuchel said. “Everyone else is available. We had 21 players in training yesterday and the same today, so hopefully we’ll keep everyone fit.”
Stones has featured in all three of Manchester City’s Premier League matches this season but will now miss England’s home clash against Andorra at Villa Park on Saturday and the trip to face Serbia on Tuesday.
Tuchel will rely on Marc Guehi, Dan Burn, Ezri Konsa, and Jarell Quansah as his central defensive options for the double-header.
