John Stones didn’t mince words after England’s wild 3-2 win over Mexico in Mexico City. The reward for that gritty performance in the Estadio Azteca? A Saturday date with Erling Haaland and Norway in Miami.
Norway stunned Brazil in the round of 16 on Sunday thanks to two late goals from Haaland. Now the Manchester City striker faces a familiar challenge: going up against his own club teammate Stones and fellow England defender Marc Guehi.
Stones, who just left City after a decade with the club, made it clear there’s no shortage of respect heading into this one.
“It’s another incredible player, and we’ve got huge respect for Norway as a team,” Stones said after the Mexico win. “They knocked Brazil out today, which speaks for itself and we’ll treat them with the same respect we show every opponent. We know what they’ve got, especially with Erling. We’ve put in some great defensive performances so far, and we’ll pick things up over the next few days. Tonight is about enjoying a special win.”
A backs-against-the-wall win in Azteca
England went down to 10 men in the second half after Jarell Quansah’s red card. That forced Thomas Tuchel to switch to a back-five, bringing on Dan Burn and Djed Spence alongside Stones as reinforcements. It wasn’t pretty but it worked.
Stones, playing in his third World Cup, said the experience of grinding out a win while shorthanded could prove huge ahead of the quarterfinals.
“We’ve been through that experience now and come out the right side of it,” he said. “Knowing we can defend like that if we have to is really encouraging and it gives us confidence going into the next round. The guys at the back have performed at such a high level throughout the tournament. We push each other every day in training, and whoever has played has done so well. That should give us great confidence.”
He added: “Ten men down for so long, soaking up pressure and grinding it out… it was really pleasing. The blocks, the saves, those are small wins for defenders, but they create a real winning mentality.”
Stones ready to step in if needed
Stones started England’s opener against Croatia but has been on the bench since, with Tuchel preferring Guehi and Ezri Konsa at center back. But Quansah’s one-game suspension and Reece James’ ongoing injury issues could open the door for a return. If Konsa shifts to right back, Stones is a strong candidate to start against Norway.
The 32-year-old, now with 92 caps, insists he’s in top shape despite an injury-riddled season that limited him to just nine Premier League appearances.
“I’ve been ready to go for a long time,” Stones said. “I feel great physically, and I’m always trying to stay positive and put myself in the best condition so I can help the team whenever I’m needed.”
England are now three wins away from their first World Cup title in 60 years. The final is set for July 19 in New Jersey, but first comes this massive test against a Norway side riding the high of knocking out Brazil.
“The mentality of the boys who aren’t playing has been incredible,” Stones said. “We’re all hungry to help, and we’ve all got the same goal… to reach the final.”
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