John Stones is set to feature for England at his sixth major tournament, despite an injury-disrupted past couple of seasons.
What's at stake for John Stones?
The 32-year-old was named in Thomas Tuchel's England squad for this summer's World Cup, a testament to his mental strength and ability to bounce back from setbacks.
He was restricted to 18 appearances for Manchester City last season and revealed in October that he considered retiring as a player.
Stones told the BBC: "It was a difficult period when I said that and I hope I don't get to that again."
How has John Stones overcome his injuries?
A hamstring injury in February last year cut short his 2024-25 campaign, while an earlier foot problem had helped restrict him to 11 Premier League appearances.
He missed two months of the 2025-26 season with a thigh issue and played no part in England's friendlies against Uruguay and Japan in March due to a calf injury.
What's next for John Stones and England?
Stones has appeared for England in five previous major tournaments, having made his senior debut in a friendly win against Peru in 2014, and is poised to make his 90th appearance.
He started alongside Ezri Konsa in England's pre-World Cup friendly against Costa Rica and could be in line for a starting berth against Croatia on Wednesday.
Stones announced in April that he would be leaving Manchester City at the end of the season, but his focus is now on the World Cup and helping England succeed.
The former Barnsley and Everton centre-half is proud of himself for being mentally strong throughout his injury struggles and coming out on top.
He feels one of his greatest achievements is to keep coming back from those setbacks and being on top form, going back into games and playing at a high level.