John Stones says England are ready to meet Norway on 6 July, stressing respect for Erling Haaland’s attack and his own fitness after a limited club season.
What did Stones say about Norway?
Speaking after England’s 3‑2 win over Mexico on 1 July, Stones highlighted Norway’s recent 2‑0 victory over Brazil in New Jersey. “They knocked Brazil out today, which speaks for itself,” he told reporters. He added that England will treat Norway “with the same respect we show every opponent” and that they “know what they’ve got, especially with Erling.”
How does his recent World Cup experience help?
Stones entered the Mexico match as a second‑half substitute when Thomas Tuchel switched to a back‑five. He praised the defensive unit’s ability to hold a lead while playing with ten men after Jarell Quansah’s red card. “We’ve been through that experience now and come out the right side of it,” he said, noting that grinding out a win builds a winning mentality for defenders.
Will Stones start against Norway?
Stones started England’s opening game against Croatia but has been on the bench since, with Marc Guehi preferred alongside Ezri Konsa. However, injuries to Reece James and a suspension for Quansah open the door for Stones to start if Konsa shifts permanently to right‑back. The 32‑year‑old, now on 92 caps, insists he feels “great physically” despite only nine Premier League appearances this season.
What does the Norway match mean for England?
The quarter‑final in Miami marks England’s fourth‑ever World Cup semi‑final appearance if they win. It will also be the first England‑Norway World Cup meeting since a 1‑0 friendly win at Wembley in September 2014. Norway, led by Haaland, are looking to become the first Scandinavian side to reach the final four. Stones believes the defensive work shown in Mexico gives England confidence heading into the clash.
How does the Haaland factor affect Stones?
The intra‑club dynamic adds spice: Haaland, now a Manchester City striker, will face former City teammates Stones and Guehi. Stones said the matchup is “another incredible player” and that the respect for Haaland’s goal‑scoring prowess is genuine. He expects a physical battle, noting that England’s back line has “performed at such a high level throughout the tournament.”
What’s next for Stones after the quarter‑final?
If England progress, Stones will likely feature in the semi‑final, where the pressure will increase dramatically. He emphasized staying positive and ready, saying, “I’m always trying to stay positive and put myself in the best condition so I can help the team whenever I’m needed.” The focus now is on the 6 July showdown, where every defensive block could decide England’s fate.