John Stones admits he thought England were heading home from Euro 2024 against Slovakia, but hopes the dramatic win is the turning point in their campaign.
The 30-year-old won his 76th cap in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday as England snatched a 95th minute equaliser against the side ranked 45th in the world, before progressing to the quarter-finals via a 2-1 win after extra-time.
“The biggest thrill that I can get out of playing is that winning feeling. To create history for us a nation” 🙌
John Stones is hungry for Euro success! 🏴 pic.twitter.com/8BSvEQa96V
— Sky Sports Football (@SkyFootball) July 4, 2024
Going home not coming home
Gareth Southgate’s side turned in another below-par performance, having failed to shine in their Group C campaign against Serbia, Denmark and Slovenia too.
“I thought we were going home after 60 minutes,” Stones admitted. “It’s only human to have those thoughts.
“I think it’s a turning point for us, emotionally, to do it in such a high pressured moment. I believe it’s going to change a lot of things for us as a team – going through those emotions.
“It shows that unity and togetherness of us. When you have done these things you believe even more – we can recapture those moments.”
The Man City defender said Jude Bellingham’s last-ditch goal not only sends a message to the squad, but also others in the tournament.
“To change our mindset and keep the belief has a lot of power behind it – for ourselves and other teams.
“We are there to do it right until the last minute – literally. We should take great confidence from that as it’s not easy to do in a high-pressured game.”
Fans frustration
Stones admitted ‘understandably the fans weren’t happy with the performance’ but said they had enjoyed some leisure time with families before hitting the training pitch, adding: “We have worked on a few things, trying to get back to that fluid, exciting football, creating…
Source link : https://www.101greatgoals.com/news/euro-2024-stones-hopes-late-drama-was-turning-point-for-england/
Author : Alex Hoad
Publish date : 2024-07-04 15:31:32
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