Man City defender Stones set to captain England in Nations League clash

England's interim manager Carsley confirmed that Manchester City defender John Stones will captain England in Thursday's Nations League match against Greece.

Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane will start on the bench due to a 'small knock' he suffered in the Bavarian giants' last game before the international break, meaning the England defender will take on the captain's role for the very first time.

Lee Carsley told the press conference ahead of the game at the Wembley Stadium that he spoke to Stones before handing him the responsibility.

"It was a great conversation I was able to have with John to ask him to captain the team. It's a brilliant achievement, something he deserves with the amount of caps he's got, the experience he's got, the level of professionalism he's shown, the example he is to young players."

Stones, who will play his 82nd match for the Three Lions as captain, said it had been a dream of his since he was a young boy to wear the armband. 

"It's everything I could have dreamed of as a kid. More for my family, to be able to see me walk out as England captain is a special moment. One I can't thank Lee enough for. An incredible moment for me. To be walking out with the armband on is an absolute honour and a moment I'll cherish forever," said the Manchester City centre-back.

 

October 10, 2024