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John Stones says England’s dramatic last-16 comeback win against Slovakia could prove an “emotional turning point” in their bid for Euro 2024 glory.
The Three Lions emerged 2-1 victors after Jude Bellingham levelled with an injury-time overhead kick, before captain Harry Kane notched the decisive strike in extra time.
Stones, speaking as England prepared for Saturday’s quarter-final against Switzerland (17:00), said the success will “change a lot of things”.
“It shows that unity, and togetherness, as a team,” said the 30-year-old defender.
“When you have done those things, you can believe you can do it better, and when it gets tough you can always recap to these moments.”
Stones felt England were heading for an early exit before their late fightback – and will now use that performance as “fuel” for the rest of the tournament.
“I thought we were going home up to 60 minutes into the game,” he added.
“To change the mindset, and for us all to keep the belief, it has a lot of power behind it – for ourselves and other teams.”
The Manchester City centre-back also said he is “all good” despite appearing in training with heavy strapping around his knee on Wednesday.
Stones will have to find a new centre-back partner with Marc Guehi suspended for Saturday’s quarter-final, which is being shown live on the BBC.
Criticism makes Southgate ‘want to win even more’
Manager Gareth Southgate will take charge of his 100th game at the weekend, but it hasn’t been easy for the England boss at Euro 2024.
His side have faced jeers – and even some cups being thrown by angry supporters – amid underwhelming performances, but they were greeted by a better reaction after beating Slovakia.
Stones said the criticism Southgate has faced will further motivate the Three Lions manager.
He added: “He pushes it aside, I can only comment on how that’ll only affect him in a good way. It will make him want to win even more, do better. It gets brushed aside very quickly.”
As Southgate nears his landmark century, Stones praised the way the 53-year-old has changed the national team’s “culture” as they look to win a first major trophy.
“The great attributes and qualities he has as a manager – he’s simple and clear with what he wants,” added Stones.
“To be here and try to leave a mark in this tournament is important and we have that goal at the end of it, to do something that has not been done before.”
‘Brilliant’ Switzerland still ‘good opportunity to go further’
England are on what looks to be an easier side of the draw, but Stones warned that Switzerland – who knocked out Italy to reach this stage – are “brilliant”.
He highlighted Manchester City defensive team-mate Manuel Akanji as one of their key men.
“How they have played this tournament – and the players they have got -they’ve been brilliant, so it is down to us now,” added Stones.
“Playing against the likes of Manu who is an exceptional player, I am sure he is doing the same for his [international] team-mates. They have some great players and it will be a really good match up for us and a test for us.”
Although Switzerland will be a tough test, Stones said England have a “good opportunity” to go further at Euro 2024 than in previous tournaments.
They were knocked out in the 2022 World Cup quarter-finals by France, beaten by Italy on penalties in the Euro 2020 final, and also lost to Croatia in the 2018 World Cup semi-final.
“In the World Cup we had a run that we felt we could win and that didn’t happen, we have to use the situations and learning curve to our advantage now,” added Stones.