Stones: We forget too quickly how proud we should be of our journey
England defender John Stones reflects on the pain of the World Cup semi-final exit and urges his team to focus on the bronze medal match.
Photo: Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Author: Антон Зайцев
Following a dramatic defeat to Argentina in the semi-finals, which halted their World Cup dream, the England squad is preparing for their final match of the tournament. Although the sting of the exit remains fresh, defender John Stones has emphasized the importance of finishing their campaign with dignity in the third-place play-off against France.
For the 32-year-old, who has acted as a key voice in the dressing room during the recovery process, this tournament has been another emotional hurdle following previous disappointments on the international stage. Stones admitted the team is still struggling with the emotions of losing their lead late in the game against the defending champions.
We forget too quickly how proud we should be of what we have done. I am proud of everyone in our camp. The effort, the sacrifices — everything that goes into it, not just by the players — brought us to this moment. John Stones
The player highlighted that the unwavering belief shared by the squad is exactly what made the defeat feel so devastating. Despite this, Stones, who departed Manchester City at the end of the season, is working to shift his focus toward the upcoming clash in Miami.
The third-place match is viewed as a vital opportunity to secure a bronze medal, a feat that would mark a significant achievement for this generation of players under the guidance of Thomas Tuchel.