England manager Thomas Tuchel has indicated that John Stones remains a key part of his World Cup plans, despite the defender's lack of game time at Manchester City this season. The 31-year-old has started only four Premier League matches and four Champions League games for City, with Pep Guardiola often preferring other options even when Stones is fit.
Stones was an unused substitute in the Carabao Cup final victory over Arsenal last Sunday, despite Guardiola missing several defenders through injury or ineligibility. He has not started a league match since February and was a bench-warmer in both legs of City's Champions League exit to Real Madrid.
Tuchel acknowledged the situation but stressed that Stones's quality and leadership make him an exception to his usual rule that players must be featuring regularly for their clubs. 'If you come to the World Cup, you should be fit,' Tuchel said. 'When John came he was fit. He did not have a lot of minutes but he has a level of game understanding. I knew that he was ready to play.'
The England boss added that Stones is a 'world-class player' who brings personality and attitude to the squad. Stones was forced to withdraw from the recent international camp after feeling a calf problem in training, missing the 1-1 draw with Uruguay. He will also sit out Tuesday's friendly against Japan.
Tuchel has previously taken Stones to a warm-weather training camp even when he was not fit, highlighting his importance to the group. Meanwhile, Harry Maguire has been recalled after a strong run of form under interim Manchester United manager Michael Carrick, starting all 10 matches and helping the club climb the table.
