John Stones insisted England's heroic defence silenced their critics after weathering a relentless late Mexican barrage in a 3-2 World Cup quarter-final victory. Thomas Tuchel's entire squad has bought into the concept of substitutes being 'finishers', but nobody could have envisaged Stones, Dan Burn and Djed Spence being the players to see the job through following Jarell Quansah's red card.
Stones Defiant After Ten-Man Display
Stones, who does not want to think about a quarter-final shootout with Erling Haaland in Miami just yet, said defiantly when asked if England's backline had finally proven their doubters wrong: "I think, definitely, and in depth as well. With Dan coming on, Djed coming on, myself coming on, Ezri [Konsa] removing to right-back.
"I mean, it's not an easy place. I think statistically as well they've been so good here at home. Ten men down, and for the period of time that we had to soak up a lot of pressure, and really grind it out, it was really pleasing on my behalf, and to see the reaction of the blocks, and the saves, and things like that, is small wins for us, as defenders."
"It creates a real winning mentality and atmosphere that gets everyone pumped up, and I'm really pleased for the guys that came on and had such an impact."
Haaland Challenge Looms
England's defence will have to reach new levels of solidity – they still conceded twice at the Azteca – to keep rampant Haaland at bay. The Manchester City phenomenon struck twice to eliminate Brazil on Sunday, taking his World Cup goal tally to seven, one more than Harry Kane.
Stones knows the size of the task at hand but insists it's one England will relish. He responded: "I've only just been told, to be fair, I was trying to enjoy the win!
"But yeah, another incredible player and we've got a lot of huge, huge respect for them as a team. We saw the result earlier today, them knocking out Brazil, and that's something within its own right, and we will definitely go into the game same as every game."
"I'm sure you've heard me say it many times in the past, but treat everyone with the same respect and know what they've got, especially with Erling and they've kept some great defensive displays as well. It's one for us to kind of pick up in a few days, I suppose, and look forward to, but tonight's a special night and I think we've overcome a big hurdle."
Stones Pushes for Starting Role
Stones provided a timely reminder of his quality – tackles, blocks and clearances – in an action-packed 44-minute cameo. Despite the mother of all wins, he could not hide his disappointment that he has not been playing of late.
He said: "I've been, yeah, ready to go from earlier this year and not had the opportunity, which is what it is. And I always try to be as positive as possible, and put myself in the best condition.
"I feel great. I'm here to do what I did tonight. As every player is, I’m frustrated when they don't play and want to play and I feel like the mentality of the boys that don't is incredible and that's something that is rare within the tournament, you know.
"You're away from family, you're training every day, you're not playing as much as you'd like to. And we're all hungry to help, and have all got the same goal in mind to get to that final and see where it takes us, but I feel great, and I'm loving helping and performing the way I did tonight."
