England manager Thomas Tuchel appears to have validated Manchester City's controversial decision to let John Stones leave this summer, as the centre-back has been benched for key World Cup knockout matches. Stones, who joined England's World Cup squad hoping to prove his fitness, has only played one game since the opening win over Croatia—a group-stage match against Panama after qualification was already secured.
Stones' Frustration with Guardiola
Stones left City this summer after the club declined to offer him a contract extension, a decision driven by persistent injury problems over the past two years. The 32-year-old expressed confusion over his lack of playing time under Pep Guardiola, telling BBC Sport last month: "I was fit enough 100 per cent. It comes down to various things, the manager Guardiola and that’s something I can’t control... I feel as good as I’ve ever been before a tournament."
Tuchel's Selection Choices
Despite Tuchel's long-standing faith in Stones—including him in the World Cup squad regardless of fitness—the England boss has now made similar calls to Guardiola. For the first knockout round, Tuchel preferred Marc Guehi, who effectively replaced Stones at City in the second half of last season, to partner Ezri Konsa. If the same lineup is used against Mexico on Sunday, Stones will face a diminished role with the national team as well.
Impact on Stones' Future
There has been little speculation about where Stones will play next season. It remains possible he finds a club where he can rediscover his best form, and City supporters hope he does. However, Tuchel making the same decisions as Guardiola—even with fewer defensive options—suggests that City's decision to part ways was the right one. Stones' injury record and inability to stay fit for City's biggest games ultimately led to his departure, and now the national team manager appears to share that assessment.
