Soccer

    England without John Stones for the Ivory Coast clash as defender returns to Manchester City

    Planet Sport writerStaff Writer28 March 2022
    England's John Stones during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers - San Marino vs England on November 15, 2021 at the San Marino stadium in San Marino, Republic of San Marino

    England's John Stones during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 World Cup qualifiers - San Marino vs England on November 15, 2021 at the San Marino stadium in San Marino, Republic of San Marino

    John Stones will not take part in England’s friendly against the Ivory Coast after leaving the camp as an injury precaution.

    The Manchester City player was set to feature against Switzerland last Saturday, but after pulling up in the warm-up, he was replaced by Ben White. 

    Despite conceding an early goal, England fought back to win 2-1 at Wembley stadium. The Three Lions will now take on the Ivory Coast on Tuesday, but they will be without the 27-year-old who returns to his club.

    England manager Gareth Southgate revealed that Stones "felt a bit of tightness" before kick off, and the Football Association have since confirmed his absence from the camp.

    In a statement, the FA said: "John Stones has left the England camp and returned to Manchester City.
    "Having withdrawn from the starting line-up ahead of Saturday's 2-1 victory against Switzerland at Wembley, the defender has continued to be assessed.
    "After today's session at Tottenham Hotspur's training ground, it was decided that Stones would play no part against Cote d'Ivoire on Tuesday and has returned to his club as a precaution."

    Stones last played for England during their 1-1 draw against Hungary at Wembley. Worryingly, he becomes the seventh player to withdraw from this month's international break.

    Trent Alexander-Arnold, Reece James, Tammy Abraham and Aaron Ramsdale also missed this month's meet up through injury. Goalkeeper Sam Johnstone also withdrew, while Arsenal's Bukayo Saka tested positive for Covid-19.

    England's clash with the Ivory Coast gets underway on Tuesday night, at 19:45 GMT.

    READ MORE: Harry Maguire ‘more than capable of playing at highest level’ says England boss Gareth Southgate

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