John Stones has told the nation to believe England can win the Euros.
Three Lions defender Stones says he has been drumming that total belief into all of his team-mates to give England a glorious summer. England kick off their campaign with their group opener against Serbia on Sunday and Stones is determined to bring his winning mentality from his success with Manchester City.
Stones, 30, said: “I'm a big believer in not hoping we can win but believing we can win. And having that feeling within you. I think that's something that I've inherited over the years from winning a lot of trophies and being in big games and trying to pass that on.
“It's a simple message, it's nothing to do with football. I think all of us in the room hope we can win but believing is a totally different thing. That's a powerful thing from what I've been involved in. Little messages like that, believing we can go out and win.
“I don't know if it's a spiritual kind of thing. Everyone's different and you might believe different things but I kind of work off those and always bring a positive mindset into what I'm going into. I don't think it's done too badly for me over the years.”
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England went agonisingly close in the last Euros when they lost to Italy in a penalty shoot-out and Gareth Southgate ’s men are favourites with the bookies to win it this summer. Stones had double heartbreak in 2021 when England lost the Euros final and City were also beaten by Chelsea in the Champions League final.
City defender Stones, who insists he is fully fit to face Serbia, says he is determined to use that disappointment as inspiration this time. Stones added: “Thinking back to the Champions League final, not when we won but the previous time, then losing the Euros final after that. I said to myself, I never want to feel like that again.
“You shouldn't fear it and embrace the feeling of something you've never done before. Grasp that emotion. So I feel the same here. I'll give everything.”
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Stones poses for a picture ahead of the opening clash with Serbia (Andy Stenning/Daily Mirror)Stones also says Phil Foden can take the Euros by storm and announce himself on the world stage. The Manchester City defender believes his team-mate has taken his game to new levels and can be on a par with Kylian Mbappe and Jude Bellingham.
When asked whether he can be the player of the Euros, Foden said: “Yes. I’m biased, I think he’s absolutely incredible. First how he plays the game, so silky playing like he’s in the park.
“I feel like he has brought so much to his game. Goals, maturity, knowing of situations, his pressing. This season has been incredible for him and I hope and I’m sure he will bring that to the tournament.”
Foden has been sensational for City this season and won a fourth consecutive title but for England there is a sense he has not quite reproduced his best after managing just four goals in 34 caps.
But Stones added: “I feel Phil is someone who doesn’t feel anything on the outside, he just plays the game so freely I hope he comes and does what Phil can do for us, which I know he wants to. He is very proud of being here and representing his country.
“I think it probably suits Phil that maybe that it's not all on him. I believe we all know the quality that he's got and what he can bring and does for the team. I think in these occasions, it's where it can bring the best out of you and maybe it's time to show the world what he can really do.
“I might be wrong in Euro 2021, I’m sure he got an injury on his foot which kind of stopped because he was playing incredible and training really well. That kind of stopped him. Hopefully, you know he stays fit and healthy for everyone, especially Phil, because I know he was frustrated at the last Euros.”
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