- John Stones aims to win Euro 2024.
- He experienced losses in European finals in 2021.
- England, with a talented squad, is a top contender for Euro 2024.
John Stones, a midfielder for Manchester City and England, has pledged to wipe out a ‘bitter memory’ from his international career by securing victory in Euro 2024, which is slated to kick off on June 14 in Germany.
In the summer of 2021, Stones experienced consecutive losses in European finals. Initially, he was defeated in the UEFA Champions League final against Chelsea with Man City, followed by a loss in the Euro 2020 final against Italy after a dramatic penalty shootout at Wembley.
Stones, 29, reflected on the two most devastating losses of his career, stating that he made a promise to himself to never endure such a situation again.
“After the Euros final was a difficult, really difficult, point for me,” Stones confessed. “Losing a Champions League final and losing that, was difficult to take.
“After that, I said to myself that I never wanted to have that feeling again. It is possible that it might (happen again) but my mindset is to make some history and make one of my dreams come true — get some silverware with England.”
Starting his career as a centre-back, Stones evolved his game and transitioned into a defensive midfielder under the guidance of Pep Guardiola at Man City.
“It’s been a great journey, a difficult journey at times. We started at a difficult point where the perception towards the national team wasn’t great going into tournaments,” he added.
“We all wanted to change that, we wanted everyone to be proud of us when we go into tournaments. We did that, I believe, in 2018. And it’s grown since then.
“I feel now it’s time for us to go past that step and get something. There’s an environment that’s been created here that is special. We need to capitalise on that.”
Following their 1966 World Cup victory, England’s closest brush with international triumph was in 2021 when they reached the Euro 2020 final against Italy and were defeated.
With a highly skilled and well-rounded squad featuring stars like Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, James Maddison, Trent-Alexander Arnold, and others, England, under the leadership of Gareth Southgate, are considered one of the top contenders to claim the coveted title.
