Stones on the Edge: Why a Season of Injuries Put His Future in Question
8 October 2025
Season of Struggles Pushes Stones Toward Retirement
John Stones, Manchester City and England defender, revealed that he considered stepping away from football during last season after a series of recurring injuries.
According to the BBC, Stones managed just 11 Premier League appearances last season, hampered by foot and hamstring problems that ultimately curtailed his campaign in February.
The 31-year-old, who has featured for England in five major tournaments, has not played for the Three Lions since October 2024, after German coach Thomas Tuchel took charge in January.
Return to the England side and looming fixtures
Stones is set to rejoin England ahead of friendly matches against Wales at Wembley and Latvia in World Cup qualifying on October 14, as Gareth Southgate's side push to seal a place at the summer tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
In an interview with the BBC, Stones explained: "Last season was incredibly tough for me. I felt I was doing everything I could and staying fully professional, yet I kept hitting setbacks with no clear explanation. It was an emotionally very hard period."
Since joining City from Everton in 2016, Stones has rarely exceeded 27 league appearances in a single campaign due to recurring injuries.
He added: "There comes a time when you don't understand why. You give your all, you train with discipline, then something unexpected happens. The mental challenge becomes greater than anything. I hope I never fall into that again."
Meanwhile, Tuchel stressed that England's lineup is never guaranteed a spot, ruling out players such as Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham and Jack Grealish from automatic selection.
But Stones' value to the manager shone through last June when Tuchel asked him to join the squad in Spain to train with teammates despite not being fully fit, underscoring the leadership Stones brings to the group.
Stones said: "My love for England is beyond words. I live for playing for the national team. When Tuchel asked me to join even though I wasn't ready, I didn't hesitate. I wanted to be there, close to my teammates. It showed the team spirit England possesses. It was a special moment for me."
And Tuchel, last week, again reinforced that no one is guaranteed a place in the squad for England's future matches.
Stones' words paint a picture of a player who has grown more resilient, understanding that returning to the highest level is as much a mental battle as a physical one.
Impressive career path
Born in Barnsley, England, in 1994, Stones began at his hometown club Barnsley, progressing through the youth ranks before making his senior debut in 2012 in England's second tier. His solid defensive work drew attention from Everton, who signed him in January 2013 for around £3 million, marking the true start of his development.
At Everton he established himself as one of England's top young defenders, noted for his composure under pressure and the ability to build play from the back. His performances caught the eye of Manchester City, who signed him in the summer of 2016 for £47.5 million, making him the most expensive English defender at the time.
At City, under Guardiola's stewardship, Stones has grown into a pivotal part of a possession-based side, contributing to multiple domestic and continental successes, including the 2022-23 UEFA Champions League and several Premier League titles.
On the international stage, Stones has earned over 80 caps for England and was key to the run to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and Euro 2020 final. Despite recurring injuries, he remains a cornerstone of English defense, thanks to his leadership and experience on the biggest stages.
