Sept 5, 2025 – England coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that defender John Stones will miss Saturday’s World Cup qualifier against Andorra in Birmingham and Tuesday’s away match against Serbia due to a muscle injury. The Manchester City centre-back has struggled with fitness, limiting him to 83 international caps since October.
“Unfortunately John just left the camp. He came with minor muscle issues and did not progress as we hoped, so he left this morning,” Tuchel said. “We will not take the risk with him, not against Andorra or Serbia.”
Centre-Back Options and John Stones World Cup Impact
With Stones out, Tuchel has Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Jarell Quansah, and Dan Burn as central defensive options. Guehi, captain of Crystal Palace, was previously linked with a move to Liverpool but remained at his club. Tuchel praised him:
“Guehi looks absolutely fine and impressive on the field. He has been the main driver of Palace’s success and performed excellently at the end of last season.”
Tuchel confirmed that captain Harry Kane will start against Andorra, emphasizing a stable lineup rather than experimentation:
“We have a condensed camp, so we will start with the team we trust and the best team possible. Everything that counts is today and tomorrow.”
Inspiration From Recent English Success
Tuchel also highlighted the achievements of England’s women’s and under-21 sides as motivation for the senior men’s team:
“No, I don’t think it adds pressure. If anything, it is a good omen. Sarina Wiegman’s Lionesses and Lee Carsley’s Under-21s have shown extraordinary effort with back-to-back victories.”
Recent Form
Tuchel has won his first three World Cup qualifiers with England, including a narrow 1-0 win over Andorra in June. However, the team recently lost 3-1 in a friendly against Senegal.
