John Stones has no doubt both he and England can rely on Harry Maguire at the World Cup, insisting the defensive duo have forged bonds “too strong to be broken”.
The pair have been an integral part of the Gareth Southgate era, helping the Three Lions to the semi-finals four years ago in Russia and then going one step further as they finished runners-up at the European Championship in 2021. But, while Stones has enjoyed some strong performances for Manchester City this season, Maguire has endured a rockier start to life under Erik ten Hag across town at Manchester United.
With question marks over his form, he has started just three Premier League games all season, but seems likely to retain Southgate’s faith in Qatar. As for Stones, there is nobody he would rather step out with when the first game against Iran kicks off next Monday.
