sports
Stones the exception to Tuchel’s World Cup rule despite cold shoulder from Guardiola
England’s head coach still rates injury-prone Manchester City defender and seems likely to be a fundamental part of his squad this summer
TL;DR
- John Stones has had an injury-plagued season at Manchester City with minimal game time.
- Thomas Tuchel, the England head coach, considers Stones an exception to his rule about players needing to be active for their clubs.
- Tuchel values Stones's personality, attitude, and 'world-class' game understanding.
- Stones was withdrawn from the England squad due to a calf injury.
- Harry Maguire, another long-time England defender, is in better form for Manchester United but Tuchel sees other players ahead of him.
- Tuchel is willing to take risks on Stones, believing he brings important qualities to the squad.