John Stones’ final performance for Manchester City has left Jeff Stelling and Gabby Agbonlahor concerned heading into the World Cup.
The 31-year-old bid an emotional farewell to the Citizens on Sunday, as his trophy-laden 10 year career at the Etihad came to an end with a 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa.
5
Stones made his 294th and final Manchester City appearance against Aston VillaCredit: Getty
Stones exited the field on 78 minutes to a rousing reception, receiving a guard of honour from both sets of players.
It brought a close to a stellar City career for the Englishman, who leaves having scooped 17 major honours, including six Premier League titles and the 2023 Champions League.
Having established himself as one of the league’s standout defenders over the last decade, Stones has played a bit-part role this term.
The Villa defeat was just his ninth Premier League outing of the season – with Abdukodir Khusanov, Marc Guehi and Ruben Dias being preferred instead.
Read more on talkSPORT
While Stones was given a fitting send-off in his final game, his performance was a reminder of his current limitations.
He inadvertently created Ollie Watkins‘ equaliser, heading the ball onto his England teammate, who then fired home from close range.
And things soon got even worse, as Watkins chopped the ball past Stones, leaving him on the ground, before slotting home the winner.
‘Worried’
Stones’ final outing for Man City sparked concern among talkSPORT Breakfast hosts Stelling and Agbonlahor ahead of this summer, with the defender named in England’s 26-man World Cup squad.
Stelling began: “From an England perspective, looking at that game, brilliant for Villa. Ollie Watkins, absolutely brilliant form at the moment.
“But I looked at that second goal and how he did John Stones, and it made me very concerned that John Stones is in the England World Cup squad.
5
Stones was clapped off the pitch by both sets of playersCredit: Getty
5
But the defender struggled in the game, and was dribbled past in Watkins’ winnerCredit: Getty
“If that’s the sort of shape [he’s in].”
Stones will take part in his fifth major tournament for the Three Lions as he heads to the USA, Canada and Mexico in June.
He has been a mainstay for England on the big stage, playing every game at the last four major tournaments to help them reach the last two European Championship finals.
But Stones’ latest call-up has proved controversial due to his reduced role at club level, with Thomas Tuchel selecting him ahead of the likes of Harry Maguire and Levi Colwill.
And Agbonlahor agreed with Stelling’s concerns, adding: “It’s his ninth appearance in the Premier League this season.
“Even when he’s been in the team this season, whenever he’s played, I’ve looked at him, lost a yard of pace, he was never quick.
5
Stones has won 87 caps for England, and could add to them this summerCredit: Getty
“John Stones is very good on the ball, yes, he can play defensive midfield if needed. But I’m worried, I really am.”
Problem position?
Agbonlahor’s worries weren’t just reserved for Stones, as he questioned England’s defensive options across the board.
He continued: “I look at [Ezri] Konsa and [Marc] Guehi, he’ll start, and then I’m looking at [Jarrell] Quansah, who did well at Leverkusen but wasn’t good enough for Liverpool in the Premier League.
“I look at Dan Burn, okay defender, he’s not had the best of seasons.
“I look at Stones and I say, if Guehi and Konsa get injured and Stones starts, and you’re playing against Brazil, Spain, France, Argentina – they’ll be licking their lips because he’s injury-prone, he could get injured, touch wood he doesn’t.”
Tuchel‘s World Cup selections have proved controversial, who opted to leave out a host of big-name players including Cole Palmer, Phil Foden and Adam Wharton.
5
Stones won’t be joined by long-term centre-back partner Harry Maguire at the World CupCredit: Getty
There were plenty of surprise omissions defensively, with Lewis Hall and Trent Alexander-Arnold missing out as well as Maguire.
And Agbonlahor raised concerns over the defenders given a seat on the plane, as he pointed out the risk of injury.
The former Villa hero said: “Training over in America – [Tino] Livramento – injury-prone. Reece James – injury-prone.
“Why would you take three defenders that have got injury problems when you have Trent, you have Harry Maguire?
Read More on talkSPORT
“I get it with Trent, his defending, but I just think, why are you picking, no Lewis Hall? That baffled me, I was like: ‘Pardon? Can you read that out again?
“Some of his decisions have been a bit odd, and all I’ll say is, dear Lord, the front pages of the papers if this doesn’t go to plan for Thomas Tuchel.”