John Stones returned to England training on Thursday after a fitness scare that resulted in him being quarantined to his room. The Three Lions star had been forced into isolation due to illness, in order to prevent it from spreading to his teammates. His condition raised concerns about his availability for England’s opening Euro 2024 match against Serbia this weekend.

Stones has been a regular starter under Southgate and his absence would be felt. In addition to his illness, Stones had also been forced off at half-time of the Three Lions’ friendly defeat to Iceland due to an ankle issue. Southgate clarified that Stones’ substitution was a precautionary move, stating, “He took a bit of a knock to the ankle really early in the game, but at half-time there was no point taking any chance.

We’re too close to the start of the tournament, there’s no point risking it.” If Stones is unable to play, Marc Guehi is considered the frontrunner to partner with Lewis Dunk and Ezri Konsa also under consideration. Dunk expressed readiness to step in, stating, “I would hope so.

Of course. But you never know.” Luke Shaw is unlikely to feature in England’s opening match of the tournament, however, if he continues his progression, he could possibly be available to feature in seven days against Denmark.

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