Credit: talkSPORT on YouTube

Evan Lloyd

Mon 25 May 2026 12:17, UK

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Jeff Stelling was left concerned by John Stones’ defending in Aston Villa’s 2-1 win over Manchester City on the Premier League’s final day.

The 31-year-old marked his Etihad Stadium farewell on Sunday, along with Pep Guardiola and Bernardo Silva.

The festivities were dampened slightly when Ollie Watkins’ brace cancelled out Antoine Semenyo’s opener and handed the away side a first league victory at Man City since 2007.

Stones has been linked with several sides as a free agent this summer, and will have a chance to drum up some further interest after Thomas Tuchel selected him in his England squad for the World Cup.

The Man City defender’s injuries have continued this season, and is some concern over his fitness ahead of the trip to North America.

Jeff Stelling and Gabby Agbonlahor question John Stones selection

Former Toffees chief executive Keith Wyness exclusively told Football Insider earlier this month that Stones has been in talks with Everton ahead of a potential return this summer.

The Englishman arrived on Merseyside in 2013, after he had been signed from Barnsley in a deal worth around £3million.

In three years, he would make 95 appearances, make his international debut and convince Man City to pay £50m for him, making him the second most expensive defender in history, at the time.

Stones has gone on to enjoy an illustrious career, winning the Premier League six times and the Champions League in 2023.

Injuries have become more and more prevalent over the years, however, and despite spending seven more years with Man City than he did at Everton, he has only made 200 more appearances for the Citizens.

Stones has spent much of this season on the bench, but thigh injuries kept him out for two months between December and February.

On Sunday, he returned to the starting line-up and was against England teammate Watkins. The defender had actually shown great recovery pace to get back in front of the striker before the second goal, but just a fake shot sent him on his backside and allowed the shot past James Trafford.

“I looked at that second goal and how he [Watkins] did John Stones and it made me very concerned that John Stones is in the England World Cup squad if that’s the sort of shape he’s in,” Stelling told talkSPORT on Monday. “He’s had virtually no football!”

Gabby Agbonlahor agreed and said: “Is that his ninth appearance in the league this season? Even when he’s been in the team this season, I’ve looked at him. He’s lost a yard of pace and he was never quick.

“John Stones is very good on the ball, yes he can play defensive midfield if needed, but I’m worried Jeff, I really am.”

Thomas Tuchel explains Stones selection

There is no doubting the technical quality that Stones still possesses, but his injuries have surely slowed him down over the years.

Tuchel was asked if he is ready to play a meaningful part for England, and said: “Yes, otherwise I would not have picked him. He is excited to come and I am excited to have him.

“I am a huge believer in John. I think he’s a world-class player. He is an amazing character and a proven winner. He knows how to adapt to a winning culture, he knows how to adapt tactically on the field.”

He added: “I hope and I truly believe that he will have a strong tournament for us.”