Anthony Gordon has spoken highly of John Stones’ dedication and resilience in proving his fitness ahead of Euro 2024. Despite being subbed off at half-time during the final warm-up friendly against Iceland due to an ankle injury, Stones participated fully in England’s first training session at Jena Stadium. Gordon commended Stones’ “elite mentality” and expressed his relief at seeing the Manchester City defender back on the field. The competition for places within the squad has never been stronger, with all 26 players eager to secure a spot in the starting lineup for the Group C opener against Serbia.
Another player making strides in his recovery is Luke Shaw, who is working his way back from a hamstring issue. While Shaw was present at the training session, he was kept out of the contact drills as a precaution. Gordon revealed that Shaw’s progress has been impressive, with the left-back ahead of schedule in his rehabilitation. Despite not being expected to feature against Serbia, Shaw’s determination to return to full fitness is a testament to his commitment to the team.
Gordon emphasized the level of competition within the squad, noting that every player has arrived at the tournament in peak form. He highlighted the strong camaraderie among the team and the collective desire to perform at their best. With players vying for starting positions, the intensity of training sessions has been elevated, leading to a positive and competitive atmosphere within the squad.
The future of England manager Gareth Southgate has been a topic of discussion, with Southgate himself acknowledging that Euro 2024 could be his “last chance” to secure silverware with the team. Gordon expressed his hope that Southgate would continue in his role beyond the tournament, praising the manager and his staff for their work with the team. The seamless transition from youth to senior level under Southgate’s leadership has been instrumental in the team’s success, and Gordon believes that the manager deserves more recognition for his contributions.
England’s basecamp at the Spa & Golf Resort Weimarer Land has been described as “unbelievable” by Gordon. The state-of-the-art facilities include a basketball court, padel court, and spa for recovery, providing the players with everything they need to perform at their best. Gordon highlighted the importance of having a comfortable and well-equipped basecamp, especially during long periods away from home. The team’s basecamp has become a hub of activity and relaxation, allowing the players to feel at ease and focus on their preparations for the tournament.
Anthony Gordon’s praise for John Stones’ determination, Luke Shaw’s recovery, the fierce competition for places within the squad, and his admiration for Gareth Southgate’s leadership all reflect the team’s strong bond and shared goal of success at Euro 2024. The players’ dedication to their individual fitness and the team’s collective performance bode well for England’s campaign in the tournament.