ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel has suffered a major blow ahead of the international break after John Stones limped off for Inter Milan.
The former Manchester City defender, 32, suffered a thigh injury in the second half of Inter’s 5-3 win over Udinese.
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It was Stones’ first start for his new club and his set-back is a massive blow for the Serie A giants.
But it’s also given Tuchel a big headache ahead of the upcoming international break.
England will play Nations League games against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia across the extended break in September and October.
But Tuchel will have to rely on other options in defence after Stones was ruled out.
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He currently has Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Levi Colwill, Jarrell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah to pick from.
And he could even opt to recall Manchester United star Harry Maguire despite leaving him out of his World Cup squad.
Stones joined Inter on a free transfer this summer and has made four appearances so far.
Three of those were off the bench against Monza, Cagliari and Real Madrid.
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He finally started in a back three alongside Marco Bastoni and ex-Man City team-mate Manuel Akanji against Udinese.
But he was forced off in the 62nd minute and replaced by Benjamin Pavard.
Stones does have a history of injury problems and spent a huge chunk of the 2025-26 season out with a hamstring issue.
He recovered in March before suffering a new calf problem that ruled him out until April.
Stones was back in time for the World Cup and played in five of England’s games, including the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina.
He has 94 caps for his country after first making his Three Lions bow in 2014.
Stones spent 10 years with Man City, winning six Premier League titles, Three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the Champions League.
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