“Arteta won’t want him to play against them, but he’s the player I’ll use to scatter his baby tactics this coming weekend at Etihad”- Man city Boss Pep Guardiola says he’s going to use ‘completely unique’ 24-years old unique Man city star to dismantle Arsenal at the Etihad stadium

 

“Arteta won’t want him to play against them, but he’s the player I’ll use to scatter his baby tactics this coming weekend at Etihad”- Man city Boss Pep Guardiola says he’s going to use ‘completely unique’ 24-years old unique Man city star to dismantle Arsenal at the Etihad stadium

John Stones says he would “100 per cent” relish the chance to play in midfield for England - but is yet to discuss the subject with Gareth Southgate. 

The Three Lions boss has a midfield dilemma to solve ahead of Euro 2024, with Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice certain starters but one place still very much up for grabs.

Southgate had reportedly hoped to use Saturday night’s friendly with Brazil, as well as next week’s against Belgium, to give Trent Alexander-Arnold a chance to shine in midfield, but the Liverpool man is out injured.

Kalvin Phillips has been dropped because of his lack of form at West Ham, while Jordan Henderson is in Southgate’s squad but will miss the Brazil game through injury. 

That leaves Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher and 18-year-old Kobbie Mainoo, who was drafted into the squad earlier this week, as the only specialist options available. 

Stones, however, represents an intriguing alternative. A centre-back by trade, the 29-year-old is in the form of his life playing in midfield for Manchester City and when asked whether he would like the opportunity to reprise that role for England, said: “100 per cent, I’d love to do it. It’s what I do at my club.”