Stones' relationship with my heartbeat....

….when he's got the ball at the back, up until the last few games in Russia, my heartbeat has anticipated some impending catastrophe.

We all want him to do well, like he's part of our inheritance, don't we?

But now I'm far more relaxed.

He seems now to be less risky. Plus he looks a presence aerially both at back and up front.

England's mid centre rock for the next 5 years?

 

He’s different class when it matters imo.

 

Solid as the proverbial rock, been schooled well.
Bet the late Pat Cryne is smiling down on him right now. Very proud to see
a lad born and bred in Barnsley in an England shirt.

 

One of England's best players this tournament. He's matured into a very good player at international level.

 

Him trippier and McGuire. Outstanding !

 

Just said exactly the same thing. http://barnsleyfc.org.uk/threads/stonesy.269745/#post-2157161

 

My one worry after today is that Stones and Maguires were getting dragged into unnecessary confrontations late on .

 

I think the management team will address that. Hopefully

 

Hopefully

 

Made for Stones 1-0 to win the final, in off the Rimmo tattoo on his left thigh.

 

So what you’re saying is, a Rimmo header to win the World Cup?

 

Thought they were all much better today.

 

Yeah the whole youth in the side have been fantastic. It’s a shame that Stones got slated when he had a few dodgy games, yet still stood out as one if not the best English centre half in the Prem. Many said he wasn’t world class yet he has shown in this tournament, a world cup where the world stage doesn’t get higher that he is. So have have some others.

We have a culture, especially pundits, media and press to follow the Young Nudger approach and focus on the negatives. It’s interesting to see how other countries and their players see Stones et al and I think they are impressed.

By the way Gary Neville is annoying me more and more with his self righteous position despite other ex players / managers disagreeing with him ie Bilic etc. He even said it was a mistake resting players before the Belgium game, only to suggest he got it right by the time we played Colombia in ET and blamed others for questioning Southgate. Every goal is the goalies fault in Neville’s view.

 

Different gravy.

He’s always been good on the ball and been able to pick a pass but in the past he’s has made mistakes in key areas in. He also wasn’t that good aerially and certainly not much of a threat at set pieces.

Aside from one pass against Panama, I don’t think I’ve seen him give the ball away all tournament. Even when he’s intercepting the ball he picks out a man in midfield with his first touch.

He’s been unlucky not to score 5 goals in this tournament. I think he’s only scored a couple in his entire career. We might not be the most creative in open play but when we’ve got Stones, Maguire etc. defending as they are and offering as much of a threat in the opposition box, we’re onto a winner.

But what’s impressed me so much is how he steps out of defence without the ball to offer a different option and help break the lines. Very intelligent player and looks to have come on leaps and bounds under Guardiola.

I think it’s fair to say he’s England’s key player, and long may it continue.

 

Oh dear.

Two defensive errors for their goals.

Walker and Stones.

Not by dwelling too long on the ball in possession.

Just by not doing their day job.