Southgate provides positive news on Stones
Gareth Southgate confirmed John Stones’ substitution against Iceland was precautionary after sparking injury concerns over the central defender.
The Manchester City defender started England’s final warm-up game, partnering Marc Guehi in central defence in a disappointing 1-0 defeat.
However, he was taken off at half-time after a clash with Iceland player Jon Dagur Thorsteinsson, who landed awkwardly on Stones’s ankle.
"It was mainly precautionary," Southgate said after the match.
"He took a bit of a knock to the ankle really early in the game, but at half-time, there was no point taking any chance. We're too close to the start of the tournament, there's no point risking it."
The scare comes after Manchester United's Harry Maguire was cut from the final 26-man squad after failing to recover from a calf issue that has kept him out since April.
Jarrad Branthwaite and Jarell Quansah were the other centre-backs to miss out, although Liverpool man Quansah remained with the squad on standby.
England begins its UEFA Euro 2024 campaign against Serbia in Group C on 17 June (AEST).
