Stones urges England response in Germany after Hungary disappointment

John Stones says England’s Euro 2020 win over Germany “set the bar” as he challenged the Three Lions to respond in Munich after defeat to Hungary.

England underwhelmed on Saturday at the Puskas Arena as Hungary won the Nations League opener 1-0 to record their first victory over the Three Lions since May 1962.

Meanwhile, Germany were held to a 1-1 draw by Italy in the other League A Group 3 game, with Hansi Flick’s side next hosting England at the Allianz Arena on Tuesday.

England won the last meeting between the two sides 2-0 at Wembley Stadium last June in the last-16 at Euro 2020, with Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane proving the difference.

The Three Lions have not won consecutive games against Germany since a seven-game winning run between 1935 and 1966, the last game of which was the World Cup final.

Stones believes England must use their Euro 2020 triumph over Die Mannschaft as a benchmark for future performances.

“I think everyone felt the same as us, the incredible stage we beat them on, the occasion, it was a big step for us as a team and nation,” Stones said at a pre-match news conference on Monday. 

“To progress to the latter stages of that tournament and show ourselves what we are capable of, we have set a marker and we have to be consistent with winning.

“We have set the bar, that’s the challenge for us as players now, the other day was a big learning curve for us as a collective.

“We have had an incredible run and that stopped, now it’s down to us how we bounce back, how we show our character and experience – what a game to do that in tomorrow.”

Last time out against Germany…

@sterling7 pic.twitter.com/u1VAkiO9KE

— England (@England) June 6, 2022

Stones’ Manchester City team-mate Kevin De Bruyne was quick to criticise the Nations League for adding further strain to the footballing calendar.

However, Stones disagrees with the Belgium international as he expressed his pride to play for his country on any occasion.

“You need to always be ready and fighting, the feeling in the camp and the players is that we would play all year round if we could,” he added.

“We know how important this period is, not many games leading up to the World Cup, everyone is fighting for their place, trying to play well and trying to create partnerships.

“To play for your nation and be called up…when I was out of the team it hurt so when you are here to play in big games like this you can only cherish the moment and maximise the chances in front of you.

“I see this as a massive learning curve and a big step in the right direction to set us up for the World Cup.”