Stones will ´definitely´ be fit for World Cup, insists Guardiola

Pep Guardiola believes John Stones will “definitely” be ready to feature at the World Cup should England call on him for the tournament.

Stones has seen another season hampered by injuries, with his last appearance for Manchester City coming in the FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United.

His last Premier League start, however, came back in December, and he has been limited to just 15 appearances in all competitions in 2025-26.

Since the turn of the year, Stones has played just 155 minutes across two appearances, both in the FA Cup, but Guardiola has no doubt that the defender will be ready for the World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Asked whether Stones would be fit for the upcoming tournament, Guardiola said: “Definitely.

“He has been injured many times; now he is back.

“I cannot judge his performance because he has been a little bit out. I don’t have doubts with John. When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender.”

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Reports this week suggest Stones will be leaving City at the end of the current campaign when his contract expires.

The 31-year-old joined City in 2016 and has won 14 major trophies at the Etihad, playing a key role in their treble success of 2022-23.

While City are yet to confirm his exit, Guardiola hinted that Stones’ fitness record was a factor in the decision.

“I only want fit and unfortunately, like last season, a lot of the time it is not possible,” said Guardiola.

“Still, we have [the FA Cup semi-final against Southampton], and we have five, potentially six [games]. He is a lovely, incredible team-mate. But we will see what happens.”

England’s World Cup campaign begins against Croatia on June 17, with Ghana and Panama also drawn alongside them in Group L.