John Stones admitted he probably would not even be in the squad had the Euros been played a year ago.
Stones, 27, enjoyed a remarkable resurgence at Manchester City last season and regained his England place after nearly two years in the international wilderness.
England defender Stones has been a cornerstone of Gareth Southgate’s defence this summer even beating Bobby Moore’s record of four clean sheets in a tournament by being an ever-present in a defence which has produced five shutouts in the Euros.
Stones exuded newfound confidence as he spoke ahead of Sunday’s final and the tournament being postponed by 12 months because of the pandemic has done him a huge favour by allowing him to get his career back on track.
Are there any other England players that have benefitted from the postponement of the Euros? Comment below
“I couldn't tell you,” said Stones when asked whether he would have been picked a year ago. “Maybe not. I'm not sure. But I'm so glad to be here right now.
“I was made aware of the record and what a new record to set. I'm a bit speechless about it and super proud of. We've worked hard for it and it has clicked in this tournament with the defensive mentality that I tried to bring from my season with City.
“We've gelled it together and it's been an incredible six games so far. Obviously we conceded in the last game but showed the mentality to bounce back from that. It's something I'm super proud of.”
Stones found himself out in the cold at City, cast aside by England and yet his determination to fight his way back, to never give up, has been rewarded this summer as he has been faultless in this tournament.
“I think all those times have made me who I am now,” he said. “I wish there was an easier route but that is football. I think in any walk of life you have setbacks and I have tried to learn from them and stay positive and stay true to myself.
“I think on Sunday, if selected, it is a massive moment for me and my family. Especially going through tough times and things like that.
“All the hard work and dedication come into my mind and maybe I realise why I have worked so hard to be where I am right now and it is a proud moment. Hopefully I will start and experience what we have experienced already at Wembley with the fans.”
Stones insisted that he is motivated by the chance to create history by leading England to their first major trophy since 1966.
But he also revealed that England boss Southgate, so often painted as a mild mannered and calm manager, even has his moments when he loses his temper ahead of big games.
Stones added: “Yeah definitely! He wouldn’t be human if he didn’t. As a manager – or as a person – you have got that side to you. You pick up on things when standards drop or you see something you don’t like. Gareth will do that.
“I think that is something you have to do when you are a manager. It’s about maintaining standards and if we don’t do that then, you know, he will be the first person to tell us. That is how we have created our team, our mentality.
“We have come so far as a team and made so many big steps, made a lot of history and Sunday is another chance for us to do that. That is something that motivates me, excites me and really pushes me on.”
