TICKS & STONES!

Ball-playing defender key for Tuchel

- FROM JOHN CROSS

THOMAS TUCHEL is determined to stick with John Stones even after England's defence suffered first-game wobbles.

England were brilliant going forward against Croatia in their Group opener but shipped two goals which raised major doubts about the back four.

Stones, 32, was a big selection call by Tuchel (right) as the England manager picked quality and experience over form.

And Tuchel’s faith in Stones remains unchanged despite England's defence appearing to be their weakest link.

Amazingly, Stones made just five Premier League starts for Manchester City last season in a deeply frustrating campaign during which the centre-half admitted he even began to question boss Pep Guardiola.

Stones did start the final game of the season but is now a free agent, because his City contract has expired.

His former club Everton are among the teams heavily linked with him.

But in the game on Wednesday, Stones did look rusty and unfamiliar beside Ezri Konsa. The backline nerves spread out to the full-backs Reece James and Nico O'Reilly.