John Stones says England “still have more to give” and is banking on their recent semi-finals successes when they face Argentina at the World Cup tonight.
The teams share 60 years of political and sporting rivalry, sparked by a feisty clash at Wembley in 1966 and there will be an air of hostility inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta at kick-off.
England have won their last two semi-finals at major tournaments, the last-four clashes against Denmark and the Netherlands at Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 respectively, and Stones believes those experiences will stand them in good stead.
The former Manchester City defender, who remains a free agent following his departure from the Etihad, told BBC Radio 5 Live: “It’s been some run and one that has given us a lot of experience.
“You have to go through those tough moments, those experiences, to know what to do in different scenarios and it’s been a great path to get where we are now.
“I feel we are in a much more comfortable state, more experienced, more ready and the biggest thing is the belief. Everyone who is within our circle and I am sure back home believes we can do this.
“They are an incredible team, obviously coming off the back of the last World Cup as champions. We know what we are in for and it’s exciting to have this challenge in front of us.
“We have won the last two semi-finals [in the Euros] as a team, it doesn’t matter what competition that’s in. That’s confidence in itself.”
Go out there and do everyone proud – Stones issues England battle cry
England have the chance tonight to reach just their second ever World Cup final and Stones is confident Thomas Tuchel’s men can build on the platform set by former boss Gareth Southgate.
He added: “I think the messages Gareth started and took through his time as manager were principles and things that were so clear and at the forefront of our heads that we can go out and do those things.
“Tomorrow is another stage for us to go and better ourselves, play even better football. After the last game, we felt we still [have] more to give, which is exciting in my eyes. Go out and be ourselves. Go out there and do everyone proud.”
Target the final but don’t get ahead of ourselves – England star Stones
This is Stones’ third World Cup after playing a part as England reached the semi-finals in 2018 and the quarters in Qatar four years ago.
“We are about to face Argentina, my first time facing them, in another semi-final. A totally different pathway, if you want to put it that way, to get to this point,” he said.
“With a tough first game, with a lot of excitement, a lot of grit, some difficult games, slower games that were harder to break down, the Azteca and then the other day, where we were, with all respect, going into that game as favourites, against a team that deserved to be there and had some incredible quality.
“It was a difficult game. A lot of controversy within that, I suppose and here we are talking before another semi-final. I am extremely proud of saying that, to be a part of it, to give everyone back home that belief. The memories and this time, it’s about going one step further and try not to get ahead of ourselves.”
