'A STATEMENT WIN WILL MAKE IT ALL BETTER'

STONES CALLS ON HIS TEAM-MATES TO RISE TO THE OCCASION AFTER LIMP OPENERS DRAW CRITICISM

- Malik Ouzia

JOHN STONES has challenged England to deliver a "huge" performance against Slovenia tonight, insisting one big win will see the negativity around their Euro 2024 campaign blown away.

The Three Lions are back in action this evening, looking for the victory that would see them clinch top spot in Group C and set up a last-16 meeting with one of the best third-placed sides.

Conor Gallagher (right, training yesterday) is in line to replace Trent Alexander-Arnold in midfield, but Gareth Southgate is otherwise expected to resist calls for wholesale change, despite his team's abject performance in last week's draw against Denmark.

Stones, however, is well aware of the need for a convincing performance to ignite England's tournament after lacklustre displays in both the opening 1-0 win over Serbia and the dismal 1-1 draw with the Danes.

"It would be huge," the centre-back said of the momentum a positive result and display could give to England's campaign. "We'd all love to win three or four-nil every game.