If Harry Kane is often described as a role model, it is not just to emerging footballers. He serves as particular inspiration for one long-time teammate right now. The celebrations for the England captain’s 100th cap, earned against Finland on Tuesday and marked with two goals, are fuelling an ambition in John Stones.
He is only 19 away from joining the striker in the ranks of England’s centurions. He has an eye on his own hundred. “To see Harry do that, I never thought I would get 50 caps and to hit 75, I have done that, and 81 now. I got told I got level with Rio [Ferdinand] on 81, that is a massive achievement for me personally and it is a bit strange to say.”
Strange and yet Stones, who went past John Terry’s tally during Euro 2024, has already surpassed Ferdinand in another respect. Terry and Ferdinand never played in a semi-final in their international careers. Stones is one of only six Englishmen to start two finals, along with Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, Luke Shaw, Declan Rice and Kane. It also means they have tasted disappointment on both occasions.
This story is from the September 12, 2024 edition of The Independent.
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This story is from the September 12, 2024 edition of The Independent.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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