England defender Marc Guehi has revealed his regret at not having had more opportunities to play alongside John Stones during their brief spell together at Manchester City, describing the situation as “a shame” as the Three Lions complete preparations for the World Cup.
The centre-back joined City earlier this year and spent several months sharing a dressing room with the experienced England international.
However, despite both players being available for much of that period, circumstances meant they rarely lined up together in competitive action.
Stones has since left the Etihad Stadium after the conclusion of his contract, bringing an end to a successful chapter with the Premier League champions.
Although the pair trained together regularly, their time as teammates on the pitch proved remarkably limited.
In fact, Guehi and Stones only appeared together for a matter of minutes during City’s comfortable 3-0 victory over Crystal Palace.
Their partnership lasted just eight minutes, leaving supporters with little opportunity to see how the two England defenders might have developed an understanding at club level.
For their national team, however, the story has been very different.
The duo first established themselves as England’s preferred central defensive pairing during a difficult Nations League encounter against Hungary in 2022.
Despite England suffering a heavy 4-0 defeat that evening, the match marked the beginning of a partnership that has since become a familiar sight for international supporters.
Since that game, the two defenders have gone on to start together on numerous occasions, building a relationship that has provided stability and experience at the heart of England’s defence.
Their understanding was again evident at the weekend when England edged past New Zealand 1-0 in their first World Cup warm-up fixture.
Guehi and Stones shared 45 minutes on the field during that victory as manager Thomas Tuchel continued assessing his options ahead of the tournament.
England now face Costa Rica in their final preparation match before attention turns fully to the World Cup campaign.
With the opening group-stage fixture rapidly approaching, Guehi appears well placed to secure a starting berth in central defence.
His performances throughout the season have strengthened his position within the squad, although competition remains intense for the remaining place alongside him.
Aston Villa defender Ezri Konsa and Newcastle United’s Dan Burn are among the players hoping to impress and stake their claim for selection.
Stones, meanwhile, remains one of England’s most experienced defensive figures and continues to be viewed as a key option when fully fit.
Guehi praises Stones and Konsa amid selection battle
Speaking ahead of England’s latest warm-up fixture in Orlando, Guehi was asked to compare Stones and Konsa, two players competing for a place in Tuchel’s preferred back line.
Rather than choosing between them, the City defender highlighted the qualities that make both players valuable assets.
“I’d say they’re both still both fantastic players,” he said when asked about both Stones and Konsa.
“It’s hard to say [who’s better] because they’re both coming from a school of managers that like to put on the ball and they’re both amazing ball players and centre-halves.
“But both have unbelievable awareness defensively and show their qualities each and every game as leaders in their own different ways. So, yes, they possess different things, but I think overall, fantastic quality.”
Tuchel has a range of experienced defenders available, providing him with several possible combinations ahead of the country’s opening match.
Guehi also spoke warmly about Stones’ professionalism and commitment, qualities that have helped the former Manchester City defender remain a significant figure for club and country over many years.
The 25-year-old explained that he values the opportunity to work alongside Stones whenever possible and admitted that he would have liked more chances to do so during their shared period at City.
“I think John’s a fantastic professional and will always be in the best shape possible for whatever game or whatever competition. It was nice to actually play with him. It’s been a long time and we’re both looking forward to it.
“We didn’t get the opportunity at City, which was a shame, but to be fair, it doesn’t really matter.
“Whoever plays, the most important thing is just to do the best for the team and try to make England fans proud.”
Tuchel and Guardiola comparisons ahead of England’s World Cup campaign
England’s World Cup hopes now rest in the hands of Tuchel, who arrived with a reputation as one of Europe’s most accomplished coaches.
The German has enjoyed success at the highest level during spells with some of the continent’s biggest clubs, including Chelsea and Bayern Munich.
His appointment generated considerable discussion, with many observers drawing comparisons between his coaching philosophy and that of Pep Guardiola.
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The outgoing Manchester City manager has influenced a generation of coaches through his tactical innovations and possession-based approach.
Having experienced both managers first-hand, Guehi is in a unique position to assess the similarities and differences between them.
According to the defender, there is more common ground between the two coaches than many people might assume.
“It’s actually not that different, to be honest,” he admitted.
“They’re both, in a way, saying the same things. Similar messages, I’d say, it’s just done in a different way, whereas Thomas has come from a place of that German football. It’s very, let’s say, rock and roll.”
While Guardiola’s approach is often associated with patience, positional play and control, Tuchel’s style can combine those principles with greater intensity and directness.
