John Stones enters England's World Cup last-16 clash against Mexico as a free agent

John Stones is representing England at the World Cup without a club, having reached the end of his ten-year contract at Manchester City just as the tournament began. The 32-year-old centre-back is now pushing to start England’s round-of-16 clash against Mexico despite his uncertain future.

Stones joined City from Everton in the summer of 2016, arriving alongside manager Pep Guardiola, and went on to win 15 major trophies at the club — including six Premier League titles and the Champions League. His departure was confirmed in April, when he announced he would be leaving at the end of the season after falling down the pecking order following a difficult run with injuries.

“They say all good things must come to an end… but this thing we have had has been the greatest and it will remain a part of me forever,” Stones wrote on Instagram at the time.

Guardiola had been candid about the situation earlier in the season. “When he reaches his level, he is a top central defender,” the City manager said. “Unfortunately, I only want him fit and unfortunately, like last season, a lot of the time it is not possible.”

Despite starting just five Premier League games in his final campaign — including an emotional farewell on the last day of the season — Stones was named in Thomas Tuchel’s England squad for the World Cup. Tuchel even selected him ahead of club teammate Marc Guehi for the Three Lions’ opening victory over Croatia, though Stones has since dropped out of the starting XI.

Stones officially left City on 1 July alongside three other out-of-contract players, entering the tournament as a free agent. Everton and AC Milan have been linked with a move for the defender, according to BBC Sport.

Before the tournament, Stones made clear he felt he had more to offer at the highest level. “I was fit enough 100 per cent,” he said. “It comes down to various things, the manager and that’s something I can’t control. He knows how much I wanted to play.” With 91 England caps to his name, Stones will be hoping a strong showing against Mexico can help shape his next club move.