Manchester City defender John Stones has expressed his joy at being called up to the England squad for the upcoming friendly against Croatia. After a challenging season where he played only 439 minutes in the Premier League due to injuries, Stones is eager to prove his worth. He started alongside Aston Villa's Ezri Konsa in England's latest friendly and is expected to be favored over his Manchester City teammate Marc Guehi for the Croatia match. Stones, who announced his departure from Manchester City this summer, emphasized his fitness and readiness for international duty. England manager Thomas Tuchel has shown faith in Stones, selecting him for his sixth major tournament. Stones reflected on the emotional moment of receiving the call-up, stating that Tuchel recognized the excitement within him, akin to a child's joy. This selection underscores Stones' resilience and importance to the England squad as they prepare for the upcoming challenges.