England right-backs: Why John Stones is Thomas Tuchel’s best option in World Cup quarter-finals (exclusive)

John Stones is England’s best option at right-back for Saturday’s 2026 World Cup quarter-final against Norway, Danny Murphy has revealed exclusively. Sports mole.

The Three Lions have struggled for right-back defense all summer due to injuries, with Tino Livramento withdrawing before the start of the tournament and Reece James suffering a hamstring problem soon after.

Tottenham Hotspur’s Djed Spence was also hit before the game 3-2 last-16 win over Mexicoin which Jarell Quansah received a red card for a foul, which was in charge a two-game suspension after FIFA extended his ban.

Spence and James are both in the running for the quarter-finals, that is England could have six options at right back At the Hard Rock Stadium, including Stones, Ezri Konsa, Declan Rice and Trevoh Chalobah.

However, Murphy has urged Thomas Tuchel to choose Stones instead of full-back, due to the former Manchester City man’s experience, intelligence and ability to get into central areas.

Danny Murphy explains why John Stones should start at right back for England

“I’m going to play John Stones,” said Murphy Sports mole. “He’s not as quick as the other options, but he’s got more experience and he’s a very smart football player. He’s played the biggest games you can imagine for years. He’s got a good mind, a good mind and he’s smart on the ball.

“He can deal with someone like Antonio Nusa, and it’s not like he’ll be left alone in 1v1 situations every game. He’ll have support from the centre-half and a wide player in front of him.

“I also think England will dominate the ball, and Stones’ ability to get into midfield from the right would be a big help. For me, he is the right player.

“He’s not as strong as Djed Spence or Ezri Konsa in terms of running ability, but in a game like this, all the other qualities he brings far outweigh that.”

Stones came off the bench and played 33 minutes in England’s last 16 win over Mexico, scoring five points and winning his only aerial contest after the Three Lions were reduced to 10 men.

How many times has John Stones played at right back for England, Man City?

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Stones spent much of Mexico’s second half defending his penalty area, almost exclusively as a center back when Konsa and Bukayo Saka combined to defend the flanks.

The player, 32, made a name for himself as a defender during his time at Man City, but according to information from Transfermarkthe has played 65 matches for the club as a right back.

Nineteen of those came in Barnsley’s 2012-13 Championship season, but he also completed 90 at right-back in Man City’s 3-2 win over Aston Villa on the final day of the 2021-22 Premier League campaign, which won the Citizens the title.

Furthermore, Stones’ first two England starts in 2014 – against Norway and Switzerland – came at right-back, with Phil Jones and Gary Cahill combining in the center of defence.

However, despite Murphy’s pleading and Stones’ experience as a right-back, It is expected that Tuchel will choose another player from England in that role in Miami.

Danny Murphy was talking to him Sports mole on behalf of BetWright football betting.