England boss Thomas Tuchel handed major injury blow ahead of international break as World Cup star limps off pitch

ENGLAND boss Thomas Tuchel has suffered a major blow ahead of the international break after John Stones limped off for Inter Milan. The former Manchester City defender, 32, suffered a thigh injury in the second half of Inter’s 5-3 win over Udinese. John Stones limped out of Inter Milan’s 5-3 win over Udinese on Monday Credit: Splash The news is a worry for England boss Thomas Tuchel ahead of the international break Credit: Getty It was Stones’ first start for his new club and his set-back is a massive blow for the Serie A giants. But it’s also given Tuchel a big headache ahead of the upcoming international break. Sign up for the Football newsletter Thank you! England will play Nations League games against Spain, Czech Republic and Croatia across the extended break in September and October. But Tuchel will have to rely on other options in defence after Stones was ruled out. He currently has Marc Guehi, Ezri Konsa, Levi Colwill, Jarrell Quansah and Trevoh Chalobah to pick from. And he could even opt to recall Manchester United star Harry Maguire despite leaving him out of his World Cup squad. Stones joined Inter on a free transfer this summer and has made four appearances so far. Three of those were off the bench against Monza, Cagliari and Real Madrid. Most read in Sport BEST ONLINE CASINOS – TOP SITES IN THE UK Stones was replaced by Benjamin Pavard in the second half after suffering a thigh issue Credit: Reuters Stones played four games under Tuchel at the World Cup and started their semi-final defeat Credit: Getty He finally started in a back three alongside Marco Bastoni and ex-Man City team-mate Manuel Akanji against Udinese. But he was forced off in the 62nd minute and replaced by Benjamin Pavard. Stones does have a history of injury problems and spent a huge chunk of the 2025-26 season out with a hamstring issue. He recovered in March before suffering a new calf problem that ruled him out until April. Stones was back in time for the World Cup and played in five of England’s games, including the 2-1 semi-final defeat to Argentina. He has 94 caps for his country after first making his Three Lions bow in 2014. Stones spent 10 years with Man City, winning six Premier League titles, Three FA Cups, five Carabao Cups and the Champions League. Comment now