By Adegboyega Adeleye
England defender John Stones has revealed that the apparent shoulder injury which alarmed manager Thomas Tuchel after the Three Lions’ dramatic World Cup victory over Mexico was nothing more than a prank.
The Manchester City defender became the centre of attention after footage from England’s dressing room celebrations went viral following Sunday’s 3-2 Round of 16 win over Mexico.
In the clip, Tuchel was seen enjoying the post-match celebrations before suddenly stopping after Declan Rice pointed towards Stones, who appeared to be clutching his shoulder in pain.
Moments later, however, Stones burst into celebration, pumping his fist into the air as his teammates laughed and an obviously relieved Tuchel embraced him.
The incident came shortly after England midfielder Jordan Henderson suffered a genuine injury when he broke his arm while climbing over advertising boards during the post-match celebrations. Henderson has since undergone surgery and has rejoined the England squad, although he has been ruled out of the remainder of the tournament.
Speaking to England’s media team, Stones joked that his shoulder was “feeling better now” before admitting he had deliberately tried to fool his manager.
“I tried to keep a straight face as I was doing it because I saw he was concerned and thinking, ‘Has he actually hurt himself?'” Stones said.
“Especially after what Hendo had just done outside, he didn’t know what was going to come, but it was good vibes in there.”
The 32-year-old added that he never expected the moment to spread so widely on social media.
“I didn’t think it would get that much traction, to be fair,” he said.
Stones started England’s opening World Cup victory over Croatia and made a late substitute appearance against DR Congo before coming off the bench in the second half against Mexico after Jarrel Quansah’s red card forced Tuchel into a defensive reshuffle.
England will face Norway in the World Cup quarter-finals in Miami on Saturday as Tuchel’s side continue their bid for a first World Cup title since 1966.
