In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, England defender Stones reviewed in detail for the first time the loss against Italy in the Euro final and expressed the complex emotions he experienced at the time. At the same time, he also gave his views on the changes in the team under the leadership of Carsley (卡斯利).
Stones admits that the Europa League final defeat was a hard blow for him. "It took me a while to come to terms with it," he said, "It was great to be in the final again and I really believed we could do it. But immediately after the match I was frustrated, then angry, I was angry with myself." This emotional turmoil reflects Stones' desire to win and the rigor with which he holds himself accountable for his performance. He constantly reflects on it, imagining if the outcome would have been different if he could have made a different choice at the time. "I always feel like I could have done more," he continues, "and that self-criticism is pure and strong."
However, Stones also realizes that the past hurt cannot be changed and he must learn to face and let go of the experience. "We'll never go back to the way we were, and we'll never suffer that kind of hurt again," he laments, "It's hard for me, but I've chosen to seal that emotion inside and try not to think about that kind of pain." This resilience and courage shows the Stones' maturity as a player and a person.
Speaking about the changes in the team under Carsley, Stones expressed his views. "I think the team now needs to organize the attack from the back," he said, "for the lads to show what they can do in possession and have the patience and belief they showed at the club and hold it all together." This shift in tactical philosophy is undoubtedly a revolution in England's traditional style of play and reflects Southgate's thoughtful approach to the future of the team. Stones believes that under the leadership of Southgate, the England team will be able to show stronger strength and better performance in future matches.
