Hope Stones starts and has a great game.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-3137447/John-Stones-crucial-Italy-clash-football-universally-agrees-defender-England-captain.html#
Stones is one of those players who every so often comes along and there is universal agreement about his ability. David Moyes was adamant he had signed a star in the making when he brought him from Barnsley in January 2013 for just £2million. Roberto Martinez eulogises over him; Roy Hodgson is similarly taken. As is Southgate. On a scouting trip to Goodison Park earlier this year, it was clear to see what kind of impression Stones had made on Southgate when keeping Sergio Aguero under lock and key during a 1-1 draw with Manchester City. There was never any doubt, from that point, that Stones would go to Euro 2015.
That is why the sickening incident on the Repcin training ground, England’s base on the outskirts of Olomouc, last Tuesday left the squad shaken. Stones was trying to get out of Jack Butland’s way when he came for a corner but ended up being flattened by the goalkeeper.
For the next 24 hours, he felt nauseous and groggy and he was clearly missed when Portugal beat them 1-0 in Uherske Hradiste. Stones is a leader, unflappable and, most significantly, provides assurance at the back. This is no slight on the other defenders but things feel better when he is in the middle. His ability to carry the ball out also makes England a more fluent team. That, perhaps, is one of the reason why Southgate seemed absolutely certain yesterday that his team will score against Italy.