Stones goes from brink of retirement to World Cup 'pure joy'

John Stones secured a place in England's 26-man World Cup squad after a period where he had to "dig deep" to overcome doubts about his selection. The defender's inclusion was not universally anticipated, but he successfully navigated the challenges to earn his spot. Stones described his journey to the squad as "pure joy," highlighting the personal significance of his achievement. He emphasized the mental fortitude required to reach this point, suggesting a significant personal effort was involved in his comeback. The World Cup squad announcement marks a notable moment for Stones, transitioning from a position where retirement was a consideration to representing his country on the global stage.