Stones returns to England training just one day after being confined to his room

England were given an important boost for their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia as John Stones returned to training on Thursday following an illness.

The Manchester City defender had been isolating away from his compatriots throughout Wednesday to prevent his sickness spreading through the squad.

Doubts had arisen as to whether Stones would recover in time to start in the centre of defence in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday, with Lewis Dunk waiting on standby.

But it seems the 30-year-old has shrugged off his bug as all 26 members of Gareth Southgate’s squad were seen on the training pitches in Blankenhain.

Stones is the Three Lions’ most experienced defender, and without Harry Maguire in the squad Southgate will be hoping his return to the turf spells good news for his fitness levels.

The defender has struggled to stay match ready for the majority of the past year. He only featured 12 times in the Premier League for Manchester City as they stormed to a fourth successive title.

His worries have leaked into international duty too as he was forced off at half-time in England’s 1-0 loss to Iceland last week due to an ankle problem.

However, his scares may be behind him as he was seen back in action alongside his compatriots, with a stern look on his face.

The laughing and joking nature of Tuesday’s session seemed to seap back into the squad, but the England stars remained focus on their date with Serbia in three days time.

Luke Shaw continued his pursuit of fitness, training for a third day in a row after only kicking a ball for the first time in five months on Tuesday.

While he is still set to miss Sunday’s match at the Veltins-Arena, it seems his progression on the pitch stands him in good stead to face Dennmark on June 20.