Euro 2024: John Stones says England's dramatic win over Slovakia 'a turning point for us emotionally'

John Stones said that England's dramatic 2-1 victory over Slovakia in the Euro 2024 round of 16 was a "turning point for us emotionally". Despite preparing for a quarter-final clash on Saturday against Switzerland, England have yet to truly hit their best in the tournament, but the Manchester City defender feels the euphoria of their recent victory can galvanise the squad.

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John Stones believes England's 2-1 victory over Slovakia in their Euro 2024 round-of-16 clash was a "turning point" for Gareth Southgate's side, who have yet to convince so far in the tournament.

The Euro 2020 runners-up looked to be heading out of the tournament in Germany with Slovakia holding onto a 1-0 lead until the dying moments of stoppage time, when Jude Bellingham equalised with seconds to go. Harry Kane ensured victory in extra time.

Despite being among the favourites to win the tournament, England have flattered to deceive with unconvincing performances. But Stones feels that the win will "change a lot of things" for the side.

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"It is a turning point for us emotionally," he told a news conference on Thursday. "To do it in a high-pressured moment in the last few moments it is going to change a lot of things for us. As a team and going through the emotions.

"There is a great picture of us celebrating that goal. It shows that unity and togetherness as a team. When you have done those things you can believe you can do it better and when it gets tough you can always recap to these moments."

England's performances so far have sparked widespread criticism, including from notable pundits Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer, as they have struggled to assert dominance in any of their clashes so far. That trend continued into the knockout phase, with Slovakia much the stronger side in the opening hour of play.

Stones admitted he felt England could be crashing out of the tournament based off that display.

"We need to keep progressing and playing the fluid football that we are used to," he said. "I don't want to discredit the other night, I thought we were going home up to 60 minutes into the game.

"To change the mindset and for us all to keep the belief it has a lot of power behind it - for ourselves and other teams.

"Everyone at home knows we are there to do it until the last minute and we should take great confidence from that as it's not easy to do in a high-pressured game.

"We use that as fuel, that extra mile and make it count and we did that."

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Sections of the travelling support have made their feelings known, notably in Cologne as some threw empty cups towards manager Southgate following the 0-0 draw against Slovenia in the final group stage match.

Stones, however, insisted that Southgate turns such criticism into motivation to succeed.

"I've only heard about the criticism that he's been receiving," the Manchester City defender said. "I saw that some fans after the game were throwing bottles in his direction, I'm sure that would have only motivated him more.

"I couldn't tell you about his future or us even knowing anything about that as a team, or me personally. Of course we all have spent time with him and know him as a person and how hard he and his backroom staff have worked. We want to win for them, ourselves, our families and everyone in the nation."

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England face Switzerland in the quarter-finals on Saturday, and despite Southgate's side falling on the more favourable side of the draw - avoiding clashes with the likes of France and Spain until the final - the weekend's opponents stand as a firm task amid an impressive campaign.

On England's next opponents, Stones said: "How they have played this tournament and the players they have got they've been brilliant, so it is down to us now."

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