John Stones said he was 'gutted' that Harry Maguire was forced to miss Euro 2024 through injury and revealed he received a good-luck message from the Manchester United centre-back during the tournament.

The pair have been a mainstay at the heart of the England defence for the last three tournaments prior to Euro 2024, but Maguire's outgoing injury issues meant he ultimately missed out on a spot in Gareth Southgate's squad.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi has proved to be an adequate replacement for Maguire, but Stones admitted his former centre-back colleague is missed in Germany.

"I'd say for the first week after the squad got announced I spoke to him," the 30-year-old Manchester City star told talkSPORT. "I was extremely gutted for him personally and from my point of view from him being around in big tournaments previously. Not just for me, for the lads.

"To have had that injury and not being able to be fully fit to come away is such a difficult position to be in. I sympathise with how he's feeling with that. He did his best to try and be here but I am sure he will be at home watching every game and supporting us.

"He sent a good luck message as he does. I hope he is coping alright. He is probably screaming at the TV out of anger, happiness and all the emotions that come with it. He is missed by the group massively and I hope to see him back soon."

Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is returned to England training on Monday ahead of the Group C decider against Slovenia. A win for the Three Lions will see them secure top spot and a kinder last-16 tie, while a second or third-place finish is possible should England lose in Cologne on Tuesday.