John Stones has revealed he has been in touch with Harry Maguire during Euro 2024.

The Manchester City defender has admitted he's missed the presence of Maguire in the England squad before and during the tournament in Germany.

Maguire has been Stones' longstanding partner in the Three Lions defence. But with the United man missing out on a spot in this summer's England squad due to injury, Stones has extended his sympathies.

"I'd say for the first week after the squad got announced I spoke to him," Stones 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."

Stones and Maguire both have roots in South Yorkshire, with the former brought up at Barnsley and the latter at Sheffield United. Stones' warm words for the United player show how close they are - despite being involved in a fierce Mancunian rivalry at club level for the past few years.

"He sent a good luck message as he does," added the City star. "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."

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