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John Stones says England can 'put things right' v Croatia in Nations League

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John Stones was involved in Croatia's opening goal in England's World Cup exit
Image: John Stones was involved in Croatia's opening goal in England's World Cup exit

John Stones hopes to move on from his World Cup frustration and "put things right" when England take on Croatia in the Nations League.

England's run to the last four of the World Cup came to a heartbreaking end in July as Zlatko Dalic's side came from behind to secure a 2-1 extra-time win in Moscow.

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The 24-year-old refrained from talking about revenge on the eve of the game, but the defender spoke of improving aspects of the display when they step out at the empty Stadion HNK Rijeka.

"I think however we want to put it, we've got to play them no matter what," Stones said of the Group A4 match, which will be played behind closed doors as Croatia complete a UEFA stadium ban.

England's John Stones is consoled by Kyle Walker at full time, before extra time, during the FIFA World Cup, Semi Final match at the Luzhniki Stadium, Moscow. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday July 11, 2018. See PA story WORLDCUP Croatia. Photo credit should read: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire. RESTRICTIONS: Editorial use only. No commercial use. No use with any unofficial 3rd party logos. No manipulation of images. No video emulation.
Image: John Stones was in tears after England's semi-final exit in Russia

"I don't want to say anything about the World Cup. I think we've got a new game, a new challenge in front of us.

"Obviously it will be a different environment for me personally and a lot of the lads without having any fans here, but that's something that we can't control and it's down to what happened here in the past.

"So, it's a great experience for us all and hopefully we can put things right.

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England's young players are ready to handle the pressure of playing at senior international level against Croatia and Spain, says manager Gareth Southgate

"We want to come here and show a good account of ourselves, show that we can hopefully beat Croatia and keep fighting in this Nations League."

England lost their first Nations League match 2-1 against Spain, who then secured an eye-catching 6-0 win against Croatia days later.

Southgate's side could see some new faces get a run out with Jadon Sancho, James Maddison, Mason Mount and Lewis Dunk in the senior squad for the first time.

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