Football News: England’s Pickford and Stones Tie Ashley Cole’s Major Tournament Record

In a significant milestone for the England national team, goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and defender John Stones will equal Ashley Cole’s record for most successive major tournament appearances when they take the field against Slovenia in their final Euro 2024 group stage match.

Cole, the former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back, currently holds the record for the Three Lions, having participated in 22 consecutive major tournaments from 2002 to 2012, including the 2002, 2006, and 2010 World Cups, as well as Euro 2004 and Euro 2012.

Now, Pickford and Stones, two of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted players, are set to match this impressive feat. The Everton goalkeeper and the Manchester City centre-back both made their summer debuts for England at the 2018 World Cup and have been ever-present fixtures in the national team since then, featuring in Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.

Skipper Harry Kane has also set a new England record for most total appearances at major tournaments earlier this summer, with his outing against Serbia marking his 23rd, surpassing the previous record held by Cole and Raheem Sterling.

As England prepare to face Slovenia, Southgate has made one change to his starting lineup, with Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher replacing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield.

Despite already securing their place in the last 16 of Euro 2024, England’s final group stage positioning is still undecided. They currently sit atop the group with four points, two clear of Denmark and Slovenia. Pickford and/or Stones could set a new record in the coming days if they feature in England’s knockout stage matches.

Football enthusiasts eagerly await to see if Pickford and Stones can etch their names in the history books alongside the legendary Ashley Cole, further cementing their status as integral members of the England national team.

🔗 Source