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Louise Thomas
Editor
John Stones is excited for an “incredible moment” as he captains England for the first time against Greece on Thursday.
The Manchester City defender will lead his country out at Wembley for the first time after Harry Kane was ruled out of starting the Nations League B2 match because of injury.
“It’s definitely everything that I could have dreamed of as a kid,” the defender said ahead of his 82nd cap.
“For my family to be able to see me walk out as England captain is a special moment and one I can’t thank Lee enough for.
“It was a great conversation we had last night and one I was a bit speechless in.
“An incredible moment for me, it was a bit more normal today, everything resumed as normal, the preparation, the training that we’ve done and our focus.
“To be walking out with the armband on is an absolute honour and a moment I will cherish forever.”
Stones looks set to be joined in the starting XI by his former Manchester City team-mate Cole Palmer, who is primed for his first competitive start.
Palmer is in fine form for Chelsea, who he joined last season after being allowed to leave the Etihad Stadium.
Stones suggested that he told Palmer not to leave City, but is still enjoying seeing his rise at Stamford Bridge.
“I was a huge fan of Cole as soon as he came into our first-team set up, what he brought to the game, how he played as if he was in the park,” he said.
“I was sad to see him leave, I made him aware of that, but what he has gone on and done is a credit to him, how he’s conducted himself, how he’s stepped up in big moments.
“He is in a good moment, and I hope that continues for as long as possible.
“Scoring in the final, he has experienced those big games now and big moments and hopefully there is more of that to come.”
