John Stones explains how Gareth Southgate has responded to England fan abuse

John Stones says Gareth Southgate getting pelted with beer cups will only strengthen his desire to make history.

Southgate will take charge of his 100th game in Saturday’s Euros quarter final with Switzerland but the fans have been turning on the under-fire boss.‌ England fans even threw beer and shouted abuse at Southgate after the draw with Slovenia in the Group stages and they have struggled to live up to their tag as pre-tournament favourites.

But Stones insists that Southgate will be determined to swap beer cups for silverware as England look to win the first European Championships in their history.

England defender Stones said: “I’ve only heard about the criticism he’s been receiving. I saw some fans after one game throwing bottles in his direction. I’m sure that will have motivated him that bit more.‌

“Everyone who has spent time with him and know him as a person, knows how hard he and his backroom staff work. So definitely we want to win for them, ourselves and our families and everyone in the nation.

“He is very clear in what we can achieve as a nation. The great attributes and qualities he has as a manager is that he is simple and clear to the players. That has not always been done.‌

“So to be able to be here and try and make a mark in this tournament is important and we have that goal at the end which is to try and do something which has never been done before.”

Stones also insists the biggest driving force in his career is to win and he says he will bring that winning DNA to the squad who share his ambition. He added: “The biggest thrill for me that I can get out of playing is that winning feeling, to create history for us as a nation for everyone back home. For me personally and the lads to do something that has never been done before and win this trophy.

“We want to try to create our own history and make something happen. That comes with all the trophies that I have won previously in my career and try to bring those attributes to the team, that hunger and the things you can’t really coach or learn.

“You are almost just born with it. Winning a football game or going that extra yard to try to make it happen. That is the dream. That is the belief that I have.”

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