John Stones was delighted for Manchester United captain Harry Maguire following his set-piece goal against Ukraine on Saturday.
Speaking on the England podcast, Stones was praising the return of his centre-back partner and his impact on the national team.
Maguire has made massive strides after suffering an ankle injury in May, mainly to the advantage of Gareth Southgate’s side.
United’s skipper has now been part of three successive clean sheets at the European Championships.
He also etched his name onto the scoresheet in the 4-0 win over Ukraine, thanks to a thumping second-half header.
His first of the tournament can be owed to an excellent free-kick delivered by Luke Shaw, straight onto the temple of his Red Devil teammate.
Scoring from set-pieces
Stones was ecstatic for Maguire’s strike, partly because of how much preparation had gone into their dead-ball routines.
“I know he will be so happy to be back and keeping clean sheets, playing and obviously getting a goal the other night,” said the Manchester City centre-half
“So pleased for him. We’ve all worked hard on the set-piece side of our game and it all came at once the other night.”
Free-kicks and corners were a vital part of England’s epic journey through the 2018 World Cup, a weapon that’s faded slightly in recent times.
City’s defender also added how grateful he was to have his long-standing international colleague back next to him after a period of separation.
“Yeah, it’s great for us as a country. Personally, I’m so pleased for him, to be back fit.
“I know he’s trained really hard and done everything to try and get back as quick as possible. It’s great to see him back enjoying his football.
“I know it was an unfortunate injury that he picked up, nothing of his own down.”
Southgate is set to call upon Stones and Maguire once more when the Three Lions take on Denmark in the semi-final on Wednesday evening.
Another clean sheet, and possibly a few set-piece goals, will secure their place in the showpiece event at Wembley this weekend.
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