Fears over sickness bug spreading in England's Euro 2024 camp with key player at risk of missing Serbia match

There are fears that a sickness bug could potentially be spreading in England’s camp ahead of Euro 2024.

On Sunday night, Gareth Southgate’s men will kick off their quest for Euro 2024 glory when they take on Serbia at the Veltins-Arena in Gelsenkirchen.

Prior to the tournament, England are one of the favourites to go all the way along with the likes of France, Portugal and host nation Germany.

However, ahead of their Euro 2024 opener against Serbia on Sunday, defender John Stones has been struck down with an illness.

Sky Sports reporter Rob Dorsett wrote on social media: “John Stones has sickness bug which kept him out of #england training. Has been confined to bedroom to prevent spread. #mcfc defender needed training and game time after only 1 PL start in 3 months. Not happened. Doubt for Serbia game, and even if starts, unlikely to complete 90.”

Stones was taken off at half-time during England’s 1-0 defeat by Iceland after he was on the end of a strong challenge in the early minutes of the match.

However, Three Lions boss Southgate gave a positive update after the match.

He said: “We think he’s probably okay, but we didn’t want to take a chance with him.”

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During an interview with German news outlet BILD, Southgate admitted Euro 2024 could be his last chance to win a trophy with England.

He said: “If we don’t win, I probably won’t be here anymore. So maybe it is the last chance. I think around half the national coaches leave after a tournament — that’s the nature of international football.

“I’ve been here almost eight years now and we’ve come close. You can’t constantly put yourself in front of the public and say, ‘A little more please’, as at some point people lose faith.”

Southgate added: "If we want to be a great team and I want to be a top coach, you must deliver in big moments.”

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