England fans have faced criticism for their chant about John Stones leading up to their Euro 2024 qualifying clash against Ukraine.
The Three Lions are currently in Poland, pursuing their fifth consecutive Euro 2024 qualifying victory.
This match is being hosted in Wroclaw due to the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, with Slovakia and Poland generously offering their stadiums for Ukraine to play their games.
Despite the neutral ground, England manager Gareth Southgate anticipates substantial Ukrainian support.
In a pre-match press conference, Southgate stated, “We know there are thousands of Ukrainians here.
We are expecting a passionate crowd, but we are here to win a football game, so for us, it is about keeping our emotions in check and focusing on our job.”
In the meantime, England supporters have gathered on the streets of Poland, enthusiastically singing chants in Wroclaw on Friday evening.
But one particular chant about Manchester City defender John Stones hasn’t gone down so well with fans at home. You can listen to the X-rated chant below.
England fans out in Poland tonight..
“He comes from Barnsley,
He plays in blue and white,
He hates the Germans,
He thinks they’re f*cking sh*te,
He’s breaking ankles, everywhere he goes,
His name is Johnny, Johnny f*cking Stones…”Top class! 🍻👏pic.twitter.com/HYLe3fSBbG
— Football Away Days (@FBAwayDays) September 8, 2023
Replying to the video on Twitter, one fan wrote: “Thanks for reminding me why I hate England international football.”
“And this is why they are hated so much, I’m embarrassed,” another added.
“Main reason I have no interest in the England national team,” a third chimed in. “Embarrassment.”
“Great place Wroclaw, bet these are ruining it,” another remarked.
Stones wasn’t included in Southgate’s squad for the international break, with the 29-year-old still recovering from a hip injury he sustained in pre-season.
A win would see England all but secure their place at next summer’s European Championship in Germany, so long as Italy beat Ukraine on Tuesday and North Macedonia lose either of their two upcoming games against Italy and Malta.
England vs Ukraine kicks off at 5pm GMT on Saturday afternoon.