8 games without conceding a goal! Stones: The depth of England s squad this term is incredible

In the European preliminaries of the World Cup, England defeated Albania 2-0 away from home. After the game, England defender Stones was interviewed.

You have played in several rounds of World Cup preliminaries, and this time you have not conceded a single goal in eight games.

Stones: Indeed, I can't think of a better adjective. Everyone played a role. I haven't conceded a goal in the last four games and I'm really proud to be part of the team. Especially in difficult times, the fighting spirit shown by the team makes me proud. Just like tonight, it was another tough away game with poor field conditions and at the end of the game I saw a player who seemed to be injured, hopefully not too serious. But in this situation, everyone stood up, we maintained control, stayed calm, and focused on completing the game tasks at hand.

You seem to play two roles in the first and second half. Do you think Tuchel will continue to involve you in the midfield organization in the future?

Stones: I hope so. I think this is a strategy to deal with different opponents. It’s not just me, our entire team actually adjusted our formation three times tonight. The opponent's pressing was very fierce in the first half, and it was difficult for us to effectively use the space in the ribs when we were in possession of the ball. After the half-time break we switched to three at the back and the effect was much better, and then changed the formation again in the final stage. The lads' ability to quickly understand tactical changes, adapt to different positions, and adjust quickly in such a difficult away atmosphere is really impressive.

How do you evaluate the strength of this team? You are experienced and have participated in several competitions. And now there are "surprise players" like Saka and Rashford in the team, who can change the situation by coming off the bench. What do you think of the talent on this team? Obviously, the whole team is already looking forward to the World Cup.

Stones: The captain and I agree. I liked the way we handled the game. We had to have faith, and we did. The talent in this team is very outstanding. I have been in the England team several times and I have always felt that we have good talent in each team, but the depth of the lineup this time is incredible.

I can’t even name my ideal starting eleven because there are too many excellent players. And you see, those players who came off the bench really made a big impact. In such a high-profile, high-pressure game, it is not easy to come on as a substitute and integrate quickly.

England's roster for this game

England's starting lineup: 13-Dean Henderson, 18-O'Reilly, 5-Stones, 2-Kwansa, 12-Dan Byrne, 4-Rice, 16-Wharton, 10-Bellingham, 20-Bowen, 19-Eze, 9-Kane

England substitutes: 1-Pickford, 22-Trafford, 3-Reece James, 6-Chalobah, 14-Spence, 8-Jordan Henderson, 11-Rashford, 15-Rogers, 17-Foden, 21-Anderson, 23-Alex Scott, 7-Saka