John Stones reveals what England should have done better during shock 2-1 defeat by Greece as stand-in captain is left ‘absolutely gutted’

John Stones has revealed where England need to improve following their shock 2-1 defeat by Greece.

With Harry Kane unavailable, it was a landmark fixture for Stones as he captained England for the first time.

However, the game certainly didn’t go as he would have hoped, with England struggling for long periods at Wembley.

Vangelis Pavlidis gave Greece the lead just before half time and although Jude Bellingham equalised for England in the closing stages, Pavlidis struck again late on to seal victory for the visitors.  

Stones admitted that England had to give credit to Greece but the 30-year-old was left disappointed with how the Three Lions performed.

Vangelis Pavlidis (centre) scored a brace to pull off the historic win at Wembley Stadium

The night had a poignant note as Greece paid tribute to the late George Baldock throughout the match

Asked how he felt after the game, Stones told The FA’s official website: ‘On a personal note, absolutely gutted.

‘First time with the armband, and a result like this. It’s hard to put into words to be honest after every emotion yesterday, today we prepared how we normally do and it didn’t come off so it’s just a shame it was on a night like this.’

Stones admitted that England found it challenging to play their usual game and stressed that they needed to create more chances. 

He said: ‘We have got to give credit to them, from the start they put us right under pressure. 

‘We found it difficult to come out from the back, and play our normal football to break the lines. 

‘They were very compact so it was disappointing from us. We worked on it, it’s something we know as players.

Jude Bellingham was called upon to play as a striker by Lee Carsley in a move which confused

‘As Lee said to us as players, we have got to deliver, put the onus on ourselves and go and do the business and we didn’t.

‘We didn’t create enough clear cut chances, we didn’t get enough second balls.’

England had the chance to go top of their Nations League group but are in second place, three points behind Greece. 

Stones said: ‘It’s a difficult night, a lot was riding on it for me personally and for the lads. We saw it as a great opportunity to top the group today, it’s not happened.

‘We have got to look back on this game and move forward.’

England will be determined to bounce back when they face Finland away on Sunday, with their opponents yet to register a point in this Nations League campaign.

Stones stressed that England found it difficult to create chances against the travelling side

The experimental formation used by interim England boss Carsley certainly didn’t work

Interim boss Lee Carsley’s decision to start with an experimental formation without a striker certainly didn’t have the desired effect.

If Kane is available against Finland after a slight knock then the striker’s return could be a huge boost for the team.

With 82 caps, Stones is one of the most experienced members of the England squad and he will be determined to ensure that the team show a reaction against Finland.