England's key defender back in training ahead of Euro 2024 opener against Serbia

John Stones has left England's Euro 2024 squad isolated and returned to full training.

The defender has missed recent training with a stomach bug and has been confined to his bedroom at the Three Lions camp to prevent the illness from spreading.

However, he was able to reunite with his teammates on Thursday and has resumed training ahead of the start of this summer's European Championships.

Despite being watched on the pitch on the eve of the tournament, doubts remain as to whether Manchester City defender Stones will be fit to start England's group stage opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday evening.

Stones was withdrawn at half-time of last Friday's 1-0 defeat against Iceland at Wembley after picking up an ankle injury in their final warm-up friendly. Gareth Southgate insisted after the game that this was purely a precautionary measure, although his lack of training this week could seriously hamper his recovery.

England already have a number of defensive problems ahead of Euro 2024. Harry Maguire has been forced out of Southgate's final 26-man squad through injury, while Luke Shaw – the Three Lions' only left-back in the summer – is yet to feature. . since February and only joined England in training earlier this week.

Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi is expected to start at center back against Serbia, while Brighton & Hove Albion's Lewis Dunk could be included in the starting line-up if Stones is deemed fit enough.

After facing Serbia, England will then face Denmark and Slovenia to complete their campaign in the group stage. The Three Lions are hoping to go one better at this year's Euros as they finished second to Italy at Euro 2020.

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