John Stones has called Colombia “the dirtiest team I’ve ever played against” and praised his England teammates for overcoming a difficult situation in the World Cup last-16 match.

“The best thing for us was to beat them at football – that will hurt them most,” the defender said as England prepared for their World Cup quarter-final against Sweden on Saturday. “They’re on the plane going home and we’re in the next round.”

Stones was critical of Colombia’s physical and mental provocation as he reflected on Tuesday’s win in a penalty shootout.

Sportblitzz.com