Manchester City defender John Stones: 'I want to play in Community Shield'

Defender John Stones has suggested that he plans to be ready to start the season with Manchester City.

On Sunday, Stones returned home after helping England reach the World Cup semi-finals, with the centre-back making seven appearances at the tournament in Russia.

City are scheduled to meet Chelsea in the Community Shield on August 5 but Stones has insisted that he wants to be available for the clash at Wembley Stadium.

The 24-year-old is quoted by The Mirror as saying: "I'm going to go back in for the first game against Chelsea in the Community Shield. I just want to keep the momentum going. I will have a break. I will just make sure I am fighting fit for the new season.

"I've really enjoyed playing, I've enjoyed my football, I've enjoyed the challenges of playing in the biggest games. I felt like I've expressed myself, tried to bring everything to the table.

"I can honestly say I gave it my all, I've left nothing out on the pitch. Now it is about keeping improving. I feel I've improved as a person and a footballer over the last few weeks on the biggest stage in the world."

Since the start of last season, Stones has made a total of 40 outings for club and country.