Former England left-back Ashley Cole is the record holder for most successive major tournament outings, but now shares that accolade
Ashley Cole made 22 successive major tournament appearances for England from 2004 to 2012
John Stones and Jordan Pickford will equal an England record when they take to the pitch to take on Slovenia in their country’s last group stage game of Euro 2024.
Ashley Cole currently holds the record for most successive appearances at a major tournament for the Three Lions, playing at the 2002, 2006 and 2010 World Cups as well as Euro 2004 and Euro 2012 – England of course failing to qualify for the 2008 edition.
In the course of those tournaments, the former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back played in 22 successive games on the big summer stage, a tally that has now been matched by two of Gareth Southgate’s most trusted generals.
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Jordan Pickford and John Stones equal Ashley Cole record for England
Against Slovenia, Everton goalkeeper Pickford and Manchester City centre-back Stones will both make their 22nd straight starts for England at major tournaments, with the duo both making their summer bows at the 2018 World Cup.
They have both consistently kept their places ever since, turning out for England at Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup.
Skipper Harry Kane set a new England record for most total appearances at major tournaments earlier this summer, with his outing against Serbia marking his 23rd and thus moving him clear of Cole and Raheem Sterling, with whom he was previously level.
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Jordan Pickford and John Stones have equalled Ashley Cole's record (Image credit: Getty Images)
Southgate has made just one change to his starting line-up to face Slovenia with Chelsea’s Conor Gallagher replacing Liverpool’s Trent Alexander-Arnold in central midfield.
England’s place in the last 16 is already assured as even in a worst-case scenario, they will be one of the best four third-placed sides in the group stage - meaning Pickford and/or Stones could yet set a new record in the coming days.
Their final placement in the group is however still on the line. They go into their final game top of the group with four points, two clear of Denmark and Slovenia.
Steven Chicken has been working as a football writer since 2009, taking in stints with Football365 and the Huddersfield Examiner. Steven still covers Huddersfield Town home and away for his own publication, WeAreTerriers.com. Steven is a two-time nominee for Regional Journalist of the Year at the prestigious British Sports Journalism Awards, making the shortlist in 2020 and 2023.
