'I'm there' – Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk makes bold claim as John Stones concern increases

Brighton skipper Lewis Dunk insists he is not at Euro 2024 just to make up the numbers as he admits he feared his chances to head to a major tournament with England had passed him by.

Dunk, 32, made the cut for Gareth Southgate’s 26-man squad in Germany and is raring to go in his quest to add to his six England caps.

Dunk is one of 12 players to be tasting his first senior international tournament and is part of a relatively inexperienced collection of central defenders.

Asked if he feared the opportunity to go to a tournament had gone, he replied: “Of course, this was probably my last chance of getting to a tournament realistically.

“Being out of the squad for a long time after my debut I probably thought it was over then. I got back in and now I am here enjoying the moment.

“It has been exciting. It is new to me obviously but it is exciting times. Base camp has been brilliant, the boys have settled in well and trained well for the last two days.

“Just because I’ve not been to a tournament doesn’t mean I’m not experienced in football. I’ve played 450 games.

“I’ve probably come up against every scenario in football. Obviously this tournament is on a bigger magnitude.

“I think the Europa League would have helped me a lot with that, playing against the European teams and coming up against different teams.

“I’m just going to bring me to this camp and hopefully I’m there when called upon to help the squad.”

John Stones has 72 caps while Dunk, Ezri Konsa, Marc Guehi and Joe Gomez have a combined 36 with Harry Maguire missing the finals through injury.

Manchester City defender Stones was forced off at half-time on England’s 1-0 loss to Iceland at Wembley on Friday and missed training in Germany on Wednesday through illness.

He is likely to be available for the Group C opener against Serbia in Gelsenkirchen on Sunday but Dunk is ready and waiting to step in if required.

“I would hope so, of course,” he said about being on standby to start if Stones does not make it.

“But you never know. There are a few days until Sunday and we’ll see what happens. I’m not here just for a holiday!

“I’m here to play games and win matches and hopefully we can take the trophy home. That’s what I’m here for.”