Although he's arguably the best ball-playing defender the Three Lions have ever had, he's coming off a season with Manchester City where he made just five Premier League starts.
Injuries were a huge contributing factor to his lack of game time, as well as Pep Guardiola preferring other players instead of him. However, the 32-year-old is ready to make another massive impact for England at a major tournament.
Stones is expected to slot in alongside Marc Guehi for the opening group game against Croatia on Wednesday after starting in both friendly victories against New Zealand and Costa Rica.
Tuchel sees the experienced defender as a key part of his possession-based system due to his ability to play out from the back, but it isn't just on the pitch where he's making his presence felt.
Dan Burn, who is playing at his first World Cup, praised Stones for helping him feel at home straight away, as well as his attributes on the ball.
"Everyone can see the player John is on the pitch, very composed on the ball," Burn said. "He’s got that international experience that I definitely haven’t got and he helps me with that sort of stuff as well. I’ve not been to many camps, so as well as a great footballer, he’s a great person.”
Burn was selected by Tuchel as a versatile option, capable of playing at left-back or in the centre of defence after a solid season with Newcastle United.