John Stones

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John Stones will be one of the most experienced players in England’s squad's starting eleven this summer. Stones was chosen in England's squads for the UEFA European Championship in 2016 and 2020 and the FIFA World Cup in 2018 and 2022. Stones made his Premier League debut in 2013 with Everton and appeared 95 times over four seasons. In 2016, he signed for Manchester City for 47.5 million pounds with add-ons, which is the second-highest transfer fee for a defender. His time at City has been successful, winning five Premier League titles, two EFL Cups, two FA Cups, and the UEFA Champions League. Stones is known for his technical ability and physical presence, and he is best described as a ball-playing center-back. He has been praised for great composure with the ball, defensive skills, range of passing, and versatility and vision. Manchester City and England teammate said of Stones, “You don't quite appreciate him until you are playing alongside him. He rarely gets beat, he is great on the ball and he is very calm and level-headed.” It will be important for the England squad this summer to have the reliability and level-headedness of John Stones leading the backline as they challenge for the trophy.

“I’d like to think that belief or self-belief that someone has done it from where I’m from, is really rare and I’d love to be able to inspire young kids and make them dream they can do the same thing.”