Could John Stones be an outside bet for an England World Cup place?
Okay, so it is probably a little far fetched for Stonesy to get the call but stranger things have happened.
The England squad at the moment is in the process of a bit of an overhaul, the Golden generation (I don’t know why they are called this, they have won sod all and performed even worse) are coming to an end and the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard are on their way out.
Stones on England under 21 duty
The new era of quick, talented players are coming through with the likes of Ross Barkley, Jack Wilshere and Andros Townsend leading the way with others emerging behind them.
One player who is impressing each time he gets the call (Although these are limited at the moment) is Everton defender John Stones. The Barnsley lad is a cultured centre-back who has also shone in the Championship at right-back when he played for Barnsley.
Stonesy has recently been called up to the starting 11 for Everton due to injuries to Phil Jagielka and Sylvain Distin and has shone alongside Antolin Alcaraz. Competent on the ball, strong in the tackle and showing composure befitting of a man with many more years experience, the 19 year old is certainly impressing the Goodison faithful.
Now don’t get me wrong. I do understand the lad has only played a few games, but as a chap that works in Barnsley town centre, I have spent the last couple of years in the company of Barnsley supporters and Yorkshire news that have given me a good insight into the player. Could he have an outside shot of making the finals? Every Barnsley fan that spoke to me about John Stones said that we had signed a gem.
Stones in his Barnsley days
England aren’t blessed with a brilliant squad of defenders at the moment. Competing for right-back and centre-back positions are Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill, Glenn Johnson, Chris Smalling, Phil Jones and Kyle Walker. Of those, Smalling and Jones can play the 2 positions but have never put in a good enough performance to claim the spot as their own. If John Stones has a decent run of games this season, he could well do enough to impress Roy Hodgson and be given a chance. He has impressed at England under 21 level and has performed well in the matches he has played in for Everton so far.
Stranger things have happened.
Do you think John Stones will become an England player? Have your say at www.theevertonforum.com