England U19s star and new Everton defender John Stones focused on development

England U19s v Denmark U19s
U19 International Match
7.30pm, Tuesday 5 February 2013
The Keepmoat Stadium, Doncaster Rovers FC
Call 01302 762576 for tickets
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By Nicholas Veevers

John Stones sealed a transfer deadline day move to Everton on Thursday and is also looking to help England U19s to victory next week.

The right-back was called into the Young Lions squad by Noel Blake at the start of the season after impressing with his form for Barnsley.

And he’s now looking forward to performing on the Premier League stage with the Toffees, but Tuesday’s game with Denmark is also on the horizon.

He said: “It’s a huge honour for me to pull on that England shirt. I can’t ask for much more, I’m thoroughly proud.

“Everyone’s fighting for their place. Everyone wants to pull the shirt on so badly because it’s a tremendous honour.

“Hopefully I’ll get it because I’m going to give it my all against Denmark like I do in any other game. “

And the match will see a return to South Yorkshire for Barnsley-born Stones, only a matter of days after signing a long term contract at Goodison Park.

“I’ve already had a few people saying they’re coming to watch - people I don’t even know,” he added.

“It makes me feel good how much I’m supported about the club and community, so hopefully we’ll have a good turnout and see a few Barnsley shirts and flags.

“With it being on home soil, I’m sure it’ll give the lads an extra boost.”

Stones has two caps to his name so far, after making his debut in the first game of the season against Germany.

And he still recalls the experience of wearing the Three Lions for the first time and the pride he felt.

“Blasting out the national anthem with the lads was unreal,” he said.

“Playing against Germany, who are such a good team, and just the excitement before the game of putting on that shirt and trying my hand against a highly-rated team.

“I do feel I’ve improved a bit over the season and I’m pretty pleased with my performances.

“I want to take it to the next step now and improve even more at such a high level.”

And with Everton and England, that’s something Stones will be well positioned to do.