England U19s and Everton defender John Stones looks back on his South Yorkshire return

By Nicholas Veevers

John Stones had a successful return to his native South Yorkshire on Tuesday, helping England U19s to victory over Denmark.

The 18-year-old defender only left hometown club Barnsley for Everton less than a week ago, but was back in familiar surroundings in Doncaster to put in an assured performance.

And Stones was delighted to play his part, both in an impressive team display and in front of a 7500-strong crowd.

He told FATV: “It was a great win for the lads and a good crowd turned out, especially with the weather, as there’s been a lot of snow in South Yorkshire.

“It was a good result for the lads, but there was a great save from Jordan Pickford to keep us in the game really.

“They’d got it back to 2-1 by then and it could have been 2-2, so he saved us well there.”

Stones will now head back to Goodison Park, where he will begin to try and establish himself in David Moyes’ squad over the rest of the campaign.

And after breaking through with Barnsley and England this season, Stones is hoping to settle on Merseyside just as quickly.

He admitted: “It’s been hectic over the last few days with the deadline day.

“So I’ll go home and get a bit of rest but it’s been good, moving from Barnsley to a Premiership team which is everyone’s dream really.

“Getting the call-up for England just tops it off for me.”

Watch the full interview with John below.