John Stones is a natural leader and potential England captain, according to his manager Roberto Martinez.
The Everton defender was included in Roy Hodgson's England squad to face San Marino and Estonia, and Martinez has praised the 20-year-old for the progress he has made.
"John Stones has been in terrific form ever since he played his first (pre-season) friendly in the USA," said Martinez.
England v San Marino
European Qualifier
7.45pm, Thursday 9 October
Wembley Stadium connected by EE
www.TheFA.com/tickets
"Since then he has been growing as a footballer and he is a complete centre-half.
"In the modern game you need centre halves who are as good in defensive duties as they are exposing one versus one situations and being good on the ball.
"John has gone to the next level this season. He has shown he is ready for any challenge."
The youngster impressed in the Merseyside derby draw against Liverpool, and will meet up with the England squad after Everton's trip to Manchester United on Sunday.
And his club manager said despite his young age, he is ready to step up and become an England regular.
"Every time he has played for England he has done well and he is growing at club level every game," he added.
"John is really well rounded. He is a leader. He is born with that quality.
"He has real high standards in everything he does and for a young man he has always got the right approach on a daily basis.
"In my eyes he is a potential captain and leader, someone very close to Phil Jagielka and Gareth Barry.
John Stones in action for Everton against VfL Wolfsburg in the UEFA Europa League
"He has a good core to learn from - Jagielka, Sylvain Distin and Antolin Alcaraz and it has been beneficial having Tim Howard behind him.
"Clearly in the last few weeks he has earned his place and performances have shown that."
Everton travel to Old Trafford after a long trip to southern Russia in the Europa League in midweek but they will not use that as an excuse.
Last season they recorded their first league win at United since 1992, on the way to doing the double over the Red Devils, but Martinez expects a tougher task this time around.
"To be able to win was a real mental barrier which we had to break down and it was a real feeling of satisfaction and dose of confidence," he said of last year's performance.
"This season it is completely different. We need to go there again and face a completely different side and way of playing and be able to adapt to that.
"The challenge is to go there and be ourselves and try to win the game."
John Stones and England take on San Marino at Wembley on Thursday 9 October. Tickets are available to buy online, click here for details.
Three days later they travel to Estonia for their third Group E qualifier.
The England squad
GOALKEEPERS
Fraser Forster (Southampton), Ben Foster (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Hart (Manchester City)
DEFENDERS
Leighton Baines (Everton), Gary Cahill (Chelsea), Nathaniel Clyne (Southampton), Kieran Gibbs (Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), John Stones (Everton)
MIDFIELDERS
Fabian Delph (Aston Villa), Jordan Henderson (Liverpool), Adam Lallana (Liverpool), James Milner (Manchester City), Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain (Arsenal), Jonjo Shelvey (Swansea City), Raheem Sterling (Liverpool), Andros Townsend (Tottenham Hotspur), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal)
FORWARDS
Rickie Lambert (Liverpool), Wayne Rooney (Manchester United), Daniel Welbeck (Arsenal)
