Leighton Baines backs John Stones for brilliant future

Monday 27 Apr 2015
Everton defender John Stones

Leighton Baines has no doubt Everton youngster John Stones will become a star for club and country in the next few years.

Stones scored his first Everton goal on Sunday in the impressive 3-0 win against Manchester United.

He also kept United's stellar cast of attacking talent at bay, and Baines was keen to praise the imposing centre-back after the final whistle.

Factfile

Born: Barnsley, 28 May 1994
Clubs: Barnsley, Everton
England caps: 4
England debut: v Peru, 30/05/14

"His composure for a lad of his age is unbelievable," said the Everton left-back.

"He is a down-to-earth kid that he just wants to play football, work hard, he doesn't get involved in anything else.

"When you are around people like that you just want to see them be successful – and that is the road that John is on at the moment."

After being named on the standby list for the World Cup, Stones started his first England match in September against Norway.

The centre-half began a crucial qualifier in Switzerland the following week but he has not played for the senior team since.

Injury kept him out of the matches against San Marino and Estonia in October and the player has since returned to the Under-21s squad.

John Stones in action for England against Peru at Wembley.

John Stones made his England debut against Peru in 2014

Once the European Under-21s Championship is over, Stones is sure to be promoted to the seniors again – provided he continues to put in the kind of display he did on his 24th outing for Everton this season.

"He is going to continue to grow and develop as a player and he is going to be a top player for Everton and England," added Baines, who has 30 England caps.

"He has got a huge future ahead of him at international level because not only is he a top-class defender but because of his composure as well. 

"You need a bit of that at international level.

"You need to be able to play and when you look at the young centre-halves around the country, John is the best in that respect."

By FA Staff