Manchester United great Roy Keane sends message to Harry Maguire about John Stones

Roy Keane believes John Stones has moved forward of Harry Maguire within the defensive pecking order at worldwide degree with England.

Following a two-year hiatus from the worldwide scene, Manchester City defender Stones made his first England look since November 2019 on Thursday night time.

The 26-year-old was predictably untroubled towards minnows San Marino because the Three Lions received their World Cup qualifying marketing campaign off to a successful begin – courtesy of a 5-0 win.

Stones – successful his thirty ninth cap – was one of many gamers taken off by Gareth Southgate at half-time, suggesting he’s set to play a key half within the remaining two qualifiers throughout this worldwide break, whereas former United captain Keane thinks that the enhancements made by the Metropolis centre-back put him forward of Maguire when Southgate is choosing his group.

Talking in his position as a pundit for ITV Sport final night time, Keane stated: “Stones has matured. He is reduce out errors and scored a few objectives.

“Gareth desires him to play out from the again. He misplaced his confidence, however he is bounced again and matured. I suppose he took his eye off the ball and misplaced focus.

“He could possibly be an enormous asset for England. His type would recommend [he’s ahead of Maguire] with the shape he is in.

“If Gareth performs a again three, Stones can be one of many principal guys for that as he is snug in possession.”