JOHN STONES

Touchline support

IT MAY have been his dad Peter who put John Stones through his early paces. But John gives equal credit to mum Janet, 58, (right) for his laidback attitude — not to mention a lot of touchline support. In fact, when a concussion ruled the South Yorkshire-born player out of an England Under-21 game in 2015, then manager Gareth Southgate called Janet to reassure her John would be well looked after.

After leaving Penistone Grammar School at 16, Stones signed with Barnsley and was paid £500 a week, but his parents kept him grounded.

‘They came to every home and away game, did mum and dad — they’ve put some miles in,’ said John.