Daily Mirror

NEW MIDFIELD MAY BE BUILT FROM STONES

- FROM ANDY DUNN in Paris

JOHN STONES could be the surprise long-term answer to England’s central midfield troubles.

Gareth Southgate highlighte­d the dearth of options in that area after having to play Eric Dier and Jake Livermore against Scotland.

His is so concerned he has tried Stones in midfield on the practice pitch and believes he can fulfil that role even though the Manchester City player has been a defender all his career.

Stones will start at centrehalf tonight but Southgate is bullish about the 23-year-old operating further forward.

The England manager explained: “John has all the attributes and capabiliti­es to play as a holding midfield player.

“He obviously hasn’t done that yet, really, so that’s a decision we have to make but do I believe he can play that role? Absolutely. “We had a look at it in training last week, in fact. I also think we want defenders who can bring the ball out and show composure. I think he could do either of those jobs.”

Before his £47.5million move to the Etihad, Stones was talked of as a future England captain but his first season under Pep Guardiola did not go smoothly. There were a series of high-profile mistakes, injury and he finished the campaign on the bench.

Southgate, though, thinks Stones will benefit from that, saying: “John has huge potential. He’ll be a much better player for his experience­s at City this year.

“Defending is a skill you learn and he’ll learn a lot with a coach asking a lot of him with the ball.

“He knows the belief we have in him as a player. Next season, at club level, he’ll be much stronger for what he’s been through.

“There are things you have to take on board . . the move, being at a club where so much is expected of him every week, the transfer fee, everything surroundin­g it and he’s become a father.

“There is a lot going on in his life. He’ll be a much better player for those experience­s.”

Southgate was himself moved into midfield for England by Terry Venables and says: “When Terry did it, it was genius.”

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John Stones may have new role
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