Stones: I would love to play City midfield role for my country

John Stones has revealed that he would love to play in midfield for England, but has not discussed a change of position with manager Gareth Southgate.

Southgate has problems in the centre of his midfield with Kalvin Phillips badly out of form and omitted from his squad for England’s friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, while Jordan Henderson has been ruled out of tonight’s game through injury.

Manchester United teenager Kobbie Mainoo received his first senior call-up this week, but Stones has said that he would jump at the opportunity to partner Declan Rice in England’s midfield.

Stones, who has played in midfield for Manchester City but always been deployed as a defender by Southgate, said: “One hundred per cent I’d love to do it [play in midfield for England]. What I do with my club.

“We’ve not spoken about anything. But I think Gareth knows how he wants to play, he knows everyone’s attributes, my attributes, and obviously watches the games quite a lot. So if he’s got any thoughts of that, I’d obviously love to do it, to try to help the team in any way possible. Maybe it’s something that we might speak about in the future.”

Stones has been in superb form for England and City, and is regarded as one of the best defenders in the world.

Asked if he felt he was playing the best football of his career so far, Stones, 29, replied: “For the past three or four seasons, I feel I’ve got a good consistency to my game over an extended period.

“I know there’s been injuries, but I think I’ve maybe shown that consistency that I can keep producing at a high level for an extended period of time. I’m enjoying my football, which is the most important thing. When you enjoy something, you stop thinking too much and let your football do the talking. You express yourself and I’m doing all those things.”

Defender’s average position in games for club and country