Stones can handle midfield role: Southgate

LONDON: England defender John Stones has the ability to play as a holding midfielder, manager Gareth Southgate has said ahead of his team’s friendly against France tonight.

Stones joined Premier League club Manchester City from Everton in 2016 and made 39 appearances as the team finished third in the league. City ended the season without a trophy after being knocked out of the Champions League and FA Cup.

The centre back missed England’s 2-2 draw against Scotland in the World Cup qualifier on Saturday but is likely to earn his 18th national cap at the Stade de France.

“Do I believe he can play that role? Absolutely,” Southgate told reporters. “He’s a player who is very comfortable receiving possession. He has all the attributes to play as a holding midfield player.

“I also think we want defenders who can bring the ball out and show composure. I think he could do either of those jobs.”

Southgate said England will field different goalkeepers in each half tonight.

Burnley’s Tom Heaton will start, with Stoke’s Jack Butland playing the second half.

Southgate said it was always his intention to rest Joe Hart, who has been criticised for conceding two free kicks late on in Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Scotland.

“I am conscious of keeping people involved in the squad and giving them game time. Tom Heaton will start, and Jack Butland will play the second half,” he said.

Harry Kane will again captain the side against a French team expected to feature young Monaco striker Kylian Mbappe, who has been linked with a € 112 million move to one of Europe’s big clubs.