Stones hails his defensive pal Maguire

believe in him, like all the team believes in him, his team-mates at United believe in him.

“I think there’s been a lot of noise from the outside which he has not listened to and tried to improve himself, better himself.

“He’s come into the tournament and hit the ground running, and that is great credit to him.”

Stones and his England teammates are preparing to face Senegal in the last 16 of the World Cup tomorrow night.

“I am extremely proud right now with how we dealt with the group coming off those games (in the build-up) – conceding, losing form as a team, form as a unit, as a defence,” he said.

“How we’ve come through these three games in a difficult group that we knew what we were facing.

“We kept two clean sheets and I am extremely proud of everyone that’s been involved.

“We’ve done really well since we’ve been here, working hard on the fundamentals and the basics and working hard as a back four and a defensive unit.

“We’re still looking to improve every game, but I didn’t listen to the outside noise and concentrated on what I could do.”

England were criticised after their goalless draw with the USA but advanced as Group B winners following convincing wins over Iran and Wales.

With the likes of Belgium and Germany crashing out at the group stage, Stones does not want to see the current England crop come up short as they carry the hopes of a nation.

He added: “I think that is great motivation for us as a reminder – you never want to take anything for granted or who you are playing against.”