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Should John Stones be recalled for England?

Stones has shone for City

FBL-ENG-LCUP-MAN UTD-MAN CITY Photo by SHAUN BOTTERILL/POOL/AFP via Getty Images

Not only has John Stones been solid at the back this season for Manchester City, but he even got on the scoresheet against Manchester United. Stones’ last goal was all the way back in February 2017, and this one could not have come at a better for him.

Arsenal v Manchester City - Carabao Cup Quarter Final
City finally seem to have sorted their defence
Photo by Manchester City FC/Manchester City FC via Getty Images

City’s defensive record has been massively improved thanks to Nathan Ake, Ruben Dias and Aymeric Laporte, however this season it’s Stones that has shone.

This season, with Stones in the starting line-up, City have conceded 2 goals in 10 games, and have not lost any of these games, winning 9. Without him in the starting eleven, City have lost 2 of 15 and conceded 14 goals.

England v France - International Friendly - Wembley Stadium

On the other hand, England’s starting centre-back Harry Maguire has seen United concede 24 goals in 16 games, and he has been involved in all those matches. Of course, Gareth Southgate is extremely unlikely to drop Maguire any time soon from the squad, but could Stones force Maguire out of the team?

Manchester United v Manchester City - Carabao Cup - Semi Final - Old Trafford
Stones and Dias have transformed City’s defence
Photo by Peter Powell/PA Images via Getty Images

Stones has not played for England in over a year, but most City fans will agree his form this season is outstanding, and he has done what he can to prove himself to Southgate.