Thursday 25 August 2016 14:19, UK
John Stones tells SSNHQ he is excited about the prospect of playing for England again, but knows his Manchester City form is vital.
Since his £50m move to the Etihad Stadium, the former Everton centre-half has been an ever present for City's new manager Pep Guardiola and he is delighted with the start at his new club.
England manager Sam Allardyce will name his first squad on Sunday and said last week that Stones' move from Everton would help elevate him to a new level under Pep Guardiola, similar to when Gerard Pique was transferred from Manchester United to Barcelona in 2008.
Stones is keeping his feet on the ground, though, despite the glowing compliments, and ahead of the squad announcement he told SSNHQ: "Yes I'm excited. It's in the hands of them and whatever happens happens.
"All I can do is keep playing football and keep enjoying myself and keep getting clean sheets which is always good and keep the winning run going."
City's victory on Wednesday over Steaua Bucharest secured their passage to the Champions League with Stones involved in his fourth game since joining City for £47.5m and he has looked at ease in each of them.
Asked what his ambitions were, he added: "Just enjoying my football at City and winning games and trying to keep improving as a person and player.
"There are always things you've got to keep improving on as players and keeping personal goals.
"Everyone wants to play for England but you have to do that at club level first and make sure you get into the squad and hopefully get into the starting XI."
