Sunday 29 May 2016 13:22, UK
Sol Campbell believes John Stones makes too many mistakes to be considered for a starting role for England at Euro 2016.
Roy Hodgson is likely to pick Chris Smalling in central defence and must decide whether to partner the Manchester United star with either Stones or the more experienced Gary Cahill.
Campbell, who played 71 times for England and was named in the FIFA team of the tournament after the 2002 World Cup, has no doubts whom he would pick.
"I personally would go for Smalling and Cahill. I would go for the experience of those two guys," said former Arsenal defender Cambell.
"For me, something drastic would have to happen for Stones to start. You start with your most solid back four and go from there."
Stones was linked with some of Europe's biggest clubs during last summer's transfer window but his stock has fallen slightly after a difficult season for Everton.
The 22-year-old is still highly-rated by many but Campbell feels costly errors have left a question mark over his readiness to play at the highest level.
"If you keep making mistakes at international level, you're going to suffer because one mistake in a tournament and you can be out," added Campbell.
"If you make mistakes at a domestic level, you have more time to learn. He is learning.
"He just has to understand there are moments to play the ball and moments to keep hold of the ball. He just needs to find that balance."
Hodgson's own future is also on the line this summer given his contract expires after the tournament and the Football Association plan only to review it once the competition is finished.
Campbell believes England can make the final but says reaching the last four is a must.
"I think England will get to the final, I really do," he added.
"Success for Hodgson is semi-finals plus. You have to look at what he has done, he ticks a lot of boxes for the FA, but he has to at least take England to the semi-finals.
"You need to see progression and this England squad, which is an exciting squad, deserves progression in all departments."
