Friday 10 June 2016 15:01, UK
John Stones is the future for England, but Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill should start against Russia, according to Terry Butcher.
The Three Lions legend believes that Stones, despite his difficult season at Everton, is a quality talent, and the 22-year-old has been linked with a summer move to Barcelona or Manchester City.
"He is an international player," Butcher told Sky Sports. "He brings the ball out of the back with real quality. He hits the most successful passes for a centre-half. We need to let him play.
"When Glenn Hoddle played in my era, he got criticised for not flying into tackles, not tracking back, and people forgot what an incredible player Glenn Hoddle was.
"It is the same with John Stones. People criticise him whenever he loses the ball at the back, saying that he 'shouldn't be doing that'.
"Instead we should be praising him for having the gumption for trying to do that in the first place. It is no wonder that all the top sides - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich - are reportedly interested in Stones. They see him as a top international defender.
"He may have tried to do too much too soon. He just needs to lead in the right way. He has pace, strength and awareness that stand out. He may be a work in progress, but he is a star for the future."
Despite his praise, Butcher still believes England boss Roy Hodgson should opt with the pairing of Smalling and Cahill for their Euro 2016 opener on Saturday night due to their experience.
"I have gone with Smalling and Cahill because there is not much experience in the side," Butcher said.
"You need as much experience as you can down the spine of the team. (Eric) Dier doesn't have a great deal, but (Wayne) Rooney and (Joe) Hart more than make up for that, but you need that experience in defence.
"Cahill and Smalling have a tough job to form that bond, but they have played together enough times, including in the win in Germany. I am looking more for John Stones for Russia (in 2018), he is the future."
