Everton will have had a close eye on John Stones’ performance for England against Croatia on Wednesday evening.
Amid his departure from Manchester City this summer, Everton are interested in signing Stones as a free agent.
The 32-year-old defender has not played a lot of football this season for City, but he still found himself starting in England’s opener against Croatia.
What did you make of Jordan Pickford during England’s opener against Croatia? 😬
Everton already have an ageing group of centre-backs at Finch Farm and Stones’ latest performance for England spoke volumes about what he could provide.
John Stones’ England performance must cause Everton concerns
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was criticised for his England display in the victory over Croatia on Wednesday night.
It could be argued that the goalkeeper was not helped by the lack of protection from the four defenders in front of him, though.
Stones’ performance against Croatia was certainly rusty, with his 86 minutes of Premier League football this year showing clear as day.
Would a return for John Stones on a free make any sense for Everton? 🧐
His experience could prove priceless! 🏆
The opening 45 minutes from England’s defenders were pretty poor and Stones’ shakiness on the ball was there for all to see.
Rio Ferdinand hailed Stones’ passing ability earlier in the month, but the veteran saw his defending exposed for Croatia’s first goal.
There is no denying what Stones has achieved in his career since he made the move to Manchester City a decade ago.
However, serious questions need to be asked as to whether he is still capable of playing at those levels in the Premier League on a consistent basis.
Stones ended the game having failed to complete a tackle or interception after what was a seriously frustrating first-half in Arlington.
Everton are keen to add another defender to their squad this summer, but Stones is going to have to show more over the coming weeks if he is to convince those on Merseyside.
Although Stones has enjoyed a much more successful career than James Tarkowski and Michael Keane, it has to be questioned whether another ageing defender is what the Blues need this summer.
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