Stones has a ‘huge future’

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Stones scored his first goal in an Everton shirt in Sunday’s impressive 3-0 win over Manchester United at Goodison Park.

The 20-year-old, who is set to feature for England at this summer’s European Under-21 Championship, has already made two senior international appearances under Roy Hodgson.

Baines is backing the young defender to make the step back up to senior level after this summer’s U21 Euros, insisting Stones can be a future English centre-back for many years to come.

“He is going to continue to grow and develop as a player and he is going to be a top player for Everton and England,” said Baines, who has 30 England caps.

“He has got a huge future ahead of him at international level because not only is he a top-class defender but because of his composure as well. You need a bit of that at international level.

“You need to be able to play and when you look at the young centre-halves around the country, John is the best in that respect.”

Stones was David Moyes’ last signing as Everton manager when he was plucked from hometown club Barnsley two-and-a-half years ago.

And Baines praised the youngster’s professionalism, insisting other young players should take note of Stones’ attitude towards his game.

“His composure for a lad of his age is unbelievable,” Baines said. “He is a down-to-earth kid that he just wants to play football and work hard.

“He doesn’t get involved in anything else. When you are around people like that you just want to see them be successful – and that is the road that John is on at the moment.”