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World Cup Rankings: 4 to 1

By James Fudge

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium talk to John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph of England during a pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)
SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA - JULY 14: Vincent Kompany and Kevin De Bruyne of Belgium talk to John Stones, Raheem Sterling and Fabian Delph of England during a pitch inspection prior to the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia 3rd Place Playoff match between Belgium and England at Saint Petersburg Stadium on July 14, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images) /
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England and John Stones were one of the surprise packages for the nation. Not much was expected from the side, however a team unit based on a solid defensive three was successful with Gareth Southgate pulling the strings.

SAMARA, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England and John Stones celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
SAMARA, RUSSIA – JULY 07: Gareth Southgate, Manager of England and John Stones celebrate following their sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia Quarter Final match between Sweden and England at Samara Arena on July 7, 2018 in Samara, Russia. (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images) /

At the centre of that unit was John Stones, he performed admirably and was magnificent in the knockout games. A worrying aspect of England’s selection was Stones’ lack of game time and form for Manchester City but the team and the former Everton centre-back proved doubters wrong and departed Russia with their heads held high.

Not only was his defensive attributes ranked high, going forward for England’s set-piece routine was another joy to behold. He scored two goals against Panama, set up Kane’s goal against Tunisia and nearly scored against Croatia.

When he reflects on the tournament, I’m sure him switching off for Marko Mandzukic’s winner in the semi-final will be at the forefront of his memories but that is the only noticeable mistake he committed throughout his stay in Russia.

A worthy number one in our rankings though Kevin De Bruyne ran him close. Hopefully, now he can cement his future at Manchester City and take his form into the new Premier League season, where he faces competition from better players.

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