John Stones has backed Manchester City teammate Raheem Sterling to be named player of the tournament at the European Championship.
Sterling has scored three goals in England's march to the Euro 2020 final and he was a constant thorn in Denmark's side in the 2-1 semi-final success at Wembley on Wednesday.
The forward forced Simon Kjaer to turn the ball into his own net for England's equaliser and won the penalty from which Harry Kane scored the goal to send the Three Lions into Sunday's final.
Sterling is now favourite to be named player of the tournament and another decisive contribution in helping England to win a first major tournament in 55 years will help his cause.
Stones has been delighted with Sterling's performances during the tournament and praised the unseen work he does to benefit the team.
"I’m a big fan of Raheem's and I’d love to see him get player of the tournament. What he’s done for us and the unselfish part of his game goes unspoken about but as players we see it," Stones said during a press conference at England's St George's Park base.
"He’s been a great threat going forward with how direct he’s been. It’s been great playing with him and he’ll be giving everything on Sunday, hopefully get another goal and see where it takes us."
Sterling's dazzling performances for the Three Lions have come on the back of a difficult club season. He lost his place in the City side in the second half of the campaign and performed disappointingly when he was a surprise name on the teamsheet for the Champions League final against Chelsea in May.
But Stones believes his Etihad teammate has channeled that frustration into his efforts during the European Championship, helping England to make history.
"I couldn’t be happier for him, he’s gone through some difficult times personally. You can see it’s motivated him and he’s come out the other end a better player," he said.
"That's what top players do, they find a way when things aren't going well to excel as a person and as a player, he really deserves this."
Stones also praised the leadership of captain Kane as he reflected on his international journey with the striker, a transfer target for City this summer.
The duo have represented England together at an Under-20 World Cup and Under-21 European Championship and now stand on the brink of writing their name into English football folklore.
"He’s definitely a leader, it’s been great to go through so many moments with H and experience the things we have done through youth level right the way through," said Stones.
"He’s an incredible player, but an incredible person off the pitch as well, which stands out more than his playing ability, which speaks for itself.
"I know H wears the armband but there’s so many leaders in the squad, that’s unheard of sometimes in a team with so many big stars. To have the leaders we do gives us massive confidence and is good for the team. H is one of those and he wears the armband with pride."
