Roy Keane believes John Stones has moved ahead of Harry Maguire in the defensive pecking order at international level with England.
Following a two-year hiatus from the international scene, Manchester City defender Stones made his first England appearance since November 2019 on Thursday night.
The 26-year-old was predictably untroubled against minnows San Marino as the Three Lions got their World Cup qualifying campaign off to a winning start - courtesy of a 5-0 win.
Stones - winning his 39th cap - was one of the players taken off by Gareth Southgate at half-time, suggesting he is set to play a key part in the remaining two qualifiers during this international break, while former United captain Keane thinks that the improvements made by the City centre-back put him ahead of Maguire when Southgate is picking his team.
Speaking in his role as a pundit for ITV Sport last night, Keane said: "Stones has matured. He's cut out mistakes and scored a couple of goals.
"Gareth wants him to play out from the back. He lost his confidence, but he's bounced back and matured. I guess he took his eye off the ball and lost focus.
"He could be a big asset for England. His form would suggest [he's ahead of Maguire] with the form he's in.
"If Gareth plays a back three, Stones would be one of the main guys for that as he's comfortable in possession."
