Former Arsenal defender Sol Campbell has stated that John Stones should not be given a starting spot in the England team for the upcoming European Championships

John Stones is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in world football at the moment and Everton value the 22-year-old close to a whopping £50 million.

Despite his reputation as well as undoubted talent, Stones did not particularly enjoy a memorable Premier League campaign last term and at one point, the defender even lost his place in the starting lineup to Ramiro Funes Mori.

Given his young age, Stones is still learning his trade and one can understand him going through a rough patch. There is no doubting the fact that Stones remains a quality defender and England boss Roy Hodgson also is a keen admirer of the youngster.

Hodgson did not have any reservations about selecting Stones for the England squad for the upcoming European Championships and there have even been talks that the Everton star could be handed a starting spot at centre back for the Three Lions in France.

However, former England international Sol Campbell does not agree with the belief that Stones is ready to start for the national team at such a big tournament and has urged Hodgson to go with the combination of Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill instead.

Speaking to Sky Sports, Campbell said, “I personally would go for Smalling and Cahill. I would go for the experience of those two guys.

“For me, something drastic would have to happen for Stones to start. You start with your most solid back four and go from there.”