Bayern Munich forward and England international Harry Kane has named Manchester City’s John Stones as the toughest defender in England training.
England are currently playing at the 2024 European Championship and despite not putting up impressive performances secured top spot in their group.
The Three Lions has qualified for the round of 16 where they will be eager to turn up the heat after criticism from fans.
Speaking to England YouTube channel, Bayern Munich striker and England captain Harry Kane revealed that Stones is the toughest defender he has dealt with in international training.
The former Tottenham man also believes that some underestimate how good his Euro 2024 colleague actually is, and that “many strikers across many leagues” can vouch for him.
John Stones controls the ball during the UEFA EURO 2024 group stage match between England and Slovenia (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)
“I’ll probably say Stones, to be honest,” Kane said, when asked who he thinks is the toughest defensive opponent in the England training camp.
“I think Stones is really clever. Of course everyone knows how good he is on the ball, under pressure and playing.
“But maybe I think some people underestimate how good he is in reading the game and blocking shots, getting his body on the line, when to be aggressive, when to give space.
“I think he’s grown in that as he’s got more and more experience as well, he’s got better and better.
“Obviously I’ve known Stones a long time as well, but yeah, I’d say he’s the toughest one I play with, for sure.
“I’m sure many, many strikers across many leagues will attest to that.”
Stones has won everything there is to win from an English club’s perspective, but a major international trophy has eluded the Three Lions for close to 60 years.
The Manchester City defender has started all England’s group stage matches and will start in their round of 16 clash against Slovakia.
