Everton’s teenage defender, John Stones is worthy of a gamble in England’s World Cup squad, according to former Three Lions captain Gary Lineker.
Stones, 19, could be in contention for a standby place when boss Roy Hodgson names a 30-man party on Monday.
Injury fears over Manchester United’s Phil Jones may boost his chances.
“The one I might take a chance on because we are short in central defence is Stones. I really like him and he has got a lot about him,” said Lineker.
“Sometimes central defenders need a little bit more experience than players in other positions because of the extra discipline and the nature of that particular role.
“But is he worth a gamble? Well, if Roy loses another one – if Jones doesn’t make it for example – then what else have we got?”
Former Everton striker Lineker, who scored 48 international goals in 80 appearances for England, added: “We have got Gary Cahill and Phil Jagielka, then (Cardiff defender Steven) Caulker, who struggles a little bit on the turn. We are short in that position.”
England under-21 international Stones was playing for Barnsley last season before a £3m move to Goodison Park in January 2013.
The Yorkshire youngster has made 26 appearances in an impressive season at the heart of Everton’s defence and can also play at right-back.
Manchester United’s Jones suffered a shoulder injury in Tuesday’s Premier League win over Hull, and Tottenham defender Kyle Walker has been out for the past two months because of a pelvic problem.
Everton’s Jagielka has only just returned from two months out with a hamstring injury.
Hodgson will name a 30-man squad on Monday, which will include seven players on standby in case of injury. (BBC Sports)
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