Rio Ferdinand: 'John Stones should get the nod over Gary Cahill in England squad'

Former England captain Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Everton's John Stones should be picked at centre-back for the Three Lions ahead of Chelsea's Gary Cahill.

Both defenders are in Roy Hodgson's Euro 2016 squad, but it is yet unknown what combination of defenders will make the starting XI for Saturday's Group B clash against Russia.

Ferdinand told BBC Sport: "Chris Smalling's cemented his place as the number one choice and it's about who is going to play with him.

"Gary Cahill, if you are going to go for experience then he is that guy but, me personally, I would go with John Stones. I like the way he plays – the footballing side of his game.

"I'm looking at England for the future rather than for the now. Centre-back is the weakest part of our team because there is a form partnership."

Following Saturday's meeting with Russia, England will then face Wales before capping off the group stage with a fixture against Slovakia.