Gary Lineker backs John Stones for World Cup spot

Gary Lineker has claimed that John Stones should be included in Roy Hodgson's England squad for this summer's World Cup.

The 19-year-old has impressed for Everton this season and may find himself on the plane to Brazil, with the nation's options in defence limited.

"The only one I might take a chance on, because we are so short in central defence, is Stones," The Mirror quotes Lineker as saying.

"I really like him - he has got a lot about him. 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 England lose another one - if Phil Jones doesn't make it, for example - what else have we got? We have got [Gary] Cahill and [Phil] Jagielka, who have played together quite a lot, and then there is Steven Caulker, who struggles a little bit on the turn. We are short in that position."

Stones has made 21 appearances in the Premier League for Everton this season.