John Hartson: 'Ashley Williams is the best British defender'

John Hartson has claimed that Ashley Williams deserves to be recognised as the best British defender due to his performances for Wales and Swansea City.

Williams has been key for Swansea once again in the early stages of the Premier League campaign, while his form on the international stage has helped Wales move to the brink of Euro 2016 qualification.

"It is obviously hypothetical because he is a proud captain of Wales but I think Ashley Williams would walk into the current England side," Hartson, who won 51 caps for Wales, wrote for BBC Sport.

"If there was such a thing as a British XI, there is no doubt he would be in as a centre-half right now.

"Williams has been outstanding for Swansea City for a number of years now but, at 31, he is finally getting the recognition he deserves."

Wales will book their spot at next summer's tournament with a draw against Bosnia-Herzegovina on Saturday.