Hodgson: We believe in Stones, he’s been 100% professional
England manager Roy Hodgson has praised Everton centre-back John Stones and says that the young defender has coped with all the speculation and transfer talk brilliantly this summer.
Hodgson firmly believes that Stones will continue to play well after putting this summers transfer saga behind him and believes that his professionalism has shown through.
“I don’t think John requires me to talk to him about it,” he said.
“He’s been 100 per cent professional and accepted there’s an offer for him from another club, but his club didn’t want to sell him.
“He will continue to play well for Everton now the window has closed. We believe in him.”
“Against Switzerland he played magnificently at right-back in Basel, when we won 2-0.
“He’s centre back at Everton, where he also plays very well.
“It’s good to have a player of that type capable of playing in two positions. All I can hope is he continues to impress.
“The players will make their moves in the manner that suits them, (take) the decisions about their playing futures in a way they’re satisified with.
“I’m just looking at talent, attitude, desire.
“Who knows whether John would have played every game at Chelsea, but it wouldn’t have put him out of my thinking. He’s done exceptionally well, hasn’t he?
“It’s a fact of life, the transfer window brings about this speculation. The way he’s handled it at Everton has been quite fantastic.
“He’s been 100 per cent concentrated, focused and motivated to play since he’s been with us. It won’t affect his play.”
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