Interim England coach Gareth Southgate has urged John Stones to learn the balance between sensible and elaborate play after his performance in the 3-0 win overScotland.
Stones has been backed to develop into one of England's finest centre-backs, but has developed a tendency to overplay in the wrong areas early in his career, notably being caught out by Nathan Redmond during Manchester City's 1-1 with Southampton earlier this season.
He very nearly gifted Scotland a goal on Friday, being caught in possession before Jamie Forrest shot straight at Joe Hart. Speaking to theDaily Mirror, Southgate acknowledged Stones must improve his decision making, but reminded fans of the former Everton defender's tender age, reiterating that he must be allowed to make mistakes in order to improve.
For years we have talked about not being able to play out from the back and if we are going to progress we have to be different and encourage players like John Stones," Southgate claimed.
But he also knows what I think of some of the things he did.
"I think what we have to remember is that John is 22 and in central defensive terms that is nothing.
I think it comes down to decision-making and positioning sometimes, and a recognition of when to really commit to it and when to play past the first press.
At times we want bravery but not stupidity. And that is the balance we have to find."
England have been without a world class defender since the days of John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, and Southgate has claimed Stones can match Europe's best defenders if he is allowed to develop properly.
If we want a Mats Hummels, a Boateng and a Gerard Pique we have to encourage him," Southgate continued.
We have players that can play from the back and I want to encourage that and at times that is going to encounter difficulties.
We can do it better than we did against Scotland and show better recognition of the moments to do that and how to do that.�