Rio Ferdinand, a former defender for Manchester United, says that Manchester City’s John Stones is currently England’s best central defender.
Although Stones is out with an injury at the moment, Ferdinand rates him higher than Manchester United’s Harry Maguire for the Three Lions.
As a Chelsea defender, he thinks Gareth Southgate’s continued selection of Harry Maguire for England undermines Levi Colwill’s confidence.
When asked on Vibe With Five about Southgate’s choice to start Maguire, Ferdinand stated, “If England was in a knife-edge situation I’d get it.” However, Ferdinand believes England will qualify for Euro 2024 because they are the best team in their group.
The confidence and morale of the other players at center back would be my first worry. He [Southgate] is basically stating he’s got no other centre-halves he can trust at all.
“At the present, England’s top central defender, John Stones, is out with an injury. When Marc Guehi is brought in, he effortlessly assumes the responsibilities of a much higher level.
“Thank God Gareth Southgate is manager; no one else would play me like this,” said the inactive Maguire.
Stones has been an integral part of Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City team since he was acquired from Everton in 2016.
