The Manchester City defender made the most clearances versus La Roja at Wembley.
England will look back on the 2-2 draw with Spain at Wembley Stadium on Tuesday night as a hugely wasted opportunity to record a win versus an on paper, top-drawer opponent.
After late goals from Iago Aspas and Isco, Gareth Southgate’s men were denied a win versus La Roja in stoppage time. It was however, a night where The Three Lions portrayed their true ability in the big games, not least defender John Stones.
England’s Jamie Vardy, Eric Dier and John Stones look dejected after the game
Before the host’s two late concessions, the Manchester City centre-back was imperious against Julen Lopetegui’s side.
Stones was the last line of defence – literally – in particular during the second period, when he cut out everything that threatened Tom Heaton’s goal.
Even in the first half, the defender kept a very able Aritz Adiriz relatively quite and was in no small part the reason for the introduction of Álvaro Morata.
During the 90 minutes, the 22 year-old made eight successful clearances, the most of any player on the night.
Spain’s Alvaro Morata comes on as a substitute to replace Spain’s Aritz Aduriz
The Barnsley-born defender also tied for the most tackles by England players with Nathaniel Clyne and Jordan Henderson who also impressed.
In the aftermath of the victory over Scotland, certain quarters of the media had urged Stones to be ‘more of a defender’.
Whilst he was on hand more often than not, Stones also had the most touches of any of the host’s defence, with 43 touches of the ball.
Despite the criticism of his rather unbalanced game, a pass success rate of a handsome 88.4% was instrumental in Southgate’s side’s durable performance.
England’s John Stones in action with Spain’s Iago Aspas
Stones was also on point in other facets of his game, making two interceptions and making one sliding block to miraculously thwart Isco’s goal-bound effort in the second half.
After an uncertain start to the campaign, both international and domestically, John Stones’ showing versus the former World and European champions is enough to suggest to England and City fans that he could yet be the real deal.
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