Stones insists Maguire has given the 'best response' to criticism

England defender John Stones insists Harry Maguire has given the ‘best response’ to the continued intense criticism by putting in three ‘terrific’ displays at the World Cup, as the Three Lions prepare to face Senegal in the last-16

• England defender John Stones is full of praise for his team-mate Harry Maguire
• The Three Lions topped their group and will now face Senegal in the last-16
• Stones and Maguire have played alongside each other in all three of the matches
• For all the latest updates from Qatar follow Sportsmail’s LIVE World Cup blog
• Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results

England defender John Stones claims Harry Maguire has given the perfect response to his continued criticism by being a stand-out performer at the 2022 World Cup so far.

The Three Lions have progressed into the last-16 of the major tournament in Qatar, having topped their group with wins over both Iran and Wales while drawing with USA.

Stones and Maguire have played alongside each other at centre-back in all three matches, keeping two clean sheets, and are expected to remain at the heart of the defence when they take on Senegal on Sunday evening.

England defender John Stones (left) is full of praise for his team-mate Harry Maguire (right)

There was plenty of questions surrounding Maguire’s inclusion, let alone his place in the starting line-up, given his lack of game time and his poor performances for Manchester United.

His defensive partner Stones, however, believes that he has given the best response to those critics by performing well at the World Cup. One thing that he never doubted.

‘From the first game, he has given the best response. All three games he has been terrific,’ Stones told the media in his pre-match press conference.

Man City star Stones feels Maguire has given the ‘best response’ to the continued criticism

‘It is about us finding that partnership again and we have done that so far. It is time for us keep building and improving. That is great credit to him.

‘I have been asked a lot of questions about him, but playing with someone for so many games for England, being through so many moments with him and knowing what he’s gone through at his club and it speaks volume about him. I still believed in him and all his team-mates did. 

‘There was a lot of noise but he’s tried to improve him and he’s started the tournament really well. That is great credit to him.’

Stones has also revealed that the Manchester United defender is one of the team’s leaders

The Manchester City star also revealed that Maguire is one of the many leaders among the Three Lions squad. 

Stones added: ‘Harry is one of the leaders. There are so many leaders within our team. He’s a huge character within the group. We see it around the hotel with how many people he mingles with and gets on with.

‘That goes onto the pitch as well. Throughout his international career he’s always looking to improve.’

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