5 players who will benefit during Sam Allardyce's reign as England Manager

#5 John Stones

John Stones has made a good start to life in Manchester

Since his high profile, record breaking move from Everton, it’s obvious that Man City Manager Pep Guardiola rates John Stones as a true ball playing Centre back. In the last match – where City beat West Ham 3-1 - he was even moving into defensive midfield and initiating the play under the manager’s direct minute-by-minute instruction.

Sam Allardyce will have seen this and will also attempt to manage the defender in a similar way. Because of his youth there will be times when he needs assistance during play and the England manager and coaching staff will use this technique in the same way.

In some international games - particularly during qualification - England will be dominating possession and therefore not in a position to be as direct in their passing. It will be key in these instances to have a ball playing defender who is able to step up and make the extra man in midfield allowing others to spread wide or move forward. He can then be used as a ball playing midfielder who can switch play quickly and accurately, stretching the opposition’s defence. This is something that England haven’t done or been able to do in many tournaments and they therefore struggle to break more defensive teams down.

While tactically Stones may need to be coached through certain games, Allardyce will be aware that because of his age he still could be mentally fragile. One high profile mistake could cause doubts to creep in and he will also ensure he focuses on his frame of mind before and certainly during games if he is to get the best out of his emerging Centre back.