World Cup 2018: 5 classy centre-backs expected to stand tall in Russia

#4 John Stones (England)

Stones will be the main man for the Three Lions

Much has been made in the English media about Stones, fair to say that after Raheem Sterling, he is one English player who has come in for more than his fair share of criticism.

However, he is absolutely crucial to England's World Cup aspirations as he is expected to be the central defender in Gareth Southgate's 3-4-2-1 formation. In this role, he will be tasked with distributing the ball to the midfield/forward line.

In this role, he will also be expected to be the defender who will step into midfield to provide an extra man when defending and will be the one defender in Southgate’s system with the license to roam and cut off opposition attacks away from England’s 18-yard box.

It is a role he has played with some success at Manchester City but the lack of quality players like the City midfield possesses may serve to curtail Stones’ forward thrust moves.