John Stones has ‘potential to be England captain’

LONDON — Roberto Martinez claimed John Stones is a future England captain after the central defender rounded off a turbulent week with a faultless display against Tottenham Hotspur yesterday.

Just two days after having a transfer request rejected and seeing a fourth bid of £38 million (S$82 million) from Chelsea turned down, Stones started for Everton against Tottenham. Stones has made no secret of his desire to join Chelsea, who could yet make a fifth offer for the 21-year-old before the transfer window shuts tomorrow.

But Stones put his frustration to one side and Everton fans showed they are willing to forgive his transfer request by singing “money can’t buy you Stones” in tribute to their hero.

Asked about Stones’ performance at White Hart Lane, Everton manager Martinez said: “It was there for everyone to see. He is an incredible defender, the way he reads the game, his composure, you would never say he is 21 years old.

“The sign of this performance was of a man who has the potential to be an England captain. John is a big part of our project and it was great to see the delight of our fans. I heard a great song and I was ready to join in!”

Stones and the Everton defence frustrated Spurs and, in particular, Harry Kane, who will need more help to hit the heights of last season.

Without a victory in their first four Premier League games, it is clear Tottenham — who were held to a goal-less draw yesterday — cannot continue to rely so heavily on Kane. Spurs need a plan B, for Saido Berahino, or they can forget about getting anywhere near the top four.

Kane netted 31 goals last season, but is still looking to break his duck this time around. He should really have scored against Everton, but the 22-year-old is more than entitled to expect some assistance.

In front of England manager Roy Hodgson and his assistant Ray Lewington, Kane’s big chance came midway through the first half after being played in by Ryan Mason.

Everton protested that Kane was offside, as the striker outpaced Phil Jagielka to latch on to Mason’s superbly weighted pass, but play was allowed to continue.

It was the kind of opportunity that Kane would have buried with his eyes shut last season, but he hesitated as he closed in on goal and Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard was able to make a good save.

New signings Son Heung-min and Clinton N’Jie, both in the stands, will help lift some of the burden on Kane, but Spurs need another poacher — a man to take a chance when Kane cannot make a breakthrough.

Berahino would fill the role perfectly and Tottenham owner Joe Lewis made a rare appearance at White Hart Lane to watch the Everton game next to chairman Daniel Levy. No doubt, the pair will discuss what will happen in the final days of the transfer window, with Berahino high on their list of priorities.

“I am happy with Harry,” said Tottenham head coach Mauricio Pochettino. “For a striker it is always important to score, but it was impossible today. I am not worried about that.

“All of the top scorers in the world have some periods where it is difficult to score. We need to be calm and not put too much pressure on his shoulders.” THE DAILY TELEGRAPH