John Stones is the future for England, but Chris Smalling and Gary Cahill should start against Russia, according to Terry Butcher.
[b]Richard Bell Jersey Store[/b] . The Three Lions legend believes that Stones, despite his difficult season at Everton, is a quality talent, and the 22-year-old has been linked with a summer move to Barcelona or Manchester City. He is an international player, Butcher told Sky Sports. He brings the ball out of the back with real quality. He hits the most successful passes for a centre-half. We need to let him play. John Stones in action for England When Glenn Hoddle played in my era, he got criticised for not flying into tackles, not tracking back, and people forgot what an incredible player Glenn Hoddle was. It is the same with John Stones. People criticise him whenever he loses the ball at the back, saying that he shouldnt be doing that. Terry Butcher earned 77 caps for England in defence and famously played on despite suffering a serious head injury against Sweden in 1989 Instead we should be praising him for having the gumption for trying to do that in the first place. It is no wonder that all the top sides - Barcelona, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich - are reportedly interested in Stones. They see him as a top international defender. He may have tried to do too much too soon. He just needs to lead in the right way. He has pace, strength and awareness that stand out. He may be a work in progress, but he is a star for the future. Ray Wilkins picks his preferred starting XI for Englands Euro 2016 match against Russia Despite his praise, Butcher still believes England boss Roy Hodgson should opt with the pairing of Smalling and Cahill for their Euro 2016 opener on Saturday night due to their experience.I have gone with Smalling and Cahill because there is not much experience in the side, Butcher said. England defender Gary Cahill (L) gestures alongside Chris Smalling You need as much experience as you can down the spine of the team. (Eric) Dier doesnt have a great deal, but (Wayne) Rooney and (Joe) Hart more than make up for that, but you need that experience in defence.Cahill and Smalling have a tough job to form that bond, but they have played together enough times, including in the win in Germany. I am looking more for John Stones for Russia (in 2018), he is the future. Also See: Butcher: Wilshere should start Everyone in Russia loves Vardy Englands best stats-based XI Euro 2016: Ultimate guide
[b]Ken Panfil Jersey Store[/b] . -- Arizona came out of its last meeting with California a bit discombobulated, hurting from its first loss and the loss of forward Brandon Ashley for the rest of the season.
[b]Walt Schupp Jersey Store[/b] . Poti played in 824 regular NHL games with four teams in his career; the Edmonton Oilers, New York Rangers, New York Islanders and the Washington Capitals.Moving swiftly to give Alex Ovechkin help at the defensive end while raiding a rival, new Washington Capitals general manager Brian MacLellan signed Pittsburgh Penguins free agents Matt Niskanen and Brooks Orpik on Tuesday to deals totalling more than $65 million. The 27-year-old Niskanen, the more offensive-minded of the pair of defencemen joining the Capitals, got a $40.25 million, seven-year contract. "Its a very big commitment from Washington. Thats no small thing. Youre talking a seven-year commitment for a very substantial amount of money," said Niskanen, who got married Saturday. "Im excited for that challenge." The 33-year-old Orpik, more of a stay-at-home blueliner who had spent his entire career with the Penguins, was given a $27.5 million, five-year package. "Ive got to be honest: Up until this year, I never really envisioned myself leaving Pittsburgh. As everyone knows, theres been a lot of changes there. It really was a perfect time," Orpik said. "The past year, there was such strong expectations for the team, both internally and externally, and I think we had a really tough time handling those expectations." The Capitals got off to a fast start on the first day of NHL free agency, also adding Carolina Hurricanes goaltender Justin Peters on a $1.9 million, two-year deal, while re-signing centre Michael Latta to a $1.15 million, two-year contract. Last season, three-time NHL MVP Ovechkin and the Capitals missed the playoffs for the first time in seven years, leading ownership to make changes. George McPhees contract was not renewed after he spent 17 seasons as the teams GM, while Adam Oates was fired with a year left on his three-season deal. MacLellan was promoted from assistant general manager to replace McPhee, while Barry Trotz was hired as the new coach. Washington also has added assistant coach Todd&nnbsp;Reirden, who was hired by the Capitals after the Penguins fired him last week.
[b]China Jerseys[/b]. . "Hes been huge," Niskanen said. "Todd helps young defencemen get better." And in one more Penguins-to-Capitals transaction Tuesday, Washington signed right wing Chris Conner to a one-year, two-way contract. He has 22 goals and 28 assists in 178 NHL games, including 19 with Pittsburgh last season. As for all those people moving from Pittsburgh — which also recently changed its GM and coach — to Washington, Niskanen said: "It would seem odd, wouldnt it? But its professional sports. ... If the Caps call, youve got to listen." Speaking about the Capitals, Orpik said: "Ive played against that group enough to know what the potential of that group can be. ... I think they needed some direction, and I think Barry will provide that." Niskanen, 27, led NHL defencemen with a plus-33 rating last season, when he set career highs with 10 goals and 36 assists. The 6-foot, 209-pound defenceman has 35 goals, 132 assists and 266 penalty minutes in 491 career NHL games for Pittsburgh and Dallas. The 6-foot-2, 219-pound Orpik has 13 goals, 119 assists and 734 penalty minutes in 703 career games. He is a two-time U.S. Olympian and was an alternate captain for the Penguins since 2008. The 27-year-old Peters went 7-9-4 with a 2.50 goals-against average and a .919 save percentage for the Carolina Hurricanes last season. "When the head coach on the team looks you in the eye and tell you he wants you to be there, that goes a long way," Peters said. He said that he wasnt told how hell be used with the Capitals — strictly as a No. 2 behind Braden Holtby, or splitting time in the top goalie spot — but added that he thinks it will "work itself out." ___ AP Sports Writer Joseph White contributed to this report. ' ' '
