John Stones backs Tom Cleverley for Euro call-up

John Stones has claimed that his Everton teammate Tom Cleverley is playing well enough to deserve a call-up to the England squad for next summer's European Championships.

The 26-year-old was the hero on Boxing Day as he popped up in the third minute of stoppage time to hand the Toffees all three points at Newcastle United.

Now Stones, who is also in contention to join Roy Hodgson's squad, has backed the former Manchester United man to make the trip to France next June after not featuring for his country since November 2013.

"I know as players you're biased to your own teammates, but I think it's only right that I speak on behalf of a lot of the lads in our dressing room when I say Tom should be in the England squad - on current form at least," Stones told Everton TV.

"He's playing terrifically well. Sometimes players don't get too many chances to get back into the squad but I'm sure he would be delighted to."

The result in the North-East moved Roberto Martinez's men up to ninth in the Premier League table.