Stones Looks to Return to International Action

John Stones has been an absolute bright spot in a season full of disappointment. Despite being only 20-years-old, the defender has composure and skill that transcend his years and looks to be our center back of the future. But he is also one of England's center backs of the future and is looking to return to his national team after missing time due to injury.

Speaking to Liverpool Echo, Stones highlighted how getting back into Roy Hodgson's squad is a top priority for him.

The target is definitely to get back into the England squad...I was devastated [because of the injury] because I had just got in and I was hopefully going to get some more caps and game time with them, so my aim is definitely to play well for Everton and hopefully get called up again for those games.

Stones has been playing at a high level as of late despite Everton's struggles and it will be hard for Hodgson to overlook him with Euro 2016 qualifying matches coming up in March. Not only is Stones excellent defensively, but he has a knack for kick-starting the offense, a trait not often seen in a center back.

Everton have nine league games remaining coupled with two Europa League matches and Stones will certainly be looking to show Hodgson that he is back at 100%. He is likely to be the main defensive partner with Phil Jagielka for the remainder of the season and will be a big part of Everton fighting to stay out of the relegation zone.

No matter how tough this season has been to watch, it is always a delight to watch a young player of Stones' caliber play football and improve on a  week to week basis.