John Stones admits he wants to follow in the footsteps of former England star Rio Ferdinand.

The Everton defender, 21, has already been compared to the Manchester United great and suggests he would love to continue developing in a similar fashion to Ferdinand who played 81 times for England.

"I loved the way he came out with the ball," said Stones, who is preparing for the UEFA U21 European Championships with Gareth Southgate's Young Lions.

"I've always been taught to bring the ball out, play from the back. Roberto (Martinez) has taught me to do that and the gaffer (Southgate) is 100 per cent behind me and how I want to play.

"Speaking to the (senior) lads, they used to say how good Rio was at doing that. I'd love to create this image of me doing what Rio did but I also want to be known as a great defender who can keep clean sheets."