Manchester City defender John Stones says everyone connected to the England camp are behind Harry Maguire.

Despite overwhelming outside noise to drop the Manchester United captain, coach Gareth Southgate stuck by his man.

Long-standing defensive partner Stones, too, is just as happy to see his teammate rediscover the form that earned him an £85million move to Old Trafford in 2019.

He told the PA: “Right from the first game, the best response is what he's (Maguire) been doing," the Manchester City centre-back said. “All three games he's played in have been terrific and it's about us finding that partnership again. I think we have done (that) in these three games.

“That's a great credit to him. I have spoken at length about Harry before and there were lots of questions I got asked. Playing with someone for so many games at England, being through so many moments with him, knowing what he's been going through at his club as well and the person that he is, I think it speaks volumes about him to come through that and still believe in himself.

Stones also revealed how the rest of the England squad share his sentiments. A City player openly defending a United player is reflective of the mindset change within the Three Lions camp.

“I believe in him, like (how) all the team believes in him," he added. “His teammates at United believe in him. I think there's been a lot of noise from the outside which he has not listened to and tried to improve himself, better himself. He's come into this tournament and hit the ground running, and that is a great credit to him."