How John Stones proved he could be the difference maker at Everton despite England's World Cup exit

Everton have consistently been linked with a free transfer swoop for John Stones in recent weeks.

The 94-cap England star is available for nothing after leaving Manchester City in June.

Stones has starred in England's World Cup campaign, which was ended in a 2-1 defeat to Argentina on Wednesday.

Goodison News has already covered Jordan Pickford's showing in the England's semi-final exit.

Stones was one of the standout players in the game, but he could not prevent Enzo Fernandez and Lautaro Martinez from putting La Albiceleste through.

However, he proved that injury concerns should not put the Blues off a potential transfer.

How did Everton target John Stones perform in England's loss to Argentina?

Stones could be the difference maker in Everton's next campaign, if they bring him in.

He completed 100 per cent of his 37 pass attempts in the contest, and made one pass into the final third.

He made eight defensive contributions against Lionel Messi and Co, with seven clearances.

The former Toffees man also made one tackle and one recovery in an impressive display.

In terms of duels, he won the only one that he contested on the ground and all three that he went for in the air, for a 100 per cent success rate in both areas.

Why Everton need someone like Stones

Everton need a difference maker like Stones to help them cross the line when it comes to qualifying for Europe.

They did not have enough quality to do so last season, and the 32-year-old would bring the experience required to see them secure a continental berth.

The Toffees have decent options at centre-back, but Jarrad Branthwaite is injury prone, while Michael Keane and James Tarkowski are also veterans but not as good as Stones.

He already knows what the expectations of the L3 supporters are, as he played for the club already between 2013 and 2016.

If the required finances, in terms of wages and sign-on bonus, are right, then it seems like a no-brainer for the Hill Dickinson Stadium side.

That may be a sticking point, but that remains to be seen, and the Blues may well decide that is it worth it as he shown his fitness at the tournament.