Everton defender John Stones on England u21's

John Stones has admitted he is looking forward to running out at Oakwell one more time on Thursday.

The young Blues defender is currently away with England Under-21s preparing for their impending involvement in this summer’s European Championships.

Part of that preparation sees the young Lions take on Belarus in a warm-up friendly at a ground Stones knows well, having joined the Toffees from Barnsley, who of course call Oakwell home.

And the youngster is relishing his homecoming.

“It’s going to be a good day,” said Stones. “It’ll be nice to see everyone again. It’ll be good for my family to come back and watch, it’s been a long time.

“I try to get back and watch Barnsley play and I was there on the last day of the season but to actually play at Oakwell again will be a special moment for me.

“I had a lot of great memories there and it seems like a long time ago but it should be a great day.”

Gareth Southgate’s side have been in impressive form heading into the tournament, having dropped just two points and conceding two goals in 10 matches during the qualifying stage.

However, you have to go back to 1984 when the national side last won the tournament.

Former Blues Dave Watson, Paul Bracewell and Derek Mountfield were all part of the England squad that year as they beat Spain 3-0 in a two-legged final, but Stones insists his side have every chance of replicating their success in Czech Republic.

“I think any team that goes into the tournament thinking ‘we aren’t going to win it’ isn’t going to win it,” he added.

“The character and ability in the squad we’ve got and the games we’ve won in the past against the top teams is massive.

“I think if we go in confident and positive, but take each game as it comes, we’ll hopefully do well.”