Everton defender Sylvain Distin has insisted that John Stones will continue to develop as a player if he is not pressured too much.

A successful spell in the Toffees defence has seen Stones tipped for a spot in England's World Cup spot, but Distin believes that it could be too early for the 19-year-old to make the step up to international level.

"Stonesy has only played half the season for us and even though he's a special talent, we need to him mature and not put pressure on his shoulders now," the Frenchman told members of the media. It's way too early.

"If he does get a call-up though, we all believe in him. If that happened, he'd deserve it and he'd have the support of everyone at Everton for certain."

Roberto Martinez has offered an opposite view to Distin by suggesting that Stones is ready to go to Brazil this summer.