Former Manchester United and England centre-back Rio Ferdinand has claimed that Manchester City's John Stones "has the potential to become world class".

Stones lost his spot in the City team in the second half of last season, but the 24-year-old is expected to be a key player for England at the 2018 World Cup.

Ferdinand has claimed that Stones has all of the tools to become a top-class centre-back, and has urged the former Barnsley youngster to finally realise his potential, starting with this summer's tournament in Russia.

"Stones has the potential to become world class," Ferdinand told Goal.com. "I think he has the platform to get there at Manchester City. It would be great if he can have a fantastic World Cup to set him off on a run on that.

"He has all of the fundamental basic things on the ball to be a great. It is about balancing that out with defensive responsibility, defensive nous, and creating or having that instinct as a defender. If he can get all that jigsaw put together, you have the foundations of a top player."

Stones earned his 26th England cap in Thursday's 2-0 win over Costa Rica at Elland Road.