Stones reveals all on struggles and tips Maguire to return to form at Man United

The England international has struggled for Premier League game time after being an important figure in the England's journey to the European Championship final.

Stones has had problems with injuries and fallen behind Aymeric Laporte and Ruben Dias in the pecking order at the Etihad Stadium.

He did feature for Pep Guardiola's side in their 2-0 win over Manchester United last weekend, however, which will have given him a much-needed confidence boost.

And he will be looking to build on that platform going into the second third of the campagin.

Speaking to talkSPORT, he revealed the reasoning behind his tough start.

"It was an accumulation of things, really. I had a few injuries at the start of the season, I came back and was just getting back up to speed, in that respect," said Stones.

"And the team were playing well. I had to be patient and respect what the guys were doing.

"They were doing good and sometimes you can't change a winning team, so I had to be patient and wait for my time.

"I did that and I've had a good few games since the last camp when we met up and I'm happy to be back here again."

He's not the only England star who has found it difficult to replicate last season's form, with Harry Kane, Raheem Sterling, and Jack Grealish all also failing to replicate their best form.

And the three-time Premier League champion strongly believes that his Three Lions teammates will all be back to their best in no time.

"I do know that they'll come back fighting and to be back at their best," he added.

"Hopefully, soon - I don't like it when players are getting bad press or not playing how I know they can play and I am sure that frustrates them as well.

"But, definitely, I have all the faith in them to come back stronger."

Stones was one of the first names on Gareth Southgate's teamsheet over the summer and featured in the penalty shootout defeat to Italy at Wembley.

His defensive partner for England, Manchester United captain Harry Maguire, has also had his issues.

The Red Devils star has seen his performances and his leadership criticised but Stones has defended his England teammate and is confident that he will show his true colours soon.

"Harry is an incredible person, first and foremost, and a strong character at that, so I have no doubt that he will come good for Manchester United," said Stones.

"I don't want to say that he's not playing well, because I actually think he's doing so many things right, but it's just gets magnified and sometimes taken out of proportion.

"I am not passing the blame or anything but as a character and person that I know, I do believe that he'll be the incredible player that he is and be back to that very soon.

"He's got that character and mentality to get back to how he was and I believe he will."