England defender John Stones has leapt to the defence of Manchester City teammate Kyle Walker following criticism from Arsene Wenger.
The former Arsenal boss said that Walker is the weak link in England's World Cup squad and claimed that he is "not a real defender".
Stones, however, has dismissed Wenger's remarks and described his fellow City defender as "world class".
"I've said many times that Kyle is world class in my eyes," the Manchester Evening News quotes him as saying.
"I am probably biased in some people's opinions, but even though I've only played with him for a season so far, from what he brings, we've developed quite a strong bond both on and off the pitch.
"He is a top guy and a top player, and he's helped me a lot within the games at City, and coming into the England side he's helped me massively."
Stones and Walker are expected to come up against their City teammates Kevin De Bruyne and Vincent Kompany when England play Belgium in the World Cup on Thursday.
Mark Langshaw
