The interim boss has placed a greater emphasis on possession during his brief spell in charge so far and the Manchester City defender sees similarities between his managers at club and international level.

Asked if the two coaches have the same mindset, Stones - who will captain the Three Lions in the Nations League game against Greece on Thursday (10.10.24) with Harry Kane not starting due to injury - said: "In ways, yes, definitely.

"Everyone has got their own unique style and I think there are similarities throughout every mana­ger in what they want. There are a lot of similarities between Lee and Pep in how they see the game and how they want us to play and I think we saw that last month when we played the two games. It’s been great for me with the likenesses of how we play."

Stones has been struggling to get into the City team so far this season but thinks that Guardiola's ability to keep everyone guessing is an important reason for the team performing so well in recent seasons.

The centre-back said: "I do believe that is why we have been so successful because we have had players who have been in similar situations to what I have been in, or have been in at the minute, being positive for the team, ready when called upon and, honestly, being in that positive mind-frame when called upon is massive.

"We have so many games and the manager has said how important I am and that he needs all of us. He has called upon me at different times already, obviously not starting, but off the bench. I know that my time will come along with a lot of other players as well."