World Cup 2018: 5 reasons why England's recently employed back-three system is doomed to fail in Russia

#4 Shaky Stones

Stones has been inconsistent since time immemorial

One of the most important ingredients in a successful three-man defence system is a composed centre-back capable of stepping into midfield and contributing to the build-up in possession.

In the absence of an experienced alternative, Gareth Southgate has no choice but to entrust this vital role to 24-year-old John Stones, a player who lost his place in the Manchester City side last season following a dramatic dip in form.

While he certainly possesses the required attributes to play the role, Stones' tendency to lose concentration in vital moments has to be a big concern. It's rare that a Three Lions match goes by in which he doesn't gift the ball to an opposing attacker with a careless pass.

In the World Cup, mistakes of this kind will be punished, particularly when and if England reach the knockout stages.