Everton manager Roberto Martinez has leaped to the defence of under-fire centre-back John Stones.

The England international shouldered the blame for the Netherlands' first goal during their 2-1 win over the Three Lions last Tuesday, but the Spaniard has urged critics to be more rational in their assessment of the youngster.

"In my eyes he has been probably the victim of incredible scrutiny that is hard to explain," former Wigan Athletic boss Martinez told reporters.

"If we all want English football to do well and the national team to do well we should be a little bit more protective of our players. It is all too easy to praise a player and then too easy to criticise a player. I think we should be more rational about where the development is of a footballer.

"He is demanded by everyone to be the perfect footballer but that's not going to happen. He has learned from his decision and what he does on the pitch. At 21 he is well ahead of where he should be and I think we should all be a bit more aware he is a young player."

Stones, who recently returned from an injury that kept him out for five matches, was the subject of a £38m bid from Chelsea last summer.