England's John Stones warns of different World Cup refereeing after 'silly decisions' against Tunisia

John Stones has criticised the number of “silly decisions” made in England’s World Cup opener against Tunisia and admits they have to quickly adapt to the style of refereeing at the finals.

Gareth Southgate’s side conceded a first-half penalty after Kyle Walker was adjudged to have fouled Fakhreddine Ben Youssef yet at the other end Harry Kane was manhandled repeatedly at set-pieces with Colombian official Wilmar Roldan.

However, Stones believes there were smaller issues which left him and his team-mates frustrated and the Manchester City defender warned a change in approach is necessary.

“I thought there were a lot of decisions the other night that weren’t fouls, silly decisions that went both ways,” he said. “Sometimes when we got a foul I felt it wasn’t a foul.

"So it’s different from when you are playing in the Premier League to coming into a World Cup with a lot of foreign referees who are used to a different style of football. That’s a different thing in itself to adapt to.”

Stones hailed City team-mate Walker, however, for his adaptation to a right-sided centre-back role having previously plied his trade as a right-back or wing-back.

“I love playing with Walks,” he said. “How he slotted in has been brilliant because I know that he loves to get up and down the pitch and to be kind of held back and not bombing up and down making crosses, he’s done better than me in my opinion anyway.

“I think he’s world class. In how he conducts himself... he was really upset with the decision the other night. I’ve not seen it back but I’m going to be biased and say he was trying to shield in and the guy ducked into his face.

"That hurt him, but the character he showed to get on with the game. He played a few great passes and defensively he’s the best for me. I can’t speak highly enough about him.

“I just think what he brings, not only to the team but me personally has been a massive, massive help. On and off the pitch, he's just so calm and he’s always got the right advice for whatever situation we’re in.

“I think it’s a classy touch when not only Kyle but any player has something to say, but in the right way, to help you in a situation. It’s needed from players. Players don’t always show their emotions or think about what kind of mental state players are in. On the pitch he’s so positive.”