Phil Jones has regained his first-team place in the Manchester United team

Jones appeared to have the world at his feet when he joined Manchester United from Blackburn for £18m in 2011.

He made his England debut that same year and there seemed to be no stopping him.

Sir Alex Ferguson even made the startling claim Jones could go on to become “United’s greatest ever footballer”.

Usurping the likes of George Best, Eric Cantona and Cristiano Ronaldo was never going to happen, especially for defender.

But fulfil his potential has proven far more difficult than expected due to constant injury problems, loss of form and several changes in manager at United.

His England career suffered as a result and Jones disappeared from the international scene for two years.

Now he is back though, having returned to the fold earlier this year to take another crack at proving he can be the defensive rock we all thought he could be.

Jones has earned rich praise from Jose Mourinho following an impressive start to the season at club level and is looking to take that form onto the England stage when Gareth Southgate’s men face Malta tonight in a World Cup qualifier.

“I don’t see why I can’t establish myself now,” he said.

“I need to keep playing well for United first, stay strong and then hopefully who knows. It’s down to the manager, but hopefully I can give him that thought that maybe I can.”

Barring more bad luck Jones, who has 21 caps, will be on the plane to Russia next summer for the World Cup. He reckons there is no reason why England can’t make a good impression for a change.

“If you look in the changing room there are some talented, talented footballers in there,” said the 25-year-old.

There are some experienced players and inexperienced ones but together I think we have a really good group.

“On paper you’d look at the team and think we have one of the best teams in the world.

“It’s just about pulling all that together and making sure we can deliver on the pitch in the crucial moments.”