John Stones has claimed that Olivier Giroud is one of the deadliest strikers he has ever faced, the "?Metro report.
Everton's classy centre-back has tussled with Sergio Aguero and Luis Suarez over the years, but he believes Arsenal's French powerhouse comes out on top.
Giroud scored 16 times in 38 Premier League appearances this season, and he grabbed the opening goal of the European Championships with a firm header against Romania on Friday evening.
In comparison, Aguero scored 24 goals in 30 top-flight appearances whilst Suarez fought off competition from Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo to clinch La Liga's golden boot.
However, Stones insists that Giroud is the hardest to play against because of his immense strength.
When asked by Mundial Magazine to pick between the trio, the England international said "I mean they are great players, with unbelievable movement. In all honesty, I'd have to say Olivier Giroud, you don't realise how strong he is.
"When he gets close to you he can hold you off and his touch is brilliant."
Stones had to watch from the sidelines as England kicked off their Euros campaign with a disappointing draw against Russia on Saturday.
The Three Lions controlled proceedings and they looked to be on course for all three points when Eric Dier rifled his free-kick into the back of the net.
However, Vasili Berezutski popped up with an injury-time equaliser that stunned Roy Hodgson's charges.
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