Bukayo Saka picked over David Beckham in combined England XI of two generations

Former Premier League striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has selected Bukayo Saka for a combined England XI over David Beckham.

Beckham was a part of England’s golden generation, playing alongside the likes of Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard in the 2000s.

But recent tournament endeavours have given birth to the argument that England’s current squad trumps their predecessors.

From 2002 to 2010, the furthest the Three Lions progressed in a major tournament was the quarter finals.

During Gareth Southgate’s tenure, the national side finished runners up in the 2020 and 2024 Euros and earned fourth at the 2018 World Cup. 

And ex-England international Agbonlahor was tasked with putting together a combined XI with players from the last two generations.

Saka, a debutant in October 2020 aged 19, has won 43 caps and extended his consistent form at Arsenal to the international stage. 

“I think Saka, what he’s done for England is outstanding,” said Agbonlahor on talkSPORT. “David Beckham, it’s hard to leave him out.

“I’ve been in England squads with him. Outstanding, I did not see him miss a shot in training. Top corner, bottom corner, stanchion, whatever you want.

“The way I’d like to play, I want speed on that right hand side with Saka and technical ability as well.”  

Beckham made 115 caps following his debut in September 1996.

His curling injury time free-kick against Greece to secure England’s 2002 World Cup qualification is one of the most iconic moments in the nation’s football history.

Let’s have a look at Agbonlahor all-time England XI…

Jordan Pickford

The Everton goalkeeper made his debut in November 2017 and has held onto the No.1 spot since.

In 75 caps, he has 37 clean sheets, stepping up in multiple penalty shootouts against Colombia, Italy and Switzerland. 

Ashley Cole

‘There’s your banker,’ agreed Agbonlahor and Ade Oladipo.

The former Arsenal and Chelsea left-back is one of only ten players to boast more than 100 England caps.

Rio Ferdinand

Under Glenn Hoddle, Ferdinand made his debut aged 19 in November 1997. 

For many of his 81 caps, he was one half of what is deemed England’s greatest ever centre-back pairing.

John Terry

Terry made his debut in June 2003 after being selected by Sven-Goran Eriksson.

He played alongside Ferdinand 36 times out of his 78 caps. 

Kyle Walker

“You have your two full-backs who are rapid, your full-backs are getting forward,” said Agbonlahor.

Walker debuted in November 2011 thanks to Fabio Capello. Of the players selected in Thomas Tuchel’s first England squad, he had the second most caps at 95. 

Steven Gerrrard

In May 2000, Gerrard earned his first international appearance being managed by Kevin Keegan.

He then went on to earn 114 caps, becoming England’s fourth most experienced player.

Frank Lampard

Lampard also earned his debut under Keegan, but it came a few months earlier in October 1999.

The Chelsea legend went on to play 106 times for his country, often forcing the likes of Michael Carrick and Owen Hargreaves to the bench. 

Jude Bellingham

“We talk about him all the time in our group chat,” said Agbonlahor. “He’s got that dog in him, he’s got that Rooney in him.”

The Real Madrid star made his debut in November 2020 and has taken England by storm.

With a round of 16 exit looming against Slovakia, Bellingham scored an overhead kick to level the score and take the match to extra time, which England later won.

The 43 cap midfielder has secured the No.10 role.  

Wayne Rooney

“You come in and roam around and get involved,” said Agbonlahor. “Do what you want, I’m not going to be so strict on that left hand side.”

“He would light it up,” replied Oladipo.

Rooney made his debut in February 2003 and became England’s most capped outfield player with 120 appearances.

Bukayo Saka

In his 43 caps, the right winger has scored 12 and assisted 7 goals. 

During his five years in the England set-up, he has played as a defender, on the left wing, and his natural position on the right.

At the 2022 World Cup, he scored three in four appearances and became a big fan favourite.   

Harry Kane

Kane debuted under Roy Hodgson in May 2015 and has gone on to break Rooney’s record as all-time England top scorer, currently on 71 goals.

The Bayern Munich forward was the only player selected by Tuchel in the last international friendly to have over 100 caps.

England’s captain has appeared 105 times, selected at five major international tournaments.