David Beckham
Image credit: Getty Images
Former Aston Villa striker Gabriel Agbonlahor has caused a stir by selecting Arsenal star Bukayo Saka over football icon David Beckham in his Combined England XI. The former England international made his decision while appearing on TalkSPORT, where he was tasked with creating a lineup that merges past and present Three Lions stars.
Beckham, a global superstar, finished second in the 1999 Ballon d’Or and received multiple FIFA World Player of the Year nominations. He made 115 appearances for England between 1996 and 2009, scoring 17 goals and registering numerous assists. As captain from 2000 to 2006, Beckham featured in three World Cups (1998, 2002, 2006) and two European Championships (2000, 2004). His leadership, pinpoint crosses, and set-piece prowess—most memorably his last-minute free-kick against Greece in 2001 to secure England’s place in the 2002 World Cup—cemented his legacy as an England great.
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Saka, meanwhile, made his England debut on October 8, 2020, in a friendly against Wales at just 19 years old. The Arsenal winger has since earned 48 caps, starting in 33 matches and scoring 12 goals. He has featured in major tournaments, including the UEFA European Championship and the FIFA World Cup, where he scored three goals in the 2022 edition—netting a brace against Iran and another against Senegal. Saka was also an integral part of the England squad that reached the Euro 2020 final.
Arsena forward Bukayo Saka - England
Bukayo Saka (Image credit: Getty Images)
When asked to choose between Beckham and Saka for the right-wing spot, Agbonlahor made a bold call. Acknowledging Beckham’s brilliance, he ultimately sided with Saka, citing the Arsenal star’s combination of pace and technical ability.
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“How can you have a combined England team and not have Mr. Goldenboy (Beckham)?” Agbonlahor was asked.
“But I think Saka, what he has delivered for England, was outstanding at the last World Cup. David Beckham—it’s hard to leave him out. I’ve been in England squads with him; I never saw him miss a shot in training. But with the way I want to play, I want speed and technical ability down the right side with Saka,” Agbonlahor explained.
The decision to pick Saka over Beckham is a significant one, considering Beckham’s legendary status and Saka’s relatively young age of 24. However, when analysing their England careers, there is an argument that Saka has already surpassed Beckham in certain aspects. While Beckham’s assist record remains impressive, Saka has advanced further in international tournaments and has outscored Beckham in major competitions.
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