Wayne Rooney and Gary Neville debated their ‘Golden Generation’ England teams.
During their careers, Rooney and Neville played in what was billed as England’s golden generation, alongside Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry and Ashley Cole.
However, the team comprised of major Premier League stars failed to impress in the major tournaments, with the quarter-finals being their best result.
Speaking on the latest episode of The Overlap Fan Debate, presented by Sky Bet, Rooney claimed that no defender from the current England team would make the Golden Generation team.
He said: “For me, none of the defenders (would join the Golden Generation team).
“If you look back, you had Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Sol Campbell, Ledley King, (Jamie) Carragher, Gaz (Gary Neville), Ashley Cole.”
The former United and Everton striker also selected Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane and Phil Foden.
Rooney added: “In the attacking areas that’s where a few would come in. Harry Kane would be there 100%, (Phil) Foden would be there, (Jude) Bellingham – for me Harry Kane is the best English player all time.”
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Neville then said Declan Rice would come into midfield ahead of Paul Scholes. He explained: “Our problem position was actually (the) left side – that’s where Paul Scholes ended up, so there’s no doubt one of the (current England) players would end up on our left side.
“The balance of our midfield with (Frank) Lampard and (Steven) Gerrard, you would think Declan Rice would come in there – I mean Lampard and Gerrard are incredible players.”
Neville continued: “Michael Owen was a great player, but Harry Kane would start up front with (Wayne Rooney) – with respect.
“You could definitely put Kyle (Walker) right behind me and legitimately say he would be better than me there.”
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Both men agreed that Jordan Pickford had done well for England, with Neville saying he would get into the Golden Generation team ahead of David James and Paul Robinson.
Gary Neville and Wayne Rooney were speaking on The Overlap Fan Debate, presented by Sky bet.
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