Kyle Walker believes the current generation of England players are more talented than the team known as the ‘Golden Generation’.
The Manchester City star made the comments as he looks to come back from a groin injury in England’s clash with the United States on Friday – live on talkSPORT – after more than two months out absence.
Walker watched England record a comfortable 6-2 victory over Iran on Monday and three points on Friday would secure a place in the round of 16.
England showed their mettle after their young players stepped up to deliver on the world stage and Walker was full of praise for his ever-improving teammates.
The right-back then suggested that Gareth Southgate’s side were more talented than England’s ‘Golden Generation’, which included Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand.
He said: “You see people like Phil Foden, Mason Mount, Jack Grealish, Declan Rice. These players aren’t like what we saw growing up in the England squad, where it’s all about ‘you wear your heart on your sleeve and you go out and your hard work gets you through’.
“It’s no disrespect to any of the players – Wayne Rooney, Joe Cole, David Beckham – those players had a range of talent but probably not as much talent as these have.
“It’s a joy that the English game is actually developing in this way.”
In response to Walker’s claims, talkSPORT’s Gabby Agbonlahor has been tasked with picking his combined England roster using only ‘Golden Generation’ players and those from Gareth Southgate’s current crop.
Agbonlahor said: “I will go [Jordan] Pickford in goal. Kyle Walker is a no-brainer at right-back, Rio Ferdinand, John Terry pick each other [at centre-back] and Ashley Cole [left-back].
“[Steven] Gerard and [Frank] lampard [as centre-midfielders]. On the right side it was hard, [David] Beckham played very well but this boy [Bukayo] Saka, I rate him so much that he is one of the first names on the team sheet.
“Foden on the left, I think he’s a superstar. The talent he has, he is going to become one of the best English players of all time.
“So I have Rooney behind Harry Kane.”
talkSPORT BET DEAL OF THE DAY
Bet €10 Get €30 free bets* – CLAIM HERE
18+ Sign up, bet £10+ at odds of 2.00+, in 7 days. No collection. Get 3 x £10 free bets on selected events. 7 day bonus expiration. Card payments only. Click for T&Cs. BeGambleAware.org | Please play responsibly
SEE MORE WORLD CUP FREE BETS HERE