Gabby Agbonlahor has explained why he would rather Bukayo Saka than David Beckham in an all-time England XI. The Arsenal star has spearheaded the Three Lions' meteoric rise to success in recent years, playing a significant role in Gareth Southgate's side at both the 2020 European Championship and the 2022 World Cup.
At just 21-years-old, Saka has already notched 26 appearances for England while directly contributing towards 15 goals – five of which have come in major tournaments against the likes of Denmark, Senegal and France. The Gunners winger has already established himself as a starter in the England line-up, and it looks like the best is yet to come.
However, Agbonlahor believes that Saka has already done enough to earn his place in a fantasy XI ahead of Beckham. Speaking on talkSPORT, the former Aston Villa striker insisted that the Hale End graduate's performances at the Euros and World Cup justify his controversial claim.
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"I’d pick Saka over Beckham if I could pick an England team. I said it during the World Cup, I would have Saka over Beckham," said Agbonlahor. "When I saw Saka at the World Cup, he was outstanding.
"In the Euros just gone as well, he was outstanding. Kept [Phil] Foden out of the team. If I’m picking my best England team, I’m having Saka on that right-hand side. Pace, scores goals, more of an all-round game. Can take players on, score goals, get assists as well. I’m picking Saka."
Saka has spearheaded Arsenal's title charge this season and, after conceding ground to Manchester City following a draw to Liverpool, he's determined to defend the club's place at the top of the Premier League.
In an interview with the official club website, the Gunners star said: "As players, we really want to do this. We know that everything is in our hands and we just have to keep going game by game.
"If we win these last eight games and get some good results, the title can be ours, so we just have to stay focused. It’s a long season and we have to be consistent all the way through, so that’s what we’ll try to do.
"I wouldn’t say [the Man City game] is the final, but maybe the semi-final because it’s massive, and so important as both teams are fighting at the top. It’s really close so it’ll be a massive game."
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