'David Beckham wasn't world class and wouldn't get into England's best XI'

David Beckham has been told he does not make England's all-time XI as he was not a "world-class" player.

Beckham was capped 115 times for England, scoring 17 goals and registering 42 assists in an international career that lasted from 1996 to 2009.

He played at five major tournaments and memorable scored a sensational last-gasp free-kick against Greece that sent England to the 2002 World Cup.

But surprisingly, former Chelsea defender Jason Cundy does not rate 'Golden Balls' all that highly.

Image Credit

Despite deeming Beckham to be the best crosser in the business, he believes he wouldn't make England's best XI - and maybe not even into Gareth Southgate's current side.

"David Beckham's England career went on too long, I felt his career went on too long," Cundy said on talkSPORT on their Drivetime show with host Andy Goldstein.

"Pomp David Beckham, he's in the squad and he probably finds a way in the team, but if you're playing a three, where do you play Beckham?

"He's not [one of the very best]. He's the best crosser I've ever seen, but I'd rather have Sterling. Sterling has scored more goals than Beckham.

Alamy

"In his pomp of course he was in every single team sheet, but I felt Beckham was in the England squad for too long.

"Does he get in ahead of [Phil] Foden? I think Foden's more creative than Beckham. We haven't even seen Foden's pomp.

"Beckham was a brilliant footballer for England, he was not world class, he is not England' best XI ever, he's not, not for me."

Cundy had also, rather controversially, said England skipper Harry Kane is a better passer than Beckham after seeing him conjure up a slew of delicious deliveries for Son Heung-min in a Spurs shirt.

Alamy

"Kane," Cundy replied to Goldstein when asked who was better at manipulating the ball.

"I think Kane is one of the best passers, Kane's passing is unbelievable.

"I think there's nothing in it, Kane is that good."

Beckham, who was the Ballon d'Or runner up in 1999, won six Premier League titles and was named in the English football Hall of Fame in 2008.

SPORTbible Stories is the brand-new podcast from the SPORT team at LADbible. The latest episode features a chat with WWE legend Triple H who opens up on his long in-ring career, his rivalry with The Rock during WWE's Attitude Era and Logan Paul's fledgling wrestling career. You can watch the episode here.

Topics: David Beckham, England

Josh Lawless

Josh is a sports journalist who specialises in football and wrestling. He has been published by Curzon Ashton FC, Late Tackle, Manchester City FC, The Mirror, Read Man City and Manchester Evening News. He provides coverage of professional wrestling and has interviewed some of the biggest names in the field - including the first UK interview with The Hardy Boyz after their return to WWE. He has never sported a pair of Lonsdale Slip-ons, contrary to reports.

@joshlawless_