Harry Kane’s favourite England XI combining past and present stars has seen former skipper Alan Shearer miss the cut.
The Bayern Munich striker was handed the task of selecting his favourite team whilst sharing memories of some of the greatest players to don the three lions.
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Despite holding the title of England's all-time record goalscorer, Kane stopped short of including himself in the XI but threw in one surprising name for good measure.
The captain opted for a 4-4-2 formation and kicked off his team with current No.1 Jordan Pickford between the posts.
“I'm going to start off with Pickers,” Kane told England Football.
“We're good mates, we like to play golf together and he's been a big part of our journey since 2018. I've got a lot of good memories with him, particularly the penalty shootout against Colombia at the World Cup."
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In defence, Kane selected Manchester City right-back Kyle Walker, labelling the star as ‘one of the best right-backs England have ever had, if not the best.’
The first legend chosen was John Terry at centre-back, with Kane citing his bravery as the main factor.
“I loved the way he put his body on the line for his country,” he said.
“You could see how much he loved playing for England and then when he was captain I remember the famous clip of him diving with his head to block the shot. I remember loving that aspect of his game.”
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Terry was paired with Manchester United’s Harry Maguire who continues to be a defensive mainstay for boss Gareth Southgate, while Ashley Cole has handed the left-back berth.
In midfield, Kane went for former England skipper and his favourite player growing up, David Beckham.
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“I need to put Becks in,” said Kane. "He was my favourite player growing up, he was my idol. I will remember the Greece free-kick forever, as I know a lot of England fans will.
"He was from Chingford, where I'm from, and went to the same school as me when he was growing up. I met him when I was young and I loved everything about him.”
In a throwback to 2006, Kane paired Chelsea legend Frank Lampard with Steven Gerrard in a fearsome midfield partnership and admits the former Liverpool star ‘would have been a joy to play with’.”
Kane kicked off his front three with possibly the biggest surprise of the XI with the inclusion of exiled forward Raheem Sterling.
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“Me and Raheem had a great relationship together for England,” Kane said. “We had loads of goals and assists with each other and he set up my first ever goal, so he has to be in just for that.
"We had a great relationship in major tournaments, obviously he was amazing at Euro 2020, so I think it maybe goes under the radar how good Raz has been in an England shirt. He has scored important goals and has been a huge part of what we've achieved as a team.”
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Kane surpassed Wayne Rooney as England’s most prolific striker in 2023 but the 30-year-old was only too happy to recognise Rooney’s contribution to his country.
“Wayne is in, for sure, he said. “He was my captain when I got into the team and was obviously England's all-time goalscorer. One of the best England players ever and I just loved watching him.
“It was a pleasure to play with him and he was also a great guy. He welcomed me in really well and spoke to me about what playing for England is all about and the expectations. As a captain he was great at that and I've tried to do the same thing with new players who come in now. He left a great impression on me.”
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The final name on the teamsheet was Michael Owen who pipped stars such as Shearer and Teddy Sheringham. His heroics at the 1998 World Cup edged it in Owen’s favour but Kane did give honourable mentions to Shearer and Sheringham.
“There are so many options but I think I would go with Owen as my final striker,” Kane explained. “I was five when he scored that goal against Argentina at the 1998 World Cup so I was the kind of age where you start to remember.
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"And then 2002 was probably the tournament I remember most and he was a big part of the team then.
“It was a shame injuries hampered Owen a little bit but the way he burst onto the scene and the goals he scored was incredible.”
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