Lewis-Skelly over Ashley Cole - Jamie Vardy's 2006 v 2026 England XI has caused a stir | OneFootball

Jamie Vardy was asked to choose between England's golden generation and current players. He makes some surprising claims.

Jamie Vardy has issued some surprising claims on social media when comparing England's 'golden generation' to current Three Lions stars.

England's 'golden generation' included players like Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard and Chelsea stars such as John Terry and Frank Lampard, but they were unable to deliver silverware.

The current Three Lions squad are vying to win the World Cup for the first time in 60 years, but questions have been raised following their 0-0 draw with Ghana.

Thomas Tuchel's men can get the nation back on side by beating Panama in their final group game, which would mark their second victory of the tournament.

Jamie Vardy makes surprising claims in current England team v 'Golden Generation' comparison

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England's current World Cup squad includes world-class players such as the Three Lions' all-time leading goalscorer, Harry Kane, and Real Madrid ace Jude Bellingham.

Kane and Bellingham are also among the large contingent of Tuchel's players who have EFL experience, as the striker had loan stints with the likes of Norwich City and Millwall, while the Madrid man started his career at Birmingham City.

The England boss has made some intriguing selection calls already this summer, such as the decision to start Anthony Gordon on the wing instead of Marcus Rashford.

Meanwhile, when asked on his TikTok channel to choose between players from the Three Lions' golden generation and current stars, Vardy made some surprising claims.

The former Leicester and England striker said that he'd choose Myles Lewis-Skelly over Ashley Cole, Declan Rice over Gerrard, and Ollie Watkins instead of Michael Owen.

His most controversial call is arguably that of Lewis-Skelly instead of Cole, because the Arsenal man hasn't made it into Tuchel's World Cup squad, whereas the Chelsea hero was widely considered one of the best left-backs in the world throughout his career.

Meanwhile, Gerrard remains significantly more decorated than Rice, having won the Champions League, two FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and the Europa League with Liverpool.

Former Exeter City man Watkins has deservedly made a name for himself in the Premier League with Aston Villa, but the suggestion that he is better than Owen was will be considered wide of the mark by most.

Owen won the Ballon d'Or in 2001 and provided memorable moments in England colours, such as his solo goal against Argentina in the 1998 World Cup.

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Vardy's recent TikTok is certain to cause controversy among Three Lions supporters, but the 39-year-old enjoyed some success on the international scene before stepping away from England duty in 2018.

The striker enjoyed a unique career, rising from the non-league scene to Premier League stardom, winning the top-flight title with Leicester in 2016.

His first international goal came in March 2016, when he scored a back-heel goal in a 3-2 victory over Germany in Berlin.

Vardy's tournament debut for England could hardly have gone better, as he scored the equalising goal in a 2-1 triumph over Wales in the 2016 European Championship group stage.

However, the tournament ended embarrassingly for the Three Lions, as they were beaten by Iceland in the round of 16, whereas Wales reached the semi-finals.