Excellent English XI: Chelsea and Liverpool’s best in PL era

Centre back: John Terry (Chelsea)
A rare Blues academy graduate to make the grade, tenacious Terry has been a commanding presence in Chelsea’s backline for almost 17 seasons. A dogged defender and born leader, Terry recently won his fourth league medal aged 34.

Left back: Ashley Cole (Chelsea)
Effortlessly aware of the art of defending, there can be few other choices for top English left back in the Premier League era than intelligent Cole, who was a winner with both Chelsea and Arsenal.

Central midfield: Steven Gerrard (Liverpool)
This looks set to be departing Gerrard’s last duel against Jose Mourinho’s men and the Merseyside man is 4/1 to sign off in style with a goal anytime. Liverpool’s captain fantastic has hit 118 Premier League goals during his 17 season stint at Anfield. The 34-year-old’s drive, determination, passion and stunning long-range strikes will surely be missed.

Gerrard’s best ever goals? You decide:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UH6xY01jp5A

Central midfield: Dennis Wise (Chelsea)
Wily Wise may not have been the most technically gifted, but the combative Cockney was a crucial cog for Chelsea in nine Premier League campaigns, also helping capture two FA Cup crowns.

Central midfield: Frank Lampard (Chelsea)
More contemplative than his midfield partners in this XI, Lampard, now temporarily at Manchester City, is a modern Stamford Bridge legend. Fourth in the Premier League all-time top scorers chart and renowned for his late bursts into the box, the all-action midfield man’s vision was vastly underrated.

Right wing: Joe Cole (Chelsea and Liverpool)
Crafty Cole is the second in this XI to have played for both. Injuries stalled the wing wizard’s career, as the West Ham United product was tipped to be a superstar. A tricky wide playmaker, Cole shone brightest at Stamford Bridge.

Centre forward: Michael Owen (Liverpool)
Best forgotten stints at Stoke City, Manchester United and Newcastle United aside, few will forget how a young Owen burst onto the scene for Liverpool. The then-teenager terrified defences with his pace and poaching instincts and, despite his eventual decline, struck 148 Premier League goals.

Watch Owen’s attacking prowess:

Left wing: Steve McManaman (Liverpool)
Gifted with grace and guile, marvellous McManaman was a revelation on the wing for the Reds during what was often a poor patch for the club between 1990-99, making 272 league outings before heading to Spain to join giants Real Madrid.

Subs bench: Gary Cahill; Graeme Le Saux; Jamie Redknapp; Emile Heskey; Chris Sutton; John Barnes; Robbie Fowler