England's 'Golden Generation' vs current stars after Graeme Souness' bold claim
England's Golden Generation of the 2000s never delivered as the country's long wait for silverware goes on.
In fact, the likes of Michael Owen, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard failed to make it past a quarter-final - getting dumped out in the last eight at World Cups in 2002 and 2006 as well as the Euros in 2004. Now though, it looks as if the Three Lions have come across their next generation of star players.
Already this current squad have reached a World Cup semi-final and the final of Euros, losing agonisingly to Italy on penalties. The beauty is, with Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Marcus Rashford in the team, this group haven't even reached their peak yet.
England saw off Scotland 3-1 at Hampden Park on Tuesday night with Bellingham and Foden among the goalscorers. Graeme Souness commented that this crop of stars, not the one that came before, is in fact the Golden Generation of English players.
He said: "This is the golden generation. Forget Frank (Lampard) and Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, they've got strength and depth. England are a really good team at the moment and I think they're destined to get their hands on a trophy with this group of players."
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Those who played in the 2000s have commented on how club rivalries undermined the group when they joined up with England. This set of players, led by Gareth Southgate, have a very different dynamic and are not dominated by two or three clubs.
England hit three past Scotland to secure a memorable win in Glasgow (Paul Greenwood/Colorsport/REX/Shutterstock)We take a look at how the generation of 2023 compare to those who represented England at the Euros nearly 20 years ago.
David James - Jordan Pickford
Neither goalkeeper played for one of the top clubs in the Premier League, but both were able to establish themselves as starters. James and Pickford were arguably more impressive for England than they were for their clubs, but it is the Everton man who was able to lead the Three Lions to a first penalty shootout victory for 22 years back in 2018.
Ashley Cole - Kieran Trippier
The former Chelsea and Arsenal star is regarded as one of the finest left-backs of all-time. He commanded the position for well over a decade. Trippier meanwhile has been a favourite of Southgate's with his versatility key and his set piece prowess a big plus - who can forget that free-kick in the semi-final of the World Cup five years ago?
Ashley Cole enjoyed a trophy-laden career with Arsenal and Chelsea (PA)Sol Campbell - Harry Maguire
It is at centre-half where you'd say this current England side are perhaps not world class, like they are in pretty much every other area. The constant selection of Maguire remains a divisive topic, especially given he gets minimal game time with his club. Campbell meanwhile was, for a period at least, among the best centre-halves in Europe.
John Terry - John Stones
Terry was an elite leader for his club and his country, performing impressively for both. His vision and passing somewhat overlooked, but Stones takes that to a whole new level. He's been pushed and pushed by Pep Guardiola and is now playing the best football of his career with his composure high up the pitch defying what we once thought a centre-half was capable of.
John Stones has blossomed at Man City in recent years (Getty Images)Gary Neville - Kyle Walker
Manchester United's right-back stalwart was largely an ever present for the Three Lions, bringing with him winning experience as the Red Devils dominated domestically. Walker has recently emulated Neville by winning the treble with Manchester City and his speed is a massive asset whilst he's also been trusted to play as a centre-half.
Paul Scholes - Phil Foden
Scholes was never adored by England like he was at Old Trafford, eventually seeing him pushed out to the left to accommodate some of his team-mates, which led to international retirement before he was 30. Foden's quality and versatility continues to be a blessing and a curse with the immensely talented star the subject of debate about where he is most effective.
Paul Scholes opt to call time early on his England careerSteven Gerrard - Declan Rice
Many will argue that, had Gerrard had a Rice next to him, he'd have thrived with England. Ultimately though he didn't and it is the balance provided by the Arsenal man that perhaps stands him out. The midfield anchor is a vital cog in Southgate's England side and, like so many of these players, has the temperament and composure for the big occasion.
Frank Lampard - Jude Bellingham
The Chelsea legend certainly knew where the goal was and is among the ten most prolific players for England. The conundrum of him playing with Gerrard was a hot topic for years with many arguing neither were as good for England as they were for their club. Bellingham meanwhile has the world at his feet, currently thriving at Real Madrid, and looks like a ready made superstar for the next 10 years, at least.
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Jude Bellingham is among the finest young players on the planet (Stu Forster/Getty Images)David Beckham - Bukayo Saka
Beckham stood up when it counted most with his free-kick against Greece one of England's most iconic moments. He led the Three Lions impressively throughout a career that led to huge fame. Saka is somewhat more reserved but continues to blossom, translating his Arsenal form onto the international stage as he responds impressively from his penalty heartbreak at Euro 2020.
Michael Owen - Harry Kane
England's current crop and their 2000s side each had a natural No 9 they could rely on. Injuries hampered Owen's career, but he was a regular supply of goals. Kane has done likewise and is his nation's most prolific marksman, picking up a World Cup Golden Boot previously, whilst he's ability to drop deep and link play is another string to his bow.
Michael Owen was England's main marksman (Daily Mirror)Wayne Rooney - Marcus Rashford
It was at Euro 2004 that England fans really thought they had a player who would become the world's best. Rooney went on to become England's record goalscorer and the end of his career in Manchester crossed over with Rashford bursting onto the scene and the forward is playing as good as ever.
Sven-Goran Eriksson - Gareth Southgate
In terms of pedigree prior to taking the job, there's no comparison. The Swede had excelled around Europe but failed to get England to the latter stages of tournaments despite an impressive record. Southgate meanwhile is by no means a master tactician, but the way he is with his players is seen as a big plus whilst he has reaped the rewards of trusting in youth.
The verdict
The difficult with judging the two teams currently is that one set of players have completed their careers, so comparing Gerrard and Lampard to Foden and Bellingham is somewhat redundant. This current England team appear to have an energy and an optimism that we've lacked previously and have already shown they can go further in tournaments than the so-called Golden Generation from the start of the century.
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