England’s Golden Generation: Comparing Euro 2004 and the Current Crop

The question of whether the current crop of England players can be considered as the Golden Generation or if the players from the mid-2000s were more talented has ignited a lively debate. As England secured qualification for Euro 2024, fans were given the opportunity to create their combined XI from players of the modern era and the squad that reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2004, where they were beaten by Portugal.

The selections for this combined XI have been intriguing, to say the least. One notable omission from the midfield is Paul Scholes, a stalwart of the highly successful Manchester United squad. Instead, David Beckham, who recently reminded everyone of his abilities in his Netflix documentary, finds a place in the midfield three alongside Jude Bellingham and Steven Gerrard.

Another surprising exclusion is former Liverpool striker Michael Owen, who misses out from the original Golden Generation. However, current Manchester City player Kyle Walker gets the nod over ex-Manchester United player Gary Neville at right back.

Interestingly, the majority of the combined XI consists of players from the class of 2004, with six representing that era and five from the current generation. It is a testament to the stature of the players from the mid-2000s that they still dominate this selection.

But the debate is far from over. If you still want to create your own Golden Generation XI, you can make your choices below. This exercise serves as a reminder of the incredible talent that England has produced over the years and the difficulty in comparing players from different eras.

Overall, the comparison between the Golden Generation of Euro 2004 and the current crop of England players highlights the depth of talent that has graced the national team. Both generations have their own strengths and achievements, making it a challenging task to determine which group deserves the title of the true Golden Generation.

In the end, it all comes down to personal preferences and opinions. Football fans will continue to engage in these discussions and debates, which only add to the allure and excitement surrounding the national team. As England looks ahead to Euro 2024, fans will eagerly anticipate how the current generation will fare and if they will surpass the achievements of their predecessors.