England: Why This Is the Three Lions' Real Golden Generation

What makes one generation of footballers stand out amongst the rest?

Is it the quality of individuals within the group? No, the word 'generation' is a collective one. It relates to everyone within that set and how they interact. Therefore, the cohort that included David Beckham, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard should not be described as 'golden'.

There is no denying that as solitary players, each one of them was fantastic. Beckham was a phenomenal striker of the ball, Gerrard had unparalleled leadership skills and Lampard reinvented the role of a midfielder.

The same is true of Wayne Rooney, Michael Owen, Rio Ferdinand and all their marvellous teammates. Still, their individual qualities did…