Golden generation would have rocked World if they had Southgate as gaffer

of them, Steven Gerrard could be the midfield pivot, a role now occupied by Jordan Henderson.

Again, it’s almost disrespectful to compare the two in terms of quality.

In the wing- back areas, go with David Beckham in Kieran Trippier’s position and Ashley Cole on the other side instead of Ashley Young.

Trippier’s delivery has been exemplary in Russia.

He’s had a terrific tournament. But Becks was the best deadball exponent of his generation.

Cole, arguably Cr ist iano Ronaldo’s toughest opponent, was also exceptional at his peak. In midfield this summer, Jesse Lingard and Dele Alli shone sporadically.

But back in the day, you’d have had Scholes and Frank Lampard filling those positions – and the contrast again is pretty stark.

In attack, Harry Kane wou ld be vying for a starting slot and £50million m a n R a h e em Sterling is improved under Pep Guardiola at Man City. But no one will tell me either offer more than Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen did on top form. What a side that is. Former England managers had all of those players at their disposal – but couldn’t get the best out of them.

That’s something Southgate has been rightly praised for.

So never mind the feeling of what might have been at this World Cup. The future looks bright but in Russia they were never going to be good enough to go all the way and win. They were not so long ago. A golden chance for the Golden Generation. It passed them by because they didn’t have the right leader to nurture them and set them free on the global stage. And THAT’S what should rea l ly f i l l them a l l with regret.