FOOL'S GOLD

LONDON. — A host of England’s star-studded Golden Generation have stepped into the dug-out as managers — but none of them are yet to win a domestic knockout trophy in this country.

However, that could change if Michael Carrick guides Middlesbrough to Carabao Cup success.

The 42-year-old Manchester United legend, who won 34 caps for the Three Lions, and his Boro faced Chelsea in the semi-final, first leg showdown last night at the Riverside.

The likes of Gary Neville and Paul Scholes suffered nightmare brief spells in charge of Valencia and Oldham respectively, while fellow ex-United icon Wayne Rooney was sacked last week by Birmingham after just two wins from 15 games.

Meanwhile, Steven Gerrard won the Scottish Premiership with

Rangers but endured a miserable time of it before he was axed by Aston Villa and is now under pressure at Saudi Pro League club Al Ettifaq.

And Frank Lampard is still looking for another new job after his sacking from Everton last season was followed by a dire stint as interim boss at Chelsea.

But when quizzed about his own managerial record compared to the other of England’s Golden Generation, Carrick said with a wry smile:

“You put me in that bracket now, do you? I never used to be as a player!”

He continued: “It doesn’t bother me one bit, to be honest. It’s a phrase that gets thrown around and it doesn’t mean anything at all.

“The boys we’re talking about have had incredible football careers, as good as this country has ever produced.

“I’m sure they’ll go on to have very good managerial careers, if they choose to.” — The Sun.