SOUTHGATE’S SUCCESS IS ALL DOWN TO FAMILY

ASHLEY COLE believes the current England squad are far more of a family than the ‘Golden Generation’.

A world-class left-back during his time in the Premier League, Cole plundered silverware for Arsenal and Chelsea. With an England squad containing the likes of David Beckham, Rio Ferdinand, Steven Gerrard, Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard, however, the team labelled the ‘Golden Generation’ (above) was unable to enjoy similar success on the international stage.

By contrast, Gareth Southgate’s young Lions have reached the World Cup semi-finals, qualified for next summer’s Nations League semi-finals and are widely tipped to end the country’s long wait for a trophy.

Cole said: “We were great individuals, great players for our clubs. But when it came to playing for the national team together we just didn’t gel.

“The fans kind of see us as, kinda big egos. I see the England team now, together they’re always laughing.

“They seem more of a family, which I don’t think we were.”