The summer a golden generation lost its shine

Rio Ferdinand does not view that era with fondness. When asked about the moniker “golden generation,” the former defender dismisses it as “stupid,” going so far as to use an expletive when reflecting on England’s 2006 World Cup squad. “I feel embarrassed when I say it,” Ferdinand admits in The Golden Generation, a new BBC documentary that investigates how a star-studded team, expected to break a 40-year trophy drought following the 1966 victory, ultimately crumbled under the pressure of the global stage. “I don't look back at that time with any type of happiness.”

Despite Ferdinand’s current sentiments, those were undeniably glittering years, both professionally and personally. The squad featured generational footballing superstars, high-profile partners, and Sven-Goran Eriksson, the nation’s first foreign manager, whose colorful private life added to the media frenzy. In the midst of an exploding celebrity culture, the players’ every move dominated newspaper front and back pages. However, the immense hype led to a significant fall, raising numerous questions about what went wrong. Twenty years later, have those involved found any answers?

This group comprised Champions League winners, Premier League champions, prolific scorers, midfield maestros, and defensive leaders at the peak of their powers. Key figures heading into the 2006 World Cup included:

• David Beckham (31): Playing for Real Madrid, the England captain was renowned for his precise crossing, set-piece expertise, and ability to score. His major honors included six Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and a Champions League title with Manchester United.
• Wayne Rooney (20): A young Manchester United star emerging from the academy, known for his pace, power, and attacking danger.
• Frank Lampard (27): A Chelsea midfielder and proven goal-scorer, intelligent in possession. He had won two Premier League titles and a League Cup.
• Steven Gerrard (26): Liverpool’s captain and a box-to-box threat capable of both defense and attack. His accolades included a Champions League title, two FA Cups, and two League Cups.
• Rio Ferdinand (27): A Manchester United player vital to the England team for his composure, game reading, and leadership. He held one Premier League title and one League Cup.
• Michael Owen (26): A Newcastle striker and 2001 Ballon d’Or winner, known for his speed and proven goal-scoring record. His honors included an FA Cup and two League Cups with Liverpool.

Steve McClaren, who served as Eriksson’s assistant before becoming manager, offers a different perspective on the label. “I just call them a damn good squad of players,” he says. The term “golden generation” was first coined in 2001 by then-FA chief executive Adam Crozier after a dominant 5-1 away victory over Germany in a World Cup qualifier. Yet, that same squad exited the 2002 World Cup and 2004 European Championship in the quarter-finals.

The 2006 tournament in Germany was viewed as the moment this special group was expected to deliver. The primary difficulty lay in team selection, particularly regarding whether to play both Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard together. Both were outstanding, attack-oriented midfielders with similar styles. “How do you leave out Gerrard, Lampard, [Wayne] Rooney, [David] Beckham?” McClaren notes. “That was the difficulty.”

The 23-man squad also included a controversial pick: 17-year-old Theo Walcott, who had not yet made an appearance for Arsenal following his transfer from Southampton in January. Eriksson described the choice as a “gamble,” while Rooney called it a “strange decision.” Ferdinand recalls the initial reaction: “When Theo was announced... you saw mad potential with Theo. The pace was frightening.” However, he adds, “But I still sat there and thought, ‘Jermain Defoe’. If I want a goal, I'm picking Jermain Defoe.”

Defoe, the Tottenham striker, was ultimately left out. McClaren explains that Eriksson “just wanted youth and energy around the squad,” though he admits in hindsight that this may not have been the wisest choice, especially given the injury issues that plagued the team later. The players had be

Source: BBC News Generated at: 2026-05-11 00:00:00 UTC