Is Thomas Tuchel's 2026 England better than the 'Golden Generation'?

The term 'Golden Generation' was coined after England's 5-1 win over Germany in Munich, and that declaration in 2001 raised expectations that the national team would struggle to meet for years. Across seven World Cups since 2002, England squads have looked different each time: injuries and absences hampered some tournaments, internal rivalries and tactical shortcomings undermined others, and a handful of players survived multiple eras.

On paper the 2006 side was exceptionally strong, yet team discord and untimely injuries cut that campaign short. Subsequent teams varied — 2010 was injury-hit, 2014 failed badly, 2018 overachieved but lacked depth, and 2022 arrived with momentum and youthful talent yet exited to France in a painful quarter-final.

Thomas Tuchel's 2026 selection blends high-end stars with pragmatic balance.

England

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