- England won 3-1 against Scotland in an international friendly match
- Souness believes Southgate’s side is a true ‘Golden Generation’
- Listen to the latest episode of the ‘Mail Sport’ podcast It all starts ‘
Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has heaped praise on England’s midfield, labeling Gareth Southgate’s side as the ‘golden generation’.
Jude Bellingham scored a goal and put in a performance of the highest quality as England took on rivals Scotland in a friendly on Tuesday.
The Three Lions emerged victorious, with Jude Bellingham favorite as Souness discussed the qualities of the England youngsters.
Speaking live on Channel 4, Souness told England fans to forget their past generations and focus on Southgate’s side as he backed them to win trophies.
“This is the golden generation,” Souness said. ‘Forget Frank (Lampard) and Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, they have strength and depth.
Graeme Souness has labeled Gareth Southgate’s side as the ‘golden generation’ for England
The Three Lions defeated Scotland 3-1 in an international friendly match on Tuesday
Southgate has been urged by Souness to ‘take the handbrake off’ as he praised the manager
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‘England are a very good team at the moment and I think with this group of players they are destined to get their hands on a trophy.’
The old England squad of Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes was labeled the ‘Golden Generation’ of English football, but Souness believes the current squad can outperform their predecessors.
The former Scotland international continued to heap praise on the England midfield and highlighted Bellingham’s performances.
He continued, “I mean, this is the first time I’ve seen Jude Bellingham live. When I stood in the center circle before the match and looked at him.
‘When I played he would have been a big midfielder. I would be a small midfielder today.
‘He has everything, that young boy. Absolutely everything. And how good can he be at the age of twenty? He has that steady head on his shoulders and was outstanding tonight.”
Souness continued to praise Bellingham team-mate James Maddison, but admitted he would like to see Southgate give the Spurs star more freedom
“I said it before the game, I still think they are playing with the handbrake on,” he continued. ‘I’m a fan of James Maddison and his goals, he’s creative.
“When I see Bellingham, he can do things and do everything you want from a midfielder. But given Maddison’s objectives and creative ability, you have to utilize that as well.’
The Three Lions come out of the international break with a win and a draw in their European Championship qualifier against Ukraine and the friendly against Scotland.
The England stars will now return to their club as they look to continue this season and earn a place in next summer’s squad for the tournament in Germany.