Former England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson has issued his verdict on his use of Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes and Steven Gerrard during his reign with the Three Lions.
The trio were a key part of England's golden generation, which also included the likes of David Beckham and Wayne Rooney, and the fact that nothing was won during this period was a major disappointment.
However, a key talking point that has followed from that period was the aforementioned midfield trio, with many believing Gerrard and Lampard could not play together, while Scholes was shifted into a left-hand role.
Eriksson has now lifted the lid on that decision though, explaining why he had to choose the players that he did in that situation.
"At this time this was the best four midfielders we had in England. I could not at this time put one of these on the bench. I pick because I was convinced these four was the best," he told Sky Sports.
“I was convinced Gerrard and Lampard could play together. You could have put Gerrard on the left maybe, and put Scholes in the middle. But anyhow, this for me, and I still believe it now, was the best team at this time.
“I think it would be difficult, maybe Rooney could play wide. The players, the only one not used to playing this position was Scholes. But I mean Scholes he always came in, he didn’t play as a winger. He came in and got the ball so it was not a big problem for Paul."
Scholes then retired after the European Championships in 2004, a decision many believe was premature, but Eriksson confirmed it had nothing to do with the position that he was playing.
“I asked him to think about it for one month during the holiday. But he said no. That had nothing to do with formation, I think he didn’t want to be away from his family for that long time.
