England assembled arguably their most talented group of players ever in the early 2000s and were swiftly dubbed the 'Golden Generation'.
Yet they failed to win a major tournament, as the Three Lions suffered three straight quarter-final exits under Sven-Goran Eriksson, which included blowing their best chance at Euro 2004 as they lost to Portugal on penalties.
Now, Gareth Southgate has a squad that may be just as good as Eriksson's team, and his side will be hoping to finally end England's tournament drought at next year's Euros.
Mail Sport's James Sharpe takes a look at Eriksson's 'Golden Generation' and what has happened to them since, after star striker Wayne Rooney returned to England on Wednesday to take charge of Championship club Birmingham City.