Former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson has identified ex- Manchester United talent Paul Scholes as the most gifted player of the crop of Three Lions stars he coached.
Eriksson has taken charge of a number of sides over the course of his lengthy career at both international and club level, but is undoubtedly best remembered for his time at the helm of the England side. He was in charge for half a decade, the Swede's reign spanning from 2001 through to 2006.
In that period, he oversaw two World Cup campaigns in 2002 and 2006 respectively, wedged either side of the 2004 European Championships. The Three Lions failed to make it beyond the last eight in all three, despite the fact that he had what was known as the 'Golden Generation' of English talent at his disposal.
Though there was a plethora of stars from Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in just about every position, yet England at that time were never able to lay a glove on the world's best national teams. Many have debated over who the most gifted player of that squad was, but Eriksson has since had his say.
"I think Paul Scholes was the most talented player I ever coached – he had everything," the 74-year-old told Betway. "You can pick so many immense players from my time. [Wayne] Rooney, [David] Beckham, Rio [Ferdinand], [John] Terry, [Michael] Owen when he was at his peak.
"But Scholes was a playmaker, finisher, defending he wasn’t the best in the world but he could do it. He was a brilliant football player."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Was Scholes the most talented player in England's 'Golden Generation'? Comment below
The decision to choose Scholes as the most talented may raise eyebrows, but few were more technically gifted in the middle of the park than the Red Devils legend.
Scholes certainly failed to reach the kind of heights he did for his club for his country, but he can be forgiven considering that was the case for just about every player in that squad.
The Old Trafford icon has previously played down the idea of that England side being worthy of their 'Golden Generation' tag, agreeing with former team-mate Gary Neville when he suggested the Brazil national team of the same era were a cut above anything the Three Lions had to offer.
Scholes was a regular throughout the majority of Eriksson's reign and made 66 caps for his country across his playing days, but retired prematurely in the eyes of many when he called time on his international career shortly after Euro 2004.
It is thought that one of Eriksson's tactical tweaks was actually a factor in Scholes' decision to end his time with the England squad.
While manager, Eriksson would persistently play Scholes out of position on the left-wing to try and make room in the centre of the park for Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard.
