Former Liverpool and England striker Michael Owen has named an underrated former Chelsea manager as the one Englishman who could have got the best out of the ‘Golden Generation’ of the mid-2000s. The Ballon d’Or winner was a key figure in that side, which boasted a wealth of talent including Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, David Beckham and Rio Ferdinand.

Yet their shortcomings have been well documented. Despite being packed to the rafters with quality across the pitch, England never progressed beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament. They were knocked out at that stage in three consecutive competitions – by eventual champions Brazil in 2002, by hosts Portugal on penalties at Euro 2004, and then in identical fashion at the 2006 World Cup.

The disappointment did not end there. With Steve McClaren at the helm, the Three Lions – still currently enduring one of the longest trophy droughts in international football – failed to qualify for Euro 2008 altogether.

Owen Names English Boss That Would Have Had Golden Generation Firing

Whether it was a case of too many egos in one dressing room, clashing personalities, an overestimation of the squad’s ability, shortcomings in the dugout, or a combination of factors, England never truly fulfilled their potential.

But Owen believes Glenn Hoddle was the one manager who had the tools to change their fortunes and steer that generation much further. He claimed, as per the Daily Mail:

He added: “It seems so simple looking back – but play the 3-5-2 that Hoddle did in 1998. We had unbelievable centre-halves all through that era – John Terry, Sol Campbell, Rio, Gareth Southgate, Jonathan Woodgate, Jamie Carragher, Ledley King. Put Gary Neville on the right, Ashley Cole the left and bring Becks in the middle. Keep the ball, control games. It sounds easy now, yet we made bloody hard work of it.’

For all his admiration of Hoddle, Owen did also take a step back and admit that he got life in camp badly wrong during his Wembley reign between 1996 and 1998. He critcised the plain meals, the lack of family visits, and pointed towards the modern ways of Gareth Southgate and Thomas Tuchel to take note of what the Three Lions lacked back then that was outside the footballing side of things.

Owen Was Also Critical of Sven-Goran Eriksson

Although he never explicitly said that he thought the onus of England’s downfalls during the Golden Generation should have been put on the manager, Owen’s latest quotes seem to stick a lot of the blame on Sven-Goran Eriksson. On the country’s first-ever non-native head coach, he said:

He continued: “We were very strong, but we also got knocked out by the winners. Brazil’s wing-backs were Cafu and Roberto Carlos – ours were Danny Mills and Ashley Cole. Their front three was Ronaldinho, Rivaldo, and Ronaldo – we had Owen and Heskey! Do you know what I mean?

“I’m laughing at myself saying this. We were so blasé to think we deserved to win, but I do believe we would have had a better chance with Hoddle.”

Leeds United are assessing their options in the summer transfer market, as Ben Jacobs reports of a free agent on the club’s shortlist for the coming weeks.

The Whites are keen to improve the squad after securing their place in the Premier League, with an impressive turnaround at the halfway point helping Daniel Farke and his side stay up with ease in the end.

Given the history of the club, nobody will be content with just surviving, with Europe appearing easier to qualify for than ever before in the division.

A few reinforcements across the squad will be needed. Goalkeeper remains a problem position, after Lucas Perri failed to impress, while talks continue with Karl Darlow over a new deal, as his current one expires at the end of the month.

The forward areas also remain a place of interest to help bring more strength and depth to Farke within his Leeds squad. Several options are on the cards, and one of them is a familiar face.

Leeds Revive Harry Wilson Transfer Interest

It was only a year ago that it seemed certain that Harry Wilson would be a Leeds United player. Talks had progressed well in the final hours of the summer transfer window, but a deal fell through at the last moment.

What followed was the Welshman hitting the form of his life, bagging ten goals and seven assists in the Premier League, which included a purple patch that had him among the very best in the division.

As that was ongoing, there was uncertainty over his future at Fulham, with a contract that expired in the summer. Now, he looks set to be a free agent, and Leeds are hoping to pounce.

Ben Jacobs reports that Wilson is back on the club’s radar, with initial talks held over a move for the 29-year-old as a free agent. They aren’t alone, however, as Aston Villa and Benfica remain keen, along with a whole host of other clubs.

Any move could prove to be huge for Leeds though, with Wilson being described as “incredible” by Marco Silva during their time together at Craven Cottage.

It remains to be seen whether the club can finally get a deal done this time around, after coming so close last summer.

Leeds’ Forward Options

Leeds managed to get through the past season with the summer arrivals of Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Noah Okafor, and Lukas Nmecha in their ranks.

Looking beyond that trio, however, the options remained slightly thin on the ground. Daniel James, Wilfried Gnonto, and Joel Piroe all struggled to make much of an impact during their limited minutes.

Exits for those players could be on the cards, if interest in them ramps up, while Leeds may look for their own possible upgrades in the same positions.

Wilson would certainly offer that, while Jacobs adds that Julian Brandt is also a target, after he announced his exit from Borussia Dortmund as a free agent.

It remains to be seen who else could be on the radar, but it’s clear that Leeds need to push on now.

Manchester United have held talks with intermediaries surrounding a potential deal to sign a midfielder, according to TeamTalk, as interest ramps up in players for the central ranks.

The Red Devils have placed plenty of focus on the midfield this summer, with a deal for Ederson already agreed and just waiting to be confirmed.

Beyond the Brazilian, Man United have also been pushing to sign Mateus Fernandes, with the West Ham star seemingly available after their relegation from the Premier League.

That could end up sealing the midfield for the coming season, but there is a chance that the Old Trafford outfit will add another player into the mix.

With that in mind, it seems as though there is another target for Michael Carrick now on the radar.

Man United Talks For Felix Nmecha

Recent links have emerged over Man United’s interest in Borussia Dortmund ace Felix Nmecha, who has been scouted by the club amid his impressive World Cup performances for Germany.

As that interest persists, TeamTalk reports that talks have been held between the club and intermediaries on behalf of the player, as he seems open to leaving the Bundesliga side this summer.

It’s a green light for the 25-year-old, but there is still the challenge of club-to-club talks ahead, if United persist with a move. Dortmund are seemingly under no pressure to sell, as there is a long-term contract on the table, as well as a £52 million release clause that isn’t available until next summer.

Carrick’s side aren’t the only team in the mix, as rivals Liverpool are there, as well as Manchester City, Arsenal, Chelsea, Barcelona, and Real Madrid.

It remains to be seen whether an approach will be made this summer, but Nmecha, who has been described as the “most underrated midfielder in Europe”, is clearly attracting interest in what could be a huge battle to land his signature.

Man United Sales Needed

While there are plenty of talented players on the Man United shortlist, it’s clear that the recruitment team will need to consider sales on top of any possible incomings.

There will be a budget available, and it’s clear that at least two midfielders are part of that overall transfer spend available to the club this summer.

However, adding a third expensive addition like Nmecha means focus may need to quickly switch towards sales to raise the funds for such a signing.

The first players to consider will be Manuel Ugarte and Marcus Rashford. Beyond that pair, moves for Andre Onana, Altay Bayindir and others could raise the necessary money.

With a return to the Champions League coming up, Carrick will need all the support he can get in the squad to compete across all formats again.