Rio Ferdinand has shed light on why England's much-vaunted 'golden generation' failed to win a major trophy, pointing the finger at the tactical restrictions imposed by former manager Sven-Goran Eriksson.
The former Manchester United centre-back, who played alongside stars such as Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes, John Terry, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham, said the team never performed to their potential. But he added that they were not given the freedom to express themselves.
Writing on social media, Ferdinand said players must look at themselves first but also need to be 'allowed to perform'. He contrasted the current England side under Gareth Southgate, who he said encourages attacking play, with the Eriksson era where he was told not to dribble out from the back.
Ferdinand recalled that under Glenn Hoddle he was encouraged to run forward with the ball. But Eriksson issued an ultimatum: bring the ball forward and you're out of the team. Ferdinand said he was 'devastated' and that it took away a lot of his performance and hurt the team collectively.
The 2002 World Cup quarter-final defeat to Brazil was the golden generation's best result, followed by losses to Portugal in Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup.
