Which player from England’s golden generation is best? Four SunSport reporters make a case for each

AFTER Frank Lampard retired today, four SunSport reporters make a case for whether he, or three of his rivals and team-mates shone the very brightest in England’s Golden Generation…

Phil Thomas says… Paul Scholes

To Xavi he was a role model, to Socrates he was good enough to play for Brazil when they were still great.

To Zidane he was his     toughest   opponent — enough said.

No pace, had asthma and was pint-sized, yet Scholes (above) would walk into any side, anywhere at anytime. Boasted vision, a rocket of a shot and could put his foot in.

Charlie Wyett says… David Beckham

The former Manchester United captain (below) still had an extra bit of stardust on the pitch, never mind the ‘Brand Beckham’ stuff off the field.

He even won league titles in three other countries, while also playing a number of key games for England.

Justin Allen says… Steven Gerrard

LIVERPOOL were a one-man band at times, relying on Gerrard’s Roy of the Rovers moments.

The best example was when he grabbed the Champions League final against AC Milan in 2005 by the scruff of the neck — to famously overturn a 3-0 deficit in Istanbul.

Had Gerrard played for a better team, he would have won as many Prem medals as the others.

Neil Ashton says… Frank Lampard

HIS dedication to the sport is an example to every young player.

He has admitted  he was just not blessed with the god-given talents of the rest — but he had a determination that turned him into a champion.

For that reason, he is my first among equals.