Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has heaped praise on England’s midfield and labelled Gareth Southgate’s side as the ‘golden generation’.

Jude Bellingham netted a goal and put in a performance of the highest quality as England took on rivals Scotland in a friendly on Tuesday.

The Three Lions came out victorious, with Bellingham the pick of the bunch as Souness discussed the qualities on show by England’s youngsters.

‘This is the golden generation,’ said Souness. ‘Forget Frank (Lampard) and Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes, they’ve got strength and depth.

Graeme Souness labelled Gareth Southgate ‘s side as the ‘golden generation’ for England

The Three Lions came out 3-1 victors over Scotland in an international friendly on Tuesday

Southgate has been urged to ‘take the handbrake off’ by Souness as he praised the manager

‘England are a really good team at the moment and I think they’re destined to get their hands on a trophy with this group of players.’

The old England side with Lampard, Gerrard and Scholes was labelled as the ‘Golden Generation’ in English football, but Souness believes that the current side can outperform their predecessors.

The former Scotland international continued to heap praise on England’s midfield, highlighting the performance of Bellingham.

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He continued: ‘I mean, this is the first time I’ve seen Jude Bellingham live. When I was in the centre circle before the match, and I’m looking at him. 

‘When I was playing, he’d have been a big midfield player. I’d be a small midfielder player today. 

‘He’s got everything, that young boy. Absolutely everything. And, at 20 years old, how good can he be? He has that steady head on his shoulders and was outstanding tonight.’

Souness also praised Bellingham’s teammate, James Maddison, who did not feature on Tuesday, admitting that he would like to see Southgate give the Spurs star more freedom.

‘I said it before the game, I still think they play with a handbrake on,’ he continued. ‘I’m a fan of James Maddison and his goals, he’s creative. 

‘When I see Bellingham, he can come on to stuff and do everything you want from a midfield player. But with Maddison’s goals and creative ability, you’ve got to utilise it as well.’

The Three Lions come away from the international break with a draw and a win from their Euro 2024 qualifier against Ukraine and friendly versus Scotland.

England’s stars will return to their club sides now as they look to push on this season and cement a place in next summer’s squad for the tournament in Germany.