James Milner settled Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes debate when naming dream England XI

James Milner once had his say on the big debate between Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes when it came to naming his best England XI.

The argument of who was the better out of the three central midfielders is one which will likely rage on for years to come with all having a different opinion.

The trio are legends at the clubs they represented for the bulk of their careers with Scholes at Manchester United, Gerrard at Liverpool and Lampard with Chelsea.

The three players were part of England's so-called 'Golden Generation' which promised much but failed to deliver international silverware for the Three Lions.

The group also included the likes of Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Ashley Cole, Wayne Rooney, David Beckham and Michael Owen.

During his time at United, Scholes won 11 Premier League titles, three FA Cups, two League Cups, two Champions Leagues, the Intercontinental Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

At Liverpool, Gerrard won the Champions League, two FA Cups, three League Cups, the UEFA Cup and the UEFA Super Cup.

For Chelsea, Lampard won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups, two League Cups, the Champions League and the Europa League.

All three players represented England and were part of a squad at Euro 2004 which many feel the Three Lions had the quality of players to win the tournament, with Scholes shifted to the left wing to accommodate Gerrard and Lampard in central midfield.

Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes with England. (Image: Getty)

Milner is still playing in the Premier League after penning a 12-month contract extension at Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this summer and will be available to play in the English top flight beyond the age of 40 when he reaches that milestone in January 2026.

Milner's club career has seen him play for Leeds United, Swindon Town, Newcastle United, Aston Villa, Manchester City and Liverpool, before moving to the Seagulls.

Milner played 61 times for England after making his debut in 2009 and scored once before announcing his international retirement in 2016.

Back in 2015, Milner was asked to name his best England XI and he opted for a 4-4-2 formation.

Inevitably, Milner had to select two central midfielders and led to him having to pick two out of Scholes, Gerrard and Lampard.

And Milner chose to partner Gerrard and Lampard in the middle as he ignored Scholes, playing David Beckham on the right wing and putting Wayne Rooney on the left flank out of position.

Speaking to FATV, Milner said: "In the middle Steven Gerrard. When I first came into the England squad he was at his absolute peak and could do everything – both feet, up and down the field, win the ball, score goals.

"An amazing player and pretty much one of the best all-round players I've seen.

"In with him, I'm going to go Lamps, Frank Lampard. He just keeps going on and on and on.

"The standards he sets himself through the way he trains... even this year some people thought he was just coming to City for six months, but stamps his authority straight away and becomes a massive player for us."