Joe Cole left stunned after Graeme Souness calls current England side the real 'Golden Generation'

Joe Cole was left open-mouthed after Graeme Souness called England's current side the 'Golden Generation'.

The Three Lions ran out 3-1 winners over Scotland at Hampden Park on Tuesday evening, with Jude Bellingham putting on a particularly impressive display.

Phil Foden opened the scoring, before Bellingham tucked home a second minutes later. The 20-year-old then turned past two Scotland players before sliding a pass into Harry Kane, who restored England's two-goal advantage following Harry Maguire's own-goal.

After the game, Channel 4's punditry team, made up of former Jill Scott, Joe Cole and Graeme Souness were full of praise for the players.

Souness, who was returning to punditry after leaving Sky Sports last season, was particularly impressed by Gareth Southgate's side.

Discussing England's prospects at next year's European Championships in Germany, the former Liverpool midfielder said "This is the Golden Generation.

"Forget Frank [Lampard] and Steven Gerrard and Paul Scholes. They have got strength in depth."

"This is the golden generation" 😳#C4Football | #SCOvENG pic.twitter.com/wIOBSxXrKK

— Channel 4 Sport (@C4Sport) September 12, 2023

Some viewers couldn't help but feel uncomfortable with Cole sitting directly next to Souness.

Cole was a part of England's so-called Golden Generation in the early 2000's, alongside the likes of Gerrard and Rooney, who ultimately failed to win any silverware.

Although he looked initially shocked by Souness' comments, Cole couldn't help but agree, adding: "Yeah, I agree."

Souness also heaped praise on Bellingham, stating that he had "everything", despite initially suggesting he was only in the starting XI ahead of James Maddison because he played for Real Madrid.

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

Cole echoed his comments, claiming: 'We've got a gem, we just need to put him in a system that'll get the best out of him.