Is this the end of England's Golden Generation?

In the late-90s and into the aughts English football leaders trumpeted the arrival of a new era in the sport--the Golden Generation featuring the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard (pictured), John Terry, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand and Michael Owen. Many people believed that these players would form the nucleus of a formidable national team that would reach great heights in international competition and advance far into World Cup competitions.

Unfortunately, ten years on, the Golden Generation has little to show for its much ballyhooed label and with England's drubbing by Germany 4-1 in the round of 16 in the World Cup yesterday,  many in the English media and among the fans are saying that the era of the Golden Generation is over and that England's ignominious ouster from the World Cup is a clear sign that the book has closed. Steve MacNamanan, former Liverpool and Real Madrid star and current ESPN analyst, berated the team for its lethargy and inability to prevent the powerful, blitzkrieg-like counter-attack of a young and dynamic German team. "They made the English look like they were pulling horses and carts," he exclaimed after the game.

Even Americans not familiar with English football commented on how outclassed the players looked against Germany and recognized the latter's superiority. I believe that England will find new players and return to the upper echelons of world football. Right now it is experiencing a temporary rut, similar to what the US national basketball team recently went through in international competitions (Olympics and World Championships). I can't wait to see England's new generation of great soccer players.