2004 v 2024

Obviously our defence isn't in great shape right now but I think the midfield and attack look much more balanced.

Aside from the obvious Lampard/Gerrard issue in that 2004 team, we had one of the best crossers the country has ever seen (bar Trent, incidentally) but no height up front.

Also, who steps in if any one of those players gets injured? Maybe Carrick for Lamps or Gerrard would actually have been a plus, and I guess we had Ferdinand for Terry or Sol, but anyone else missing would've been a crisis.

Who's irreplaceable in this England team? Kane, maybe Rice. Yes, we have issues in defence right now, but those are:
1. We have about 17 top full-backs who are all injured. Just rotten luck. You can't say we're not producing enough quality in those positions.
2. We've been reliant on Harry Maguire for so long that we're a bit anxious over which highly-rated young CB will replace a player nobody thinks is any good.

Also, these players don't have the benefit of hindsight on their side yet. I remember James getting routinely slated for not being able to catch. Becks was a primadonna and Terry was good but no Bobby Moore.