The summer of 2006 was supposed to be England’s time to shine. With David Beckham leading as captain, Wayne Rooney emerging as the sensational young talent, Rio Ferdinand fortifying a world-class defense, and Sven-Goran Eriksson guiding the squad into his third major tournament, optimism was widespread.
During an era when celebrity culture was reaching its peak, the excitement was overwhelming. From bustling pubs to front-page headlines, the World Cup became a shared national fixation.
So why did England’s dream end in on-field pain and off-field bitterness?
Watch “England 2006: The Golden Generation” starting Monday, 11 May on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds. (Available to UK users only.)
