Jamie Carragher has admitted he was completely wrong following his 'pampered generation' comments after England's shock exit at Euro 2016.
Four years ago, the former Liverpool defender slammed the England team for crashing out of the Euros to minnows Iceland - describing the country's young players as physically and mentally soft.
However, Carragher has now heaped praise on the new generation of footballers in England for shunning the 'pampered' stereotype.
Writing in the Telegraph, Carragher reflected on his past comments: 'My criticism labelled our academy graduates "the pampered generation". I expressed concern about young players being unprepared for life's psychological, physical and practical challenges, playing on "immaculate pitches, in pristine training gear, and having every area of their life run by their agents".
'I have thought long and hard about those observations recently. Now I am not afraid to admit it: I was wrong.
'When I look back upon those words, I realise I fell into the trap of many retired footballers. Every generation believes those who follow have it easier.'
England have since enjoyed a fine turnaround under the management of Gareth Southgate, reaching the 2018 World Cup semi-finals and UEFA Nations League finals last summer.
Meanwhile, off the pitch many have made their mark in recent times and have been acting as brilliant role models for the younger generation.
Marcus Rashford is just one of many who has done plenty of individual charity work during the coronavirus pandemic - which has been aimed at feeding the most vulnerable people in society.
Rashford has helped raise over £20million in financial and food donations for food waste and hunger charity FareShare to ensure children across the UK don’t go hungry while away from school.
Furthermore, Premier League stars have come together during these unprecedented times to launch the Players Together initiative.
That initiative was set up by Liverpool captain and England star Jordan Henderson and other Premier League skippers to help NHS workers and those on the front line of the fight against the coronavirus pandemic.
And Carragher has since insisted that the crop of 2020 are 'braver' than he was during his playing days.
'Four years ago, I jumped on a bandwagon promoting the idea I was part of the last generation of footballers who had a rapport with the fans he played for. It was nonsense.
'The class of 2020 have shown themselves to be braver and more in tune with the world around them than I was.'