The former Three Lions boss has revealed who he thinks is the most talented England player in his five years in charge, and the answer may come as a surprise.

Former England manager Sven Goran Eriksson has named Manchester United’s talented Paul Scholes as the most talented player among the Three Lions stars he coached.

Eriksson has managed a number of teams throughout his long career at international and club level, but his time in charge of England is undoubtedly fondly remembered. He ruled Sweden for half a decade from 2001 to 2006.

During this time, he managed two World Cups in 2002 and 2006 and qualified for both European Championships in 2004. Despite possessing a “Golden Generation” of English talent, the Three Lions failed to make it past the quarter-finals.

Despite having stars in every position from Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool, England never got to lay a glove on the best team in the world at that time. Many debated who was the most talented player on this team, but Eriksson has since had his say.

“I think Paul Scholes was the most talented player I ever coached. He had everything,” the 74-year-old told Betway. “You can pick a lot of great players from my generation. [Wayne] Rooney, [David] Beckham, Rio [Ferdinand], [John] Terry, [Michael] Owen were at their peak.

“But Scholes was not the best in the world, he was a player and a finisher who could defend it. He was a great footballer.”

The decision to pick Scholes with the most talent may have raised eyebrows, but it was in the middle of the park that the Red Devils had more technical talent than the legend.

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Scholes certainly didn’t achieve the same heights for his team as he did for his country, but that was the case with almost every player in the squad, so he can be forgiven.

The Old Trafford icon has previously dismissed the idea that England deserved to be called the ‘Golden Generation’, agreeing with former team-mate Gary Neville when he suggested Brazil’s squad at the time was far better than the trio. The Lions had to make an offer.

Scholes was a regular throughout most of Eriksson’s reign, making 66 appearances for the national team, but he retired in front of many in the eyes of many, calling time on his international career shortly after Euro 2004.

One of Eriksson’s tactical changes is believed to have influenced Scholes’ decision to call it quits with England.

As manager, Eriksson consistently played Scholes on the left wing, trying to create space for Frank Lampard and Steven Gerrard in the center of the park.