The summer of 2006 was supposed to be England's crowning glory. With David Beckham leading as captain, a young Wayne Rooney bursting onto the world stage, and Rio Ferdinand anchoring a world-class defense, the nation was buzzing with belief. Under the guidance of Sven-Goran Eriksson for his third World Cup, this "Golden Generation" seemed destined for greatness.

But as celebrity culture exploded around them, the hype became relentless. Pubs overflowed, front pages screamed with anticipation, and the tournament turned into a shared national obsession. Every match felt like a must-watch event, with fans dreaming of glory.

So why did it all unravel in heartbreak and bitterness? From on-field agony to off-field acrimony, the story of England's 2006 World Cup is a cautionary tale of talent, pressure, and what might have been. Dive into the drama with "England 2006: The Golden Generation," streaming from Monday, 11 May on BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds.