Allah I hate it when 1999-2006 is called the golden generation they won more domestic trophies but together they were overrated knocked out by a shabby argentina in 1998 they were outclassed in 2002 by brazil 2006 lost on pens to Portugal. they weren't good just better then the 2006-2012 generation of players that kept falling at the groupstages or r16.
They are referred to as the golden generation because those players win champions leagues and were the best players for their clubs , not because of their international form.
That said , your analysis is all wrong .
In 1998, England were a man down and then took Argentina to penalties. Argentina went to the semis, got knocked out by a Bergkamp wonder goal . Google Argentinas team and tell me who on their was shabby.
In 2002, they were knocked out by the eventual World Cup winners who had the golden boot winner -Ronaldo.
In 2004, England matched an impressive Portugal and lost on penalties.
In 2006, Rooney was sent off against Portugal and England lost on penalties.
In 2010, England came back from 2-0 down to make it 2-2 against Germany , then scored a winner which would have stood if todays goal line technology was in place.
You need an element of luck in these things.
Their biggest failure was not qualifying for 2008 Euros under McLaren.
2010 -they didn’t like Capello.
This England team is actually shit, is benefiting from a lucky draw and the big nations getting knocked out. They’ve beaten Panama, Tunisia and a dodgy Colombia took them close. Southgate is no genius.