England '˜balance' can tip it our way - Reid

England face Sweden on Saturday afternoon in the World Cup quarter-final, with a semi-final spot against Russia or Croatia next Wednesday up for grabs.

Not even the so-called ‘Golden Generation’ could get past the last-eight stage, despite featuring the likes of David Beckham, Steven Gerrard, Frank Lampard and Paul Scholes.

While Gareth Southgate’s ‘Class of 2018’ may lack those star names, Reid says they more than make up for it in other areas.

“The important thing is to have a balanced side,” Reid, part of Paul Cook’s staff, told the Wigan Post.

“When I played, I look at (Bryan) Robson, (Ray) Wilkins, (Glenn) Hoddle...I don’t see a balance there.

“Look at the ‘Golden Generation’, with Scholes pushed out on to the left-hand side, to accommodate Beckham, Gerrard and Lampard.

“Sometimes as a coach you have to make big decisions.

“And it might not be your best 11 players you put out, but it will be a balanced side...and that’s what we’ve got now.”