Where are the UK guitar heroes?

I dont know what's happened but since the 'glory' days of Clapton, Beck, Blackmore and Page etc there's been a shortage of highly acclaimed big-name players from the UK. That's not to say that there aren't many fine UK guitarists but they're not getting the accolades or nominations in guitar mag polls. Adrian Legg, Richard Thompson and Martin Taylor, for example, are world -class players but not exactly household names. As for rock players, Mark Knopfler and Johnny Marr from the Smiths are the last players I'm aware of who've made a real impact. So, what's up then?

Slash is the best british guitarist.
Also I dont like Oasis but I like Noel Gallaghers style of playing.

They dont really count.

Slash may've been UK-born but he's American to all intents and purposes. Allan Holdsworth is pretty anonymous as far as the British public are concerned,despite being a class player. He can safely do his grocery shopping in Sainsburys without any fear of being hassled for his autograph.

I think when it comes down to Europe guitar players, Scandinavians are nr. 1

Shaun Baxter, Jan Cyrka, Glenn Tipton (whom I assume he's british cause he played with Jan Cyrka, who is British, in Judas Priest)and Dave Sharman are all top British axe slingers but, like Allan Holdsworth, they're practically unknown. Nonetheless this lack of fame means ****, these guys are still reasonably well known at least amongst guitar player types.
As for Holdsworth, well, he's known worldwide amongst a small and particular crowd of jazz heads who recognise an amazing talent when they hear it. This guy's even more demoralising to hear than most of those neo-classical shred heads.
As for what's up, well, whatever it is I think it's world wide, people are rewarded now for looks, style, simple tunes with simpleton lyrics and whatever. Talent isn't financially rewarded.

I never got the whole Richard Thompson thing, don't know why people idolize him the way they do.