Steven Gerrard has launched a scathing attack on England’s “Golden Generation,” branding his former teammates “egotistical losers” and admitting he “hated” the culture surrounding the national team during his career.
The former Liverpool captain, who earned 114 caps between 2000 and 2014, was part of a star-studded England squad featuring the likes of David Beckham, Frank Lampard, Rio Ferdinand, and Wayne Rooney.
Despite the wealth of talent, the Three Lions consistently fell short on the biggest stages, never advancing beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament.
“There was a bigger problem in England, in my opinion,” Gerrard said. “I think we were all egotistical losers. Because I watch telly now and see Carragher sitting next to Paul Scholes or Gary Neville like they’ve been best mates for 20 years.
Steven Gerrard revealed he 'hated' the environment within the England camp during his time there
|PA
Gerrard said bitter club rivalries between players from Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea created a fractured environment that destroyed any chance of unity.
“I’m probably closer to you [Ferdinand] now than I ever was when I played with you for 15 years. So why didn’t we connect when we were 20, 21, 22? Was it ego? Was it rivalry? Why are we all closer now? I think it was down to the culture in England.
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Former rivals Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville have now formed a friendship since turning to punditry, but the team could not work together when they played.
“We were never connected, never really a team. We were all in our rooms too much, not friendly enough. We never became a strong, united group," he revealed.
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Steven Gerrard has admitted the closeness between former England stars like Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville annoys him
|PA
Gerrard said the lack of togetherness at England camps stood in stark contrast to his experience at Liverpool, where he felt “special” and part of a tight-knit team.
“With Liverpool, I felt special, part of something,” he said. “I couldn’t wait to get to Melwood or travel with the lads. With England, I loved the games, but I hated the environment. I didn’t feel part of a team. I just wanted the matches and training sessions done so I could go home.
“Maybe towards the end of a 10-day camp you’d feel a connection coming, but then it was over.”
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Gerrard agreed with Ferdinand that there was an “underlying bitterness” between England’s top players at the time — fuelled by fierce Premier League rivalries — that ultimately cost them success.
The former midfielder also praised Gareth Southgate for transforming the culture within the current England setup since taking charge in 2016.
Steven Gerrard praised Gareth Southgate for bringing the England squad together
| PA“I think Southgate is underrated for how he’s connected the England team,” Gerrard added on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast.
“The talent was always there, but back then, we were individuals, not a team. It never works like that," he concluded.
Gerrard retired from international football following England’s group-stage exit at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. His 114 appearances remain the fourth-highest total in the nation’s history.