Gerrard calls England’s 2000s golden generation ‘egotistical losers’ over team culture flaws

LONDON, Oct 8 — England’s golden generation failed to live up to their potential because they were “egotistical losers” who fostered an unfriendly environment and were unable to work together, former Liverpool midfielder Steven Gerrard said.

In the 2000s, big things were expected from an England squad that included the likes of Gerrard, David Beckham, Paul Scholes, Rio Ferdinand and Frank Lampard but the team never progressed past the quarter-finals at a major tournament.

“I think we were all egotistical losers. I watch the telly now and I see (Jamie) Carragher sitting next to (Paul) Scholes on this fan debate and they look like they’ve been best mates for 20 years,” ex-England captain Gerrard said on a podcast with Ferdinand.

“Why are we all mature enough now and at stages in our life where we’re closer and more connected? Why couldn’t we connect as England teammates back then?