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Steven Gerrard has admitted England failed miserably during his international career, attributing this to the pride and animosity that festered between Liverpool, Manchester United, and Chelsea players.
England's much-vaunted 'Golden Generation' remains amongst the most disappointing squads in soccer history. Stars including Gerrard, Frank Lampard, Paul Scholes, John Terry, Rio Ferdinand, Gary Neville, and Ashley Cole were unable to guide the Three Lions to a major tournament semi-final.
The England squad has had more success in recent years, though Liverpool midfielder Curtis Jones failed to make the latest roster. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Gerrard believes the squad lacked the maturity to forge proper relationships.
Gerrard said: "I think we were all egotistical losers. Because 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.
"And I see Carragher's relationship with Gary Neville, and they look like they've been mates for 20 years. I'm probably more close and friendly with 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, 23? Was it ego? Was it rivalry? Why are we all mature enough now, and at stages in our life where we're closer and more connected now?
"Why couldn't we connect as England teammates back then? And I think it was down to the culture within England, that we were all never connected.
"All in our rooms too much. We weren't friendly or connected. We weren't a team. We never at any stage became a really good strong team."
Despite earning 114 caps and leading his country, Gerrard admits there were moments he loathed being with England. He added: "I hated it. I didn't enjoy it.
"Hated the rooms. In my early days, I'd have days where I was down, like low down. Like, I'm in this room for seven hours, what am I going to do?
"There was no social media, didn't have a DVD player or anything. Channel 1 to 5, or whatever it was. I used to get low and down.
"I used to love the games. I used to love playing for England. Really proud. I used to enjoy the training sessions, but it was 90 minutes a day. And then I was just on my own in London or wherever.
"And I was thinking, I'm in this room from now till I have half an hour dinner, then till the next day. It was like I didn't feel part of a team. I didn't feel connected with my teammates with England. I just wanted the games and the training sessions and then to be away."
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