Steven Gerrard Questions England’s Golden Generation and its Culture
Steven Gerrard, a central figure of England’s much-discussed golden generation, has offered a blunt assessment of why that era failed to deliver major trophies. Speaking on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, Gerrard said the group of players that dominated English football in the early 2000s and still holds a heroic place in fans’ imaginations “were egotistical losers” who never quite connected as a team.
The former Liverpool captain, who earned 114 England caps between 2000 and 2014 and appeared in several deep runs but never progressed beyond a European Championship or World Cup quarter-final, argued that talent alone was insufficient. He asserted that the squad’s lack of personal and professional connection undermined their potential to compete at the highest level for a sustained period.
“I believe we had the football IQ and intelligence to adapt and make it work together,” Gerrard told former England teammate Rio Ferdinand. “But there was a bigger problem with England in my opinion. I think we were all egotistical losers.”
The veteran midfielder drew a contrast between the social dynamics of that era and the more cohesive relationships seen later among players from rival clubs in England, particularly Liverpool and Manchester United. He highlighted how current generations of teammates appear closer off the pitch and more connected in their professional lives, implying that this connectedness translates into better performances on the field.
Gerrard used the example of two generations of club teammates who now engage with one another as near-constant colleagues in media studios and fan forums. “When I watch the telly now and I see [Jamie] Carragher sitting next to Paul Scholes on this fan debate, they look like they’ve been best mates for 20 years,” he noted. “Carra’s relationship with Gary Neville… they look like they’ve been mates for 20 years.” He added that his own current relationships with former teammates feel deeper and more real than those from his playing days, suggesting the England group of 20-somethings didn’t cultivate the same level of trust and fellowship.
Gerrard questioned whether ego, rivalry, or purely a dysfunctional culture were to blame for the England team’s struggles. He posited that the country’s players lived largely separate lives in their club bubbles and rarely bonded as a cohesive squad. “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 real good, strong team.”
The conversation X-rayed not only the past but the present and future of Gerrard’s own career. The former Rangers manager described himself as someone with “unfinished business” in management and suggested he would eagerly pursue a challenging role if the right opportunity arose. He indicated that his preference is for projects geared toward winning and long-term success, where the combination of a strong staff and a like-minded group could deliver sustained success.
Gerrard has recently reflected on his post-playing career with openness about his managerial experiences at Aston Villa and Al-Ettifaq, and his desire to lead a team with a clear path to glory. He acknowledged that changes in coaching staff and leadership across clubs had impacted him personally, influencing the timing and nature of his next move. The ex-England star says he has had several calls about potential roles but is waiting for the right fit that aligns with his ambitions and leadership style.
Looking Forward: What England’s Next Generation Could Learn
The dialogue around England’s golden generation raises broader questions about how national teams build chemistry and endure pressure. Talent remains plentiful in English football, but the recipe for sustained success often hinges on a shared identity, mutual support, and a culture that fosters togetherness beyond club lines. Gerrard’s reflections serve as a public reminder that even the most gifted squads need a cohesive locker room and a clear sense of purpose to reach their full potential on the world stage.
