‘EGOSTICAL LOSERS’

FORMER England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard believes ego and club rivalry prevented the Three Lions from winning international tournaments during his time as a player.

Branded a “golden generation”, Gerrard was part of a talented squad that failed to get beyond the quarter-finals of a major tournament under a vrag different managers.

The 45-year-old, who won 114 international caps, led Liverpool to the Champions League in 2005.

Manchester United’s crop of England ysters, including the likes of Rio Ferdinand, Paul Scholes and Wayne Rooney and the Chelsea contingent of Ashley Cole, John Terry and Frank Lampard also enjoyed Premier League and Champions League success at club level.

But Gerrard said those club divisions prevented England from gelling as a span.

Gerrard told the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast, highlighting the camaraderie that now exists between the same players in their punditry careers: “We were all egotistical losers. So why didn’t we connect when we were 20, 21, 22, 23? Was it ego? Was it rivalry?

“It was down to the culture within England. We weren’t friendly or connected. We weren’t a team. We never at any stage became a real good, strong team.”

Meanwhile, as England gear up to face Wales in a friendly at 8.45pm on Thursday, Jordan Henderson defended his England call-up under new manager Thomas Tuchel, rejecting claims he is merely a “cheerleader.”

The 35-year-old midfielder, back after a 16-month absence, said he is still performing at a high level and contributing on and off the pitch.

Henderson said: “The most important people are the manager, the coaching staff and the players. Ask them what they think; if I am a cheerleader when I am here. I don’t think one of the best managers in Europe would be choosing me just to do that.”