"I believe we had the football IQ and intelligence to adapt and make it work together, Gerrard told his former England teammate Rio Ferdinand on the Rio Ferdinand Presents podcast. But there was a bigger problem with England in my opinion. 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,"
"I'm probably more close and friendly with you 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,"
The so-called golden generation England team failed to win major tournaments due to ego and a lack of personal connection among players. The squad possessed football intelligence and tactical adaptability but never formed the close interpersonal bonds required for sustained team cohesion. Former club rivals now appear publicly closer, highlighting a contrast with past rivalry and isolation. The prevailing culture within England led players to stay in their rooms and avoid forming friendships, preventing the squad from becoming a strong team. The individual has unfinished managerial ambitions and is under consideration to return to Rangers after mixed managerial spells.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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