Steven Gerrard believes the so-called “golden generation” England team that he was part of failed to win anything because they were “egotistical losers”.

Gerrard, who played 114 times for England between 2000 and 2014 but never got beyond a quarter-final of a World Cup or European Championship, says a lack of personal connection among the squad was fatal to their chances.

“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.”

Gerrard went on to contrast the relationships then and now between Liverpool and Manchester United players, including his own with Ferdinand.

“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,” the former Liverpool captain said. “I see Carra’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 now than I ever was when I played with...