Golden Generation held back by more than club cliques
Gerrard's confessional interview reveals much about him as about England
Steven Gerrard is a fascinating individual. He was a brilliant footballer, dynamic, defiant, and relentlessly hard on himself. On the eve of his 100th cap in 2012, Gerrard reflected that only six or seven of his England games had been good enough. Even now, 11 years after he retired internationally following failure at the Brazil World Cup, Gerrard clearly remains frustrated with his England career. He never had an Istanbul moment with England.
Even if the substance of some of his words when opening up on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast were slightly over-dramatic, a confessional almost in search of personal catharsis, the tone of hurt should be listened to by current and future generations of England players. Just as Gerrard kept a shelf free in his trophy room for a craved England medal, so his words and dark mood are a reminder to current players of how much England matter and to seize every opportunity to write their names in the history books.
His frustration is understandable. England had a better starting XI in the Golden Generation than now, certainly defensively. Gary Neville-Ferdinand-Campbell-Cole is a better back-line than James-Stones-Guehi-Livramento. England had more strength in depth at centre-forward back then with Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen (although Harry Kane would get in a combined XI).
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Any discussion of the failure of Gerrard and the so-called “Golden Generation” needs acknowledging that England handicapped themselves. It wasn’t simply about club rivalries. Italy won the 2006 World Cup with players from a hugely competitive collection of Serie A clubs. Spain won the 2008 and 2012 Euros and the 2010 World Cup with players from Barcelona and Real Madrid, two clubs not overly given to liking each other. Club rivalries could be handled by strong national team managers.
Gerrard talks about “egotistical losers” but it was also about not preparing for shootouts, club managers not always appearing keen to help out the national team (Sven-Goran Eriksson did a good impression of Sir Alex Ferguson shouting down the phone at him) and taking injured players into tournaments (and Ferguson was right about a recuperating Rooney in 2006).
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Thanks to Gareth Southgate’s work on culture, players definitely enjoy reporting for England more now. Southgate broke down the wall of suspicion and built relations with clubs and managers, and also their medical departments. The FA built up England age-group football, built camaraderie in generations so when they step out for senior service, they have a togetherness that transcends any club rivalries. They’ve won trophies together at 17s, 19s and 21s, so they have a mutual respect and more of a winning mentality.
St George’s Park, which was opened in 2012, has made a huge difference. Players report to a facility that matches the quality they are used at their clubs. The England branding and pictures throughout the two main buildings provide constant inspiration. Thomas Tuchel’s players will train on the Sir Bobby Charlton pitch today before heading south to their London hotel in preparation for tomorrow’s Wembley friendly with England. They will have a meeting room and a games room.
Gerrard complained of boredom on trips, a reflection on his introspective character, but there is no doubt that the FA provides facilities that fill the time better. Gerrard could have read a book of course. Fabio Capello was always bemused that England players couldn’t entertain themselves between training and games. He was used to Italian players sitting around chatting over coffee or playing chess. So Gerrard’s lament to Ferdinand has to be taken into context of his personality.