Rio Ferdinand has revealed the intense animosity he felt towards Steven Gerrard during their time together in the England national team. The former Manchester United and Liverpool stars shared the international stage for the majority of their careers, but Ferdinand admits the club rivalry spilled over into the Three Lions dressing room.
Ferdinand opens up on Gerrard feud
Ferdinand, who earned 81 caps for England between 1997 and 2011, spoke candidly about the tension with Gerrard, who made 114 appearances for his country. In an interview with The Times, Ferdinand said: “Steven Gerrard didn't like me and I didn't really like him. There was hate between us and our teams (Manchester United and Liverpool). But we've put that all to one side now.”
The defender believes the animosity between the two clubs was a factor in England's failure to win a major trophy during that era. The squad was divided, with players from rival clubs unable to fully unite on the pitch.
Egos and rivalry blamed for lack of success
This is not the first time the feud has been discussed. Last year, Gerrard appeared on Ferdinand's podcast Rio Ferdinand Presents and reflected on the toxic environment within the England camp. “I think we were all egotistical losers,” Gerrard said. “Because 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.
“And I see Carragher'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 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 team-mates 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 a team.”
England's World Cup hopes under Tuchel
England will be hoping for a much better atmosphere this year as they aim to win their second World Cup under manager Thomas Tuchel. The Three Lions have been drawn in Group X alongside Croatia, Ghana, and Panama, and are considered one of the favourites for the tournament.
Ferdinand and Gerrard's revelations highlight the challenges England faced in the past, but the current squad appears more united as they prepare for the summer showpiece.
