Wayne Rooney has dismissed Steven Gerrard’s claim that England’s ‘golden generation’ were “egotistical losers”.
The former Manchester United striker said club rivalries may have affected England chances, but he disagreed with Gerrard’s view that egos held the team back.
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show podcast, Rooney said: “We didn’t win anything. I wouldn’t quite put it that way, but I know what he’s saying, because there was a lot of big characters in the dressing room.”
He added: “When you look back with the players we had, could we have done better? I think we could have but it wasn’t to be. We worked hard, we tried, we didn’t quite manage to do it.”
Rooney admitted tensions existed between Manchester United and Liverpool players, but insisted there was still unity on the pitch.
“It was difficult to have that relationship with Liverpool and Man United players. I think it’s easier now,” he said. “But one thing’s for sure — everyone would work hard for each other.”
– ADEVERTISEMENT –
Gerrard, appearing on Rio Ferdinand’s podcast, had said he “hated” England duty due to long hours in hotel rooms.
Rooney agreed it was tough at times: “That was tough because you’re just lying in bed and watching TV and have food and then go to sleep. I tried to keep myself busy — I’d be in the massage room, the physio room, trying to keep busy.”