Steven Gerrard names the two England players he ‘pretended’ to like

Steven Gerrard was touring the country for fan events back in 2017 and started with a trip to Belfast, Northern Ireland.

During a question and answer session, the Liverpool legend revealed the extent of the rivalry within the England squad.

The midfield boss compiled an impressive 114 caps - the fourth most capped player for England behind just Peter Shilton, Wayne Rooney and David Beckham - scoring 21 goals during a 14-year span while eventually becoming captain before retiring from international football in 2014.

Though despite England assembling a team dubbed as the 'Golden Generation' which included the likes of Paul Scholes, Frank Lampard, Ashley Cole, to name but a few, the Three Lions failed to deliver on the international front.

Players across the Premier League's finest from Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea forged what seemed a talent rich starting XI and squad.

Perhaps the following is why they didn't reach their potential?

Putting aside club rivalry proved a hard task, as detailed by Gerrard who confesses there's hatred for Manchester United pair Rio Ferdinand and Gary Neville.

"When you're lining up against in the tunnel against Rio and Gary Neville you want to do everything in your power to beat them, there's hatred there, that's exactly how it is," he said via Belfast Live.

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While saying he pretended to like them while on international duty.

"When you meet up for England at that time, you pretend you like them, but your career finishes, their career finishes and your friendship starts for real."

Since calling time on his playing career, Gerrard rejoined Liverpool in a coaching capacity before stepping into management with Scottish side Rangers.

After impressing in Glasgow, Gerrard was appointed Aston Villa boss but was sacked after just 11 months in charge.

In recent months, the former Liverpool captain has been linked with the likes of Leeds and Southampton.