World Cup 2018: Steven Gerrard ‘gutted’ for England and admits Gareth Southgate’s side did better than ‘Golden Generation’ could
The former Three Lions captain says he has been hugely impressed with Harry Kane and Co’s achievements in Russia
Steven Gerrard says he is “gutted” by England’s failure to reach their first World Cup final since 1966.
The former Three Lions captain also admitted that Gareth Southgate’s side did much better than he and the “Golden Generation” ever could.
England slipped to a 2-1 defeat to Croatia on Wednesday night, ending an incredible run that defied expectations.
It was the first time the national side had reached a World Cup semi-final since 1990 and the first major semi-final since Euro 96.
Gerrard said: “I’m gutted for the players and I’m gutted for Gareth because, as everyone knows, it was an incredible opportunity to go to a World Cup final.
“Having reflected on it for 24 hours you can be nothing but proud of the players and the coaching staff. They did an awful lot better than I ever done, or we ever done.”
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Gerrard was part of the side dubbed the “Golden Generation” that included the likes of Frank Lampard, David Beckham, Wayne Rooney and Rio Ferdinand.
But despite huge expectations at every tournament they entered, they failed to ever make it beyond a quarter-final.
Speaking after guiding Rangers to a 2-0 win over Shkupi in a Europa League qualifier, Gerrard said Harry Kane and Co deserve all the plaudits that come their way.
The former Liverpool hero said: “All I can do is tip my hat and congratulate them. They deserve a hell of a reception when they return and let’s hope it’s the start of something big for them. I was mightily impressed by them.
“Yes we got a bit of luck with the draw and came up against teams we proved to be better than.
“But in the end Croatia were a little bit too good and had a little bit too much in the tank. But we can’t be critical of what they’ve done, they were absolutely superb.”