Steven Gerrard has responded to Rio Ferdinand over his claim that the current England team lack their own identity.
Ferdinand has been an outspoken critic of English football at youth and grassroots level since he retired from the international game in May.
And earlier this week he launched an attack on the senior side, claiming one of the reasons behind the nation's failure at international tournaments is because the team lack a coherent style.
Ferdinand said: "We started to see something when Glenn Hoddle was in charge, (there was) a bit of an identity then, free-flowing football and you would say we were starting to get an idea of the pattern of what he wanted to implement in the team. Since then I don't think we've actually really seen an identity, where you could say, 'that's an England team'."
The comments drew a blunt response from England skipper Gerrard, who clearly does not agree with the thoughts of the Manchester United man.
When asked if he understood Ferdinand's argument, Gerrard told a press conference: "Not really. To be honest with you I am not really interested in what Rio Ferdinand has got to say about this group of players.
"When you play for England there is always a lot of opinions outside the group, especially in a World Cup year. There is going to be more people voicing their opinions but when we're inside nobody takes much notice of what is being said on the outside."
While it is true that England have failed to impress at international tournaments in the last 23 years, Gerrard feels it would be harsh to suggest the current squad, that includes the likes of himself, Wayne Rooney and Jack Wilshere, have not formed an "identity" in recent times.
"I think (this team) does (have an identity)," the 33-year-old continued. "I think we have a good team, some top players and I am really confident we can prove it this year."
Of the players at Roy Hodgson's disposal, Wilshere is one of the few capable of ending England's dismal run in international tournaments.
Source: PA
