| Synopsis: |
Paul John Gascoigne, known by many of his fans as 'Gazza', was born on 27 May 1967. Described by the National Football Museum as 'the most naturally gifted English midfielder of his generation', his skills in midfield saw him earn 57 England caps. Signing as a schoolboy at Newcastle United, he turned professional in 1985 before moving onto Tottenham Hotspur in 1988. His career saw him play for Lazio, Rangers (his highest number of appearances at a club of 105), Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Gansu Tianma and ending his career at Boston United. Helping the English team to reach the semi-finals of UEFA Euro 1996, his incredible goal against Scotland saw him cement his scoring capability in the national consciousness. Gazza's passionate nature often saw him clash with referees and players alike, though this passion could create storming results, helping Rangers win the Scottish League title in 1996/97 with hat-tricks against Kilmarnock and Motherwell. Charting Gazza's national and international career highs, Tony Matthews outlines why Paul Gascoigne deserves to be recognised as a legend of the beautiful game. |