Five great Gascoigne moments on former England star’s 49th birthday
Published:
Lee Gormley | May 27, 2016
Five great Gascoigne moments
On this day in 1967, former England international star Paul Gascoigne was born in Gateshead and, to celebrate his 49th birthday, Coral look back at five great moments from one of the country’s finest ever attacking talents.
Super strike versus Scotland, 1996
Arguably Gazza’s most memorable moment from a dazzling career was this superb solo strike against Scotland atEuro ’96, with the England ace flicking the ball over Colin Hendry’s head before unleashing a magnificent volley, then following it up with an equally famous goal celebration.
The Three Lions reached the semi-final stage that year and Roy Hodgson’s current crop are 13/8 to make it to the final four at Euro 2016 in France this summer.
Gazza books the referee, 1995
As gifted as Gascoigne was, the Tyneside legend also graced the game with his humorous side, though one particular Scottish referee didn’t find his antics quite so funny in 1995.
The official had earlier dropped his yellow card during a clash between Rangers and Hibernian and, after discovering it, Gazza returned it to the referee after entertainingly flashing him with it. Although, with the man with the whistle clearly lacking a sense of humour, the Gers midfielder was officially cautioned.
Last-gasp equaliser in Rome derby, 1992
As well as featuring for the likes of Newcastle United, Tottenham, Middlesbrough and Everton, Gazza also enjoyed a spell in Italy with Lazio, where he truly made his mark in a Rome derby encounter against bitter rivals Roma.
Gascoigne endeared himself to the Biancocelesti faithful by popping up with an excellent last-gasp header to equalise in a derby meeting between the two sides in 1992, with what was his maiden goal for the club which he spent three seasons at.
Unstoppable London derby free-kick, 1991
With one magical strike of his right foot Gascoigne created one of the greatest moments in FA Cup history in 1991, as he found the top right corner from a long-range free-kick for Tottenham against north London rivals Arsenal.
The goal was of great significance in the semi-final match-up, as he opened the scoring for Spurs in what was the first ever FA Cup game played at the old Wembley.
World Cup tears, 1990
Not one of Gascoigne’s greatest moments but definitely one of his most memorable, as the former England hero saw himself pick up a yellow card for his rash challenge against then West Germany in the 1990 World Cup semi-final, subsequently seeing himself ruled out of the final.
Following his booking, Gazza was overwhelmed with emotion as he shed tears on the pitch, touching the hearts of his nation in the process and producing a famous moment which has since been remembered as one of the stand-out images from Italia ’90.
England’s current set-up will hope to enjoy a strong run in this summer’s showcase event on French soil as Hodgson’s Three Lions prepare to contest all of Russia, Slovakia and Wales in Euro 2016 Group B.
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