News of the latest episode in Paul Gascoigne’s battle against his personal demons is terribly sad, and it is a fervent wish that the one-time footballing genius can overcome his latest difficulties and find happiness in what appears a troubling and turbulent existence.
Now 45 years old, and over two decades on from his playing peak, it might be easy to forget quite what a staggeringly gifted footballer Gascoigne was. A generation of soccer mad youngsters are now growing up unaware of what a bona fide world star the North-East of England produced – and the incredible attention that surrounded the Geordie’s every move.
Jack Wilshere is arguably the standout young Englishman performing in the Premier League at present. Indeed many of the Arsenal midfielder’s strengths replicate Gascoigne’s. Furthermore, Wilshere has been subject to intense scrutiny regarding a long-term injury absence and his subsequent form. Placed against the focus on Gascoigne during his heyday however, the young Londoner gets off lightly. Additionally, for all his magnificent ability, Wilshere is some way from possessing the flair, skill, inventiveness, and sheer nerve of his fellow England international.
It was at the Italian World Cup in 1990 – a tournament which did much to change the face of football in this country – that the then 23 year-old became a national icon, his appeal reaching well beyond followers of the national game.
Gascoigne was already well on the football radar though, his precocious talent earning him a then British record £2m move from his beloved Newcastle United to Tottenham Hotspur in 1988. Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United has spoken of his regret at missing out on signing the player at that time, and many who observed Gascoigne throughout his four years in London believe a switch north and the guiding hand of Ferguson may have resulted in a fulfilled career and, more importantly, a balanced life for a fragile individual.
Despite being happy to play along with quips in his youth about his weight and a prolific taste for Mars Bars, ‘Gazza’ is a sensitive soul and took any critical comment as a dagger to the heart. That frailty, and a similar desire to please everybody at the expense of his own well-being, has contributed to the difficulties faced by the most generous of men.
Once at Spurs and under the management of Terry Venables, with whom the player enjoyed a fantastic relationship, Gazza flourished on the pitch and enjoyed the finest spell of his career. Indeed, it was this period which is most fondly recalled when remembering Gazza the footballer in his pomp.
The first of a relatively meagre 57 England caps (set against examples such as Phil Neville with 59, Gareth Barry 53 and still going, and even the excellent but starkly inferior David Beckham accumulating 115, Gascoigne’s tally is a sporting tragedy) was won in 1988. Nevertheless, despite his wonderful form it took a thrilling goal-scoring display in a Wembley friendly against Czechoslovakia two months prior to the World Cup to cement a place in Bobby Robson’s squad.
Once in Italy, Gascoigne simply thrived. His love of tournament life, away with his colleagues and with no cares beside playing football and filling his days with various japes meant that for those precious weeks Gazza was living his dream. A man with unquenchable energy, there was a constant outlet for his extremities.
It is of course Gascoigne’s tears upon being booked for an innocuous challenge on Thomas Berthold – an offence which would have ruled him out of the final through suspension – in the ultimately unsuccessful semi-final against West Germany which cemented his gargantuan fame. What shouldn’t be overlooked is that Gazza was at least the equal throughout 120 minutes on that night in Turin of his midfield adversary Lothar Mattheus, then one of the world’s finest players.
That enchanting display against the West Germans was in keeping with Gascoigne’s form through the entire tournament. He announced himself to the world with a mesmerising display against a wonderful Dutch team including names such as; Frank Rijkaard, Ronald Koeman, Ruud Gullit, Jan Wouters, and Marco Van Basten in his side’s second match.