18 June 2024 , 17:53
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When The Mirror sat down with Paul Gascoigne, he appeared in a good place, emboldened by his new career as a storyteller, enjoying life, making people smile and telling jokes.
But the one thing Gazza had, for so long, never been able to escape is the fact he had to retire. Indeed, he still finds it hard watching football these days, as he misses the game so much. Yet he's been watching Jude Bellingham's rise at Real Madrid - "He was just outstanding, and I thought 'look at that, he is going to be great'" - and loves when England are in action at a major finals.
Gascoigne, now 57, of course lit up Italia '90 and Euro '96, shining at both major tournaments. The Mirror asked Gazza to name his all time greatest England XI, from his time playing for his country. And the legendary midfielder picked quite the starting lineup of team-mates that he shared the field with during his 10-year career during which he won 57 England caps.
- David Seaman
- Gary Neville
- Stuart Pearce
- Des Walker
- Terry Butcher
- Bryan Robson
- Chris Waddle
- John Barnes
- Gazza
- Alan Shearer
- Gary Lineker
It's not a bad lineup, is it? From one of the greatest goalkeepers the country has ever produced through mountainous leaders like Butcher and Robson, with the brilliance of Barnes and Waddle and the ruthless goalscoring power of both Lineker and Shearer.
Not to mention, the mischievous, impish brilliance of Gascoigne himself.
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Gazza showing he's still got it (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)
Gazza with Mirror man Jeremy Armstrong (Tim Merry/Mirror Express)Gazza also did a quick-fire keepy up - on his head - and answered some quickfire questions for us too.
- Favourite film: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest
- Favourite singer: Phil Collins
- Death Row/favourite meal: Turkey in a bun
- What would you have been if you weren't a footballer: Joiner. I loved woodwork. I made my mum a table at school. But I broke it on the bus home
- Favourite cheese: Hardest one to choose, probably Blue