Paul Gascoigne, fondly known as Gazza, is regarded as one of the most exceptional talents to emerge from English football. Having graced the fields of various prestigious clubs such as Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Rangers, Gascoigne's legacy is underscored by both his impressive skills and colorful personality. He is celebrated not only for his prowess during significant tournaments like the 1990 World Cup and the 1996 European Championship, but also for the sometimes outrageous antics off the pitch.
At 24, Phil Foden has already made waves as one of the current stars of the England national team. Recently, Gazza was spotted at one of England's Nations League matches, where he was left awestruck by Foden's performance. Often regarded as ‘England's best player,’ Foden has quickly accumulated 43 caps and has secured six Premier League titles with Manchester City.
Despite his current form raising some eyebrows, Foden has captured the hearts of fans and legends alike. Gascoigne, who has seen his fair share of footballing talent, expressed his admiration for Foden, stating, “I just watched Phil Foden not long ago. He was s** hot. He was unbelievable.” This fervent praise highlights the weight of Gascoigne’s endorsement, especially when he remarked on how the young player was integral to Manchester City's success.
Gascoigne, never one to shy away from making his own mark, shared how he approached Foden at England's training camp to request a signed shirt, which he then gifted to his agent’s son. His gesture symbolizes the respect he has for Foden's abilities, eleving him above other young talents like Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka.
Wayne Rooney, another English football icon, mirrors Gazza's sentiments about Foden. When asked for his opinion on today's top players, he declared, “Phil Foden, for me, at his best is the best player England have got.” Rooney's applause for Foden offers insight from another legendary player who appreciates the significance of Foden's skills, even as he faces challenges this season.
On the other hand, there's growing chatter about the capabilities of newer talents like Cole Palmer. Glenn Hoddle, former England player and manager, remarked on Palmer's ascendance, questioning if he might surpass Foden. Hoddle stated, “Cole Palmer looks unbelievable...he’s capable of going ahead of Foden.” This pressure on the younger squad members from former stars shines light on the competitive nature of English football as it evolves.
Beyond accolades and performances, Gascoigne's time at Rangers was nothing short of legendary for various reasons. His unpredictable nature often led him to funny and bizarre situations. Ally McCoist, who shared the field with Gazza during his Rangers days, chronicled tales of mischief—one involving Gascoigne placing two dead fish inside a teammate's car and even taking swan to training. McCoist reminisced with laughter, saying, “He managed to get an old pensioner on the bus to attend training one day – this pensioner ended up going in goal and saving penalties.”
Stories of Gascoigne's off-pitch antics are as well-known as his achievements on the field. His firework prank landed him briefly behind bars, but McCoist recalled with fondness, “At 2am, it lit up my bedroom...then the cops phoned to tell me they were providing Mr. Gascoigne with bed and breakfast in the morning.” These moments encapsulate not only Gascoigne's reckless charm but also why he remains such a beloved figure among fans and teammates.
A couple of documentaries have shed light on the duality of Gascoigne's career, exploring his rise to prominence alongside his struggles. The 2015 film simply named Gascoigne user-generated valuable insights from teammates and footballing greats like Wayne Rooney and Jose Mourinho on his complex legacy. Bobby Robson's own tribulations and triumphs as manager are chronicled alongside Gazza during the 2018 documentary, Bobby Robson: More Than a Manager*, illustrating the bonds they shared on and off the pitch.
Gascoigne's story is one of all-consuming passion for the sport. From his days as one of England's top players to his personal issues post-retirement, he remains intimately tied to the national team's history and identity. The footballing world continues to watch with bated breath as both Gazza's legacy and the rising stars like Foden navigate the ever-evolving sport. Gazza's legacy endures not just because of what he accomplished, but through the laughter, madness, and passion he brought to football.
