The global event hosted in Italy in 1990 holds a cherished position in the memories of many football enthusiasts of that generation.
The beautiful game in England was facing challenges in the late 1980s, with supporters carrying a negative image due to acts of violence, highlighted by occurrences like the Heysel Stadium tragedy, while the distressing scenes from the Bradford City stadium fire and the Hillsborough disaster remained vivid.
But the competition in Italy during that year would come to be recognized as a pivotal moment, as the team managed by Sir Bobby Robson advanced to the semi-finals, contributing to an improvement in the public’s perception of the sport and establishing a foundation for the creation of the new Premier League.
Gazza reflecting on his performances during Italia 90
The central personality in this resurgence was certainly Paul Gascoigne, whose outstanding displays and distinctive character turned him into a widely recognized figure as ‘Gazzamania’ gained momentum throughout the nation.
The now 58-year-old continues to captivate the interest of the public to a degree unmatched by many players since, but even Gascoigne himself had reservations about the significant role he would assume in Italy during that unforgettable summer.
“That explains why I was assigned the number 19 for that World Cup – I was designated as the 19th player,” he shared with FourFourTwo. “Leading up to the tournament, we had an away match against Tunisia, where I attempted a passback that resulted in them scoring. I remember thinking, ‘I probably won’t be playing after that.’”
However, Bobby Robson reassured Gascoigne and conveyed his continued confidence in him. England’s initial match in the Italia 90 tournament marked only his sixth time starting for the national team, but he was in no danger of losing his place from that moment onward.
What was the reason that tournament football consistently brought out his best? “It’s because we didn’t have our wives invited!” he responded with a chuckle. “During certain World Cups, the players’ wives have garnered more attention than the players themselves, which isn’t appropriate. The players should dedicate their complete focus for a period of one month or five weeks solely on the World Cup, and that’s all there should be.
“Bobby Robson even restricted our access to television, newspapers, and any other external information. We were fortunate if we could make a brief phone call back home to get updates on what was happening. Our sole focus was on the football.”
Did this absence of distractions prove beneficial? “Certainly, because the team developed stronger connections,” he stated. “I recall us all spending time together by the pool, relaxing. My birthday occurred during the World Cup, and I had a cake smashed in my face! The team spirit was incredibly strong, from Peter Shilton to Gary Lineker.”
Gascoigne’s prosperity under Robson followed a previously unsuccessful trial he had with Robson’s Ipswich Town when he was younger, a detail he didn’t permit the manager to forget. “We had a dinner event one evening, which was filled with Bobby Robson’s associates and individuals from the FA – I’m not certain why, but I made up my mind to stand and give a speech that was solely about me,” he reminisced with laughter. “It was indeed comical. I mentioned, ‘My initial encounter with Bobby Robson occurred when I was 12, and he presented us with an offer of 10 grand a week, but I was unwilling to accept any employment from anyone!’”
Being a nervous flyer, he occasionally received invitations into the cockpit during flights to alleviate his anxiety. In his published work, he detailed that during the journey to the quarter-final match against Cameroon in Naples, he was given the opportunity to briefly take control of the plane, which inevitably resulted in him steering the England team’s aircraft off its intended path. “I commandeered the plane and directed the pilot to go where I wanted – it deviated by approximately three miles to the right!” he exclaimed, laughing.
Leading up to the semi-final confrontation with West Germany in Turin, Gascoigne’s on-field contributions were earning widespread praise. “The paramount aspect of the whole tournament was my certainty that I was the premier player globally at that time,” he reminisced. “While in the tunnel just before the semi-final, someone from Juventus communicated their desire to enlist me following the World Cup – thus, I carried that thought with me as I proceeded onto the field.”
Paul Gascoigne: Eight (published by Reach Sport) is currently available for purchase in printed, digital, and audiobook forms
