Paul Gascoigne
The tearful genius whose yellow card in the 1990 World Cup semi-final became an iconic moment of English football.
Paul Gascoigne, nicknamed Gazza, represented the England national team from 1988 to 1998, earning 57 caps and scoring ten goals. He was part of the England team that reached fourth place in the 1990 FIFA World Cup, where he famously cried after receiving a yellow card in the semi-final with West Germany, which meant he would have been suspended for the final had England won the game. He also helped the team to the semi-finals of Euro 96, which included scoring a goal against Scotland, described in 2013 as 'one of the most iconic goals in the game's recent history'.
- Role
- Attacking Midfielder
- England Debut Era
- Late 1980s (vs Italy)
- Major Tournament Appearances
- Euro 1996 (Host), World Cup 1990, Euro 1992, World Cup 1994
- Status
- Retired Legend / Icon
- Signature Trait
- Emotional vulnerability and dribbling genius
Verified Timeline
Lore & Background
Gascoigne's England career peaked at the 1990 World Cup and Euro 96. At Italia 90, he was part of the squad that reached the semi-finals, famously crying after receiving a yellow card against West Germany that would have ruled him out of the final. At Euro 96, he scored what was later called 'one of the most iconic goals in the game's recent history' against Scotland. He also took part in the 'dentist's chair' celebration from Euro 96. His 57 caps and ten goals spanned a decade, from his debut in 1988 to his final appearance in 1998.
In Their Own Story
The moment that defined Gascoigne's England career came in the 1990 World Cup semi-final against West Germany. After receiving a yellow card that would have suspended him for the final, the camera caught him crying on the pitch, his face a mixture of anguish and frustration. That raw display of emotion, captured in a single frame, made him a national figure. Four years later at Euro 96, he scored a stunning goal against Scotland, controlling a long ball from David Seaman, flicking it over Colin Hendry, and volleying past Andy Goram — a moment still celebrated as one of the tournament's greatest.
Reader's Guide
Gascoigne played for England from 1988 to 1998, earning 57 caps and scoring ten goals. He was an attacking midfielder known for his dribbling, vision, and creativity. Key tournament appearances: the 1990 FIFA World Cup (fourth place), Euro 96 (semi-finals). He also featured in Euro 92 and the 1998 World Cup. His most famous moments include crying after the yellow card in the 1990 semi-final, and scoring the iconic goal against Scotland at Euro 96. He was part of the 'dentist's chair' celebration at Euro 96. His emotional vulnerability on the pitch made him a fan favorite.
Did You Know?
- Gascoigne was capped 57 times for England and scored ten goals between 1988 and 1998.
- He famously cried after receiving a yellow card in the 1990 World Cup semi-final against West Germany, knowing he would miss the final if England won.
- His goal against Scotland at Euro 96 was described in 2013 as 'one of the most iconic goals in the game's recent history'.
- He was part of the 'dentist's chair' celebration at Euro 96, a high-profile goal celebration.
- Gascoigne helped England reach fourth place at the 1990 World Cup and the semi-finals of Euro 96.
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