Paul Gascoigne, affectionately known as Gazza, has urged England's young players to 'enjoy every minute' in their bid for World Cup glory. The 59-year-old recalled the halcyon days when he starred in Italia '90, lauded as the best young player in the game at just 23. In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Gazza shared his memories and advice ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
Gazza's Advice to Young Stars
Gazza still loves watching young talents like Jude Bellingham, 22, Nico O'Reilly, 21, and Anthony Gordon, 25. He compared the talismanic Harry Kane to Gary Lineker in his heyday and believes the young stars of today have every chance of World Cup glory if they have the courage to express themselves on the pitch. 'I was 22 when I was picked for England and just turned 23 at Italia '90,' Gazza said. 'I loved football and I just loved every minute of the World Cup. It was football, football, football. Training every day and just being at the tournament - we had an incredible team.'
Penalty Advice and Team Spirit
On penalty shootouts, Gazza offered practical advice after the recent Arsenal defeat to Paris St Germain in the Champions League final, when England star Eberechi Eze missed after a stuttering run-up. 'Forget the little dance before you take it,' he said. 'Make your mind up where you are going to put it, stick to it and get your foot through it. My penalty against Germany in the semi-final of Euro 96 hit my shin but it still ended up in the top corner.' He also praised the team spirit of the 1990 squad, saying, 'I think the 1990 team was the best England side I played in. There were world-class players all over the pitch. We had great team spirit and that is what they will need in America.'
Gazza's Personal Journey
Gazza's new clothes range features his infamous 'Dentist's Chair' celebration, and he remains busy with the paperback release of his book, 'Eight', which won Autobiography of the Year at the 2026 Charles Tyrwhitt Sports Book Awards. The Gateshead-born star received acclaim for the book's honesty about his addictions to drink and drugs and his Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. 'It was good therapy and many people have come up to me saying it helped them,' he said. 'As far as I am concerned, if it can save one person then I have done my job.'
Criticism of Ticket Prices
Gazza slammed the sky-high cost of the tournament for ordinary fans, branding ticket prices 'disgusting'. 'Football is the main sport in the world, to charge people who have not got that much money and yet follow England so much is terrible,' he said. FIFA responded that the pricing model reflected existing market practice in the US and that revenue was reinvested into the game.
Gazza admitted he fell off the wagon on his 59th birthday in May but remains positive. 'I am happy in my own skin. It is the happiest that I have been for a long time,' he said. He is in talks with Tyson Fury's management about a potential Netflix documentary and would love to see England win the World Cup, though he won't attend due to his fear of flying. 'I hope the young players can enjoy America. They are in with a chance, and can beat anyone on their day,' he concluded.
