Paul Gascoigne

Gazza — the most naturally gifted English footballer of his generation whose tears at Italia 90 made him a national icon overnight. His solo goal against Scotland at Euro 96 and the dentist's chair celebration is one of the tournament's defining images. Won the FA Cup with Tottenham, Serie A experience with Lazio and Scottish titles with Rangers. His battle with addiction and mental health has defined his post-playing life as much as his extraordinary talent defined his career.

Paul John Gascoigne was born in Gateshead in 1967 and is widely regarded as the most naturally gifted English footballer since George Best. His performances at Italia 90 — particularly his goal against Scotland and his tears when booked in the semi-final against Germany — made him England's most famous player. He joined Lazio from Tottenham in 1992 and Rangers from Lazio in 1995, winning two Scottish league titles. He earned 57 England caps, scoring 10 goals. His Rangers career produced 19 league goals in 77 appearances and he was named Scottish FWA Footballer of the Year in 1996. His domestic career also included spells at Newcastle, Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Everton, Burnley, Gansu Tianma and Algarve United. Persistent injury — particularly the knee injury sustained in the 1991 FA Cup final — and well-documented personal struggles with alcohol and mental health meant his peak was shorter than it might have been. Despite this, at his best he was technically a player of world class — dribbling, passing, shooting and reading the game at the highest level.

• FA Cup 1991
• Serie A (Lazio)
• Scottish Premier League 2x (Rangers)
• 57 England caps