Gazzamania described the nationwide obsession with Paul Gascoigne, or “Gazza,” during the early 1990s. His remarkable talent on the pitch, combined with his emotional and relatable character, made him one of Britain’s most popular sporting figures.
Paul Gascoigne “Gazza” became a professional player with Newcastle United and considered by many to be the most talented player of his generation.
Five years later he was an integral part of the England team alongside Gary Lineker, better known to most of you as a Soccer presenter.
Since winning the World Cup in 1966, the English national team had failed to perform well on the international stage.
Following a history of football hooliganism they seemed to follow the English teams in Europe and eventually the tragic Heysel Stadium disaster (29 May 1985) where 39 people lost their lives and 600 were injured when a wall collapsed. English teams were banned from European Competitions by UEFA indefinitely on 2nd June 1985, 4 days later they were banned by FIFA from playing worldwide.
All English teams effectively received a 5 years ban which ended in time for the 1990-91 season and Liverpool a 6 year ban.
The 1990 World Cup held in Italy, known as Italia 90 was the chance for English football to redeem itself. Though it has been suggested that the authorities seeded the English team so that they would play their all their group games on the island of Sardinia and so there would be less change of problems with English “hooligans”.
The tournament didn’t get off to the best of starts for England, however they did manage to finish top of their group beating Egypt 1-0 and drawing against the Republic of Ireland and Holland.
Italia 90 was turning into one of the most watched television events in television history and the way in which England were progressing and the fact that they were now playing West Germany, the team they beat in the 1966 final had grabbed the nations attention, it was “cool” to be a football fan again.
If you haven’t clicked on the video above, then watch this (not as good).
And finally…England had fallen in love with the National Game once again.
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