Gazza gets England recall

Sir Bobby Robson calls up Gazza to take play for his England team against Germany.

Paul Gascoigne is the newest player to sign up to take on the Germans in the ‘Sir Bobby Robson Trophy’. It will be a chance for Gascoigne, to once again play under his former manager and to get revenge for that famous 1990 World Cup defeat.

On 26th July at St. James’ Park, Newcastle, the former England manager is reuniting players who formed his 1990 World Cup squad – the side which famously came so close to reaching the final of the competition, only to be cruelly knocked out by West Germany on penalties. The match will see the nucleus of the famous 1990 team take on their bitter rivals from that monumental semi final loss, along with other players that have inspired in an England shirt over the years. In addition names from music, sport, TV and film are being called up to form a star packed England team.

Gazza says ‘I’ve always idolised Sir Bobby, he looked after me like a father. He’s supported me through tough times and it’ll be a privilege to play for him again.’

Sir Bobby says: "I picked Paul in 1990 because he had an amazing amount of talent. For me, he was easily the finest young player in the country at that time. "He was a brilliant attacking player and the stand out young talent to emerge from the World Cup that year.

“I’m thrilled that Paul is in shape and ready for my match he is the most naturally gifted player of his generation and it will be special to see him play once again, so that we can all watch him one more time. To see Gazza in an England shirt, alongside his team mates from 1990 is a great prospect and against that German team too.

Paul Gascoigne became a national treasure during that World Cup, setting up Platt’s wonder goal against the Belgians and showing the world his awesome potential. Sir Bobby adds “The thought of re-uniting Paul and many of my 1990 England squad for this match in support of my charity is a great pleasure to me and hopefully this time we’ll get the result we want against Germany!
Arguably Sir Bobby’s finest moment came as he led England to the semi-finals in Italy and this game will give him and his team an opportunity to redress the balance. Former defenders Des Walker and Paul Parker were the first two players to sign up as Sir Bobby builds from the back. Walker and Parker, both given their England debut’s by Robson will be reunited with their 1990 team mates for the first time. Now Robson has added flair and passion and the icon of the tournament in Paul Gascoigne.

Gazza says ‘Sir Bobby’s Italia ’90 team was fantastic, it was a team full of leaders and captains, we had Butcher, Mark Wright, Pearce, Platt, Walker and Shilts. Waddler was my room mate and closest pal, he and Beardsley had amazing skills and of course we had the finishing skills of Lineker up front. I’ve never felt so comfortable in a dressing room, the whole side was full of experience and confidence. The chance to reunite that 1990 team featuring all these England legends will be an amazing and emotional experience”.

In addition to reuniting the 1990 England players, Sir Bobby is also planning on calling on some other very special guests to add to his team. Gazza will line up alongside legendary England players and a select hand picked group of celebrities that Sir Bobby has invited to come and play, in this special one off England team. These will include world champions and stars from rock & pop music, TV and film. The German team will also feature some big surprise household names to add a bit of spice.

Gazza says –“ Steve Harris from Iron Maiden is a good friend and a really good footballer who keeps himself fit. He and Iron Maiden are one of the biggest rock bands in the world yet Steve still finds time to play in these matches, I love playing alongside him”.

“Gordon Ramsey can’t play in this game because he’s a Scot although I know he would love to take on the Germans. He’s a hard man and I have good banter with him through our Rangers connection. But we will be able to call on the likes of Ben Shepherd, Robbie Williams, Ant and Dec and Alec Stewart who both can all play a bit. And if Peter Shilton needs any help in goal I could ask Jimmy five bellies to be the keeper. He can block up the whole goal”!

Sir Bobby has always been close to Paul and is pleased to have him in his side, although he said “If his antics at the World Cup in Italy are anything to go by we can probably expect to see a few of his old tricks”.

Sir Bobby says of Paul: "Everybody liked him - even though he was daft and always playing practical jokes. I remember him following me around during press conferences and standing right behind me. He was a loveable guy and, despite his daftness, everyone appreciated his great talent on the pitch”"There's a commonly held belief that he was difficult to manage but he really wasn't very high maintenance at that time. He was very important to my squad."

Lester Holcombe from the event producers said ‘The ‘Sir Bobby Robson Trophy’ will see some of the biggest names from the world of football and stars from sport, music and film come out in support and in honour of one of sports true greats. Sir Bobby has worked with some of the biggest stars in the game and is revered the world over. All will be invited to attend or to play in a good old fashioned tear up between England and Germany – that greatest of rivalries”

Gazza says: “There is no way I would miss this game for Sir Bobby and the chance to reunite the lads from that great 1990 team. It will be an amazing and emotional experience”

Lester Holcombe added “this match gives us all an opportunity to stand up and applaud a true gentleman, a fighter and a genuine Legend. He has given us all so many thrills and we will never forget that semi final in 1990. Sir Bobby has now got another cause and he is pursuing that with the same passion and vigour with which he has faced all of his challenges’.

Gazza reflects on Italia 90: “Paul Parker had already told me to keep my head, not to do anything stupid. He’d been booked already and feared it could happen to me. It was a real rollercoaster of a night, my mind had started to think of winning the game and being in the final, it was a series of highs and lows”.

“I still watch the clips of the match on Youtube with the family. Whenever I hear Nessun Dorma it takes me back to that time and that song is full of memories. “At the end of the match, after losing in that way on penalties, I was crying but Bobby told me he was proud of me and what I’d achieved and that this was just the start for me….we had a great bond”

Press Release / Wednesday 13th April 2009

Story by Paul Gough - goffymedia@yahoo.co.uk

Tickets for the Sir Bobby Robson Trophy played between England and Germany are £10 for adults and £5 for children.

They can be purchased online now at http://www.nufc.co.uk/ and by calling 0844 372 1892 after 18th May when tickets go on general release.