Gazza Euro 96 Signed Presentation

Larger image

Gazza became a key part of Terry Venables' team in the run-in to Euro '96. In the first game against Switzerland he was substituted but, in the second game against Scotland, he scored the goal of the tournament. A minute after David Seaman had saved a penalty, Gascoigne received the ball from Darren Anderton on the left outside the Scotland penalty area. He moved as if to play the ball down the outside, but flicked the ball over Colin Hendry with his left foot and changed direction. Hendry was completed wrongfooted and, as the ball dropped, Gascoigne volleyed it first time with his right foot past Andy Goram.

In the third group game against the Netherlands Gascoigne inspired the team to a memorable 4-1 victory, providing the corner which led to the second goal and crafting the third goal with a mazy run into the Dutch penalty area. After beating Spain on penalties, England met Germany in an ill-fated and emotionally charged semi-final. Early on Gascoigne's corner again led to an England goal, and extra time was again required. With the golden goal rule in operation, Gascoigne almost scored the winner when he came within an inch of converting Alan Shearer's cross. Fans have argued ever since whether Gascoigne would have scored had he been fitter and lighter. In the event, England lost to Germany on a penalty shoot-out, and once again, Gascoigne shed tears. He was named to the tournament All-Star squad along with Shearer and Steve McManaman.

A great gift to celebrate one of the all time greats of the English game.