England 1990: Gazza, Penalties & the World Cup That Changed English Football

Was Italia ’90 the true turning point for English football culture — and how did England’s semi-final run reshape the game at home?

Episode Summary

In this episode of By Far The Greatest Team, hosts Graham Dunn and Jamie Rooney are joined by former FA PR head Steve Double, who spent six unforgettable weeks inside the England camp during Italia ’90.

From the cagey opener against Ireland to the emotional rollercoaster of the semi-final with West Germany, we revisit England’s most iconic modern World Cup run. Along the way we relive Paul Gascoigne’s brilliance and tears, Gary Lineker’s crucial goals, and the heartbreaking penalty shootout that still defines a generation.

Steve brings unique first-hand stories — including how he drove the length of Italy to collect Gascoigne’s best mate Jimmy Gardner from Rome airport, accidentally coining the nickname Jimmy “Five Bellies” along the way. These behind-the-scenes glimpses capture the warmth, chaos, and humanity that made Italia ’90 so unforgettable.

But this was more than just football. We also explore how Italia ’90 reshaped English football culture: from fan behaviour and media coverage to the way the nation emotionally connected with its team. Its legacy looms large — both for the joy it gave and the glory it denied.

Takeaways

• England’s Italia ’90 journey from dull group stage to semi-final heartbreak
• Paul Gascoigne’s tears and why they changed football’s emotional landscape
• Steve Double’s behind-the-scenes tales, including the birth of “Jimmy Five Bellies”
• How Italia ’90 transformed English fan culture and media narratives
• Why this World Cup remains a cultural turning point for English football

Call to Action

Listen now and relive England’s Italia ’90 odyssey — the summer that changed football forever.

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