David Platt
Debut – 15th November 1989
Caps – 62
Goals – 27
David Platt arrived in Italy for the 1990 world cup finals as an inexperienced member of England’s 22 man squad. Platt became an instant success when he scored a last gasp winner with a volley against Belgium to send England into the quarter finals. David Platt scored in the following quarter final match and also had a goal disallowed against West Germany in the semi finals. He equalized for England in a third place play off match against Italy, in total scoring three goals during the 1990 world cup finals for England. After Italia 90, David Platt became a permanent fixture in Graham Taylor’s side. Platt was one of England’s very few individuals who did themselves justice during Euro 92; he scored after three minutes in their 2-1 defeat against hosts, Sweden.
David Platt was installed captain after Euro 92; his leadership ran through the England team, he scored a fine goal against Holland to kick off the qualification process of the 1994 world cup finals. Platt scored England’s first goal under Terry venables, however Euro 96 was David Platt’s last tournament playing for England.

Des walker
Debut – 14th September 1988 V Denmark
Caps – 59
Goals – 0
Walker was handed his international debut after the 1988 European football championships in a match against Denmark. He had a great defensive debut against the Danes. The main test of his international career came during the 1990 world cup finals. England’s semi – final match against West Germany pitched Walker against Jurgen Klinsmann and it was Walker who controlled the game, preventing the German star from even getting a single shot on goal. Walker left the world cup finals with a reputation as one of the best defenders in the world. His impressive display during Euro 92 earned him a move to Italian club, Sampdoria. Walker’s international career ended after failing to qualify for the 1994 football world cup finals.

John Barnes
Debut – 28th may 1983 V Northern Ireland
Caps – 79
Goals – 12

Barnes made his international football debut as a substitute against Northern Ireland in 1983. The following year he etched his name on the world football map, scoring a sensational solo goal against Brazil in Rio to earn England their first away victory against Brazil. He showed his magic during England’s 1986 world cup quarter final match against Argentina, when he came on as a substitute and almost rescued the game for England. His final two tournaments playing football for England were disappointing by his standards; he played in Euro 88 and the 1990 world cup finals. Barnes has also scored a few cracking free kicks for England, most notably against Holland in a world cup qualifying match in 1992.

Paul Gascoigne
Debut – 14th September 1988 V Denmark
Caps – 57
Goals – 10
After playing against Denmark after Euro 88, Gascoigne made an impact on the England football squad. His performances against Albania, forced Bobby Robson to make him a permanent first choice. It was Gazza’s brilliant performance in a friendly against Czechoslovakia that earned him his ticket to the 1990 world cup finals. He created three of the goals and scored the fourth in a 4-2 victory over the Czech’s. Injury forced Gascoigne out of international action for nearly two years following his brilliant display during the 1990 world cup finals. He repeated his great display of the world cup during Euro 96, volleying a fabulous strike past the Scottish goal keeper in a group match against Scotland in Euro 96. He helped England to qualify for the 1998 world cup finals. Hoddle did not select Gascoigne for the 1998 world cup finals, and he was not to play for England again.

Gary Lineker
Debut – May 1984 V Scotland
Caps – 80
Goals – 48
Lineker came into the fore of England’s team during the 1986 world cup finals in Mexico, he scored a hat trick against Poland, two goals against Paraguay and one against Argentina, to earn the football golden boot award. He scored four goals in a friendly match against Spain in 1987. His only disappointing moment was his poor showing during the 1988 and 1992 European football championships, as he failed to even score one goal in either competition. The 1990 world cup finals saw Lineker score another 4 goals for England, two crucial penalties against Cameroon most notable. All together, Lineker scored 48 goals for England, just one behind the all time of record of 49 set by Bobby Charlton.