Gascoigne has urged Jude Bellingham, Nico O’Reilly and Anthony Gordon to play with the same freedom that made him one of Italia 90’s defining figures at 23.
“Just go out and play, express yourselves. Play your football and do not be afraid to take players on,” he said.
That advice is particularly relevant to a generation carrying huge expectations. Bellingham is already a central figure for club and country, while O’Reilly and Gordon represent the youthful energy England will need in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Gascoigne believes England have enough talent to compete for the trophy, but only if they avoid becoming prisoners of the pressure. He also sees Harry Kane’s influence in the current team as comparable to Gary Lineker’s importance to his own England side.
Gascoigne rates the 1990 squad above England’s Euro 96 group, describing it as the best team of his career. For him, the difference was not merely ability but a dressing-room spirit built around world-class players.
His practical advice extends beyond tournament football. Reflecting on Eberechi Eze’s missed penalty in Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat by Paris Saint-Germain, Gascoigne offered a direct instruction: “pick a spot, commit to it and strike through the ball.”
Gascoigne has also criticised the cost of attending the tournament, calling ticket prices “disgusting” and questioning whether long-serving England supporters should face bills of around £1,500. has said its pricing reflects the United States market and helps reinvest revenue into the game.
Despite wanting to see England lift the trophy, Gascoigne will reportedly not travel because of his fear of flying. His voice, however, will remain part of the build-up. The next test is whether England’s younger players can turn his fearless advice into performances when the World Cup arrives.