Football in the final decade of the 20th century was a vastly different experience from what we see today. Back then, the players’ hair was longer, the kits looser, and the wages far less astronomical. Yet the stadiums were packed, and the passion from both fans and players was undeniable. With the internet not yet dominating the world, footballers were simply individuals with character, deeply in love with the game.
In contrast to today’s reality, where footballers are often seen as celebrities, the gap between the average fan and the players on the pitch wasn’t so vast. This is the setting for a story involving one of football’s enduring geniuses—England’s Paul Gascoigne. Known for his wild temperament, this player from North East England was at the heart of one of the most colorful incidents in the history of football, known as “The Dentist’s Chair.”
On May 5, 1992, in Lisbon, UEFA’s Executive Committee approved England’s bid to host the tenth European Football Championship, set for four years later. England emerged victorious over Austria, Greece, the Netherlands, and Portugal.
The decision was met with enthusiasm across the nation. The tournament would mark 30 years since the last major football event organized by the country and would coincide with the anniversary of England’s only major trophy—the Jules Rimet World Cup. Hopes were high that the Cup would finally “come home.” As hosts, England automatically qualified for the tournament, while other European nations competed for the remaining 15 spots.
This was a relief for England, as their footballing fortunes had waned after finishing fourth at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. They had a disappointing run at Euro ’92, exiting at the group stage, and failed to qualify for the 1994 World Cup in the USA, shocking fans.
In response to the growing discontent, the FA appointed Terry Venables as the national team manager. Venables, a former midfielder, took charge on January 28, 1994, with the difficult task of steering an ambitious England squad toward European glory.
At the time, England boasted a strong squad, featuring players like David Seaman, Arsenal’s reliable goalkeeper; Gary Neville, a young defender destined to become a Manchester United legend; Tony Adams (Arsenal), the team captain; Gareth Southgate (Aston Villa), the current England manager; the tough-tackling Stuart Pearce (Nottingham Forest), known as “Psycho”; Paul Ince (Inter Milan); David Platt (Arsenal); Steve McManaman (Liverpool); and the striking duo of Teddy Sheringham (Tottenham) and Alan Shearer (Blackburn).
However, all eyes were on Paul Gascoigne, the team’s true talisman. The attacking midfielder from Rangers was regarded as one of the most gifted British players in history, having earned a bronze medal at the 1990 World Cup. With his extraordinary skills and unpredictable nature, Gazza was a fan favorite, and many believed that England’s chances of winning the Cup hinged on his performances. Yet, Gascoigne was also notorious for his fiery temperament, love of pranks, and fondness for alcohol.
Gazza was a force of nature, difficult to control both on and off the pitch. This led to the infamous story of “The Dentist’s Chair,” an incident that scandalized the British public before becoming a symbol of the entire home tournament.
It all started in May 1996, just a month before the European Championship. The England team traveled to Hong Kong for a final set of friendly matches before the tournament. The games went as planned, and manager Terry Venables gave his players a night off in Asia. The team was under the supervision of assistant coach and British football legend Bryan Robson. The players were allowed a few drinks in the hotel lobby, coinciding with Gazza’s birthday that night.
As expected, Gazza took the celebration into his own hands, and after a few drinks, things quickly spiraled out of control. The night wore on, and soon, a large part of the team, led by Gascoigne, found themselves in a nightclub in Hong Kong. Even Bryan Robson, known for his professionalism, was drawn into the festivities.
In the nightclub, the players took turns participating in what became known as “The Dentist’s Chair.” The game involved the “patient” sitting in a specially prepared chair while a “medical professional” poured two types of alcohol—vodka and whiskey—directly into their mouth!
Naturally, Gazza was the first to take the chair, setting the tone for the night. He was followed by other players like Darren Anderton, Teddy Sheringham, and Paul Ince. Unfortunately, the late-night antics were captured by club patrons and quickly sent to the British tabloids. The photos showed several team members inebriated, including Steve McManaman, Alan Shearer, and the young Jamie Redknapp.
A scandal erupted when the photos made the front pages of newspapers across England and Europe the very next day. The media condemned the behavior as unacceptable, especially just ten days before the tournament’s start. Venables faced immense pressure to drop the key players involved, with Gascoigne at the center of the storm.
However, the manager remained calm, taking full responsibility and telling reporters that everything had happened with his permission and knowledge, thereby keeping his squad intact.
Under the shadow of the Hong Kong incident, England began their campaign for the trophy. Their first opponent was the formidable Swiss team. England had the advantage of playing every match at Wembley Stadium, the cathedral of football. It’s worth noting that this was the old Wembley, a legendary venue that had hosted countless historic clashes since 1923, long before the ultramodern facility opened in 2007.
The tournament kicked off with a challenging match as England drew 1-1 with Switzerland. Alan Shearer thrilled the 90,000-strong crowd with a goal in the 23rd minute, but Swiss player Kubilay Türkyilmaz equalized with a penalty in the 83rd minute. Gazza started the game but was substituted by David Platt in the 78th minute after a subdued performance.
The media seized the moment, harshly criticizing both Gazza and Venables. The pressure reached its peak with a crucial match against Scotland looming. The clash between these two neighboring nations is the oldest international derby in football history, dating back to November 1872.
On June 15, 1996, just after midday, the pivotal match kicked off. The battle began right from the first whistle, with physical confrontations across the pitch and a relentless pace. Early on, Paul Ince brought the crowd to its feet with a fierce tackle on Monaco’s John Collins. Soon after, David Seaman made a crucial save on a long shot from Scotland captain Gary McAllister.
After several strong attacks from the Scots, the momentum shifted to the English side, and Gazza began to show his brilliance. Just past the center circle, he elegantly nutmegged John Collins, delighting the crowd, though Collins responded by fouling him, earning a yellow card from the Italian referee Gianluigi Pairetto. By halftime, Teddy Sheringham had missed a shot on goal, and Gazza’s Rangers teammate Gordon Durie suffered a head injury in an aerial clash with England captain Tony Adams. The first half ended 0-0.
The second half began with a bang. The first chance fell to England. Gascoigne picked up the ball just past the center and dribbled to the edge of Scotland’s penalty area before being fouled. He took the resulting free-kick himself, but his shot flew over the crossbar. Moments later, Steve McManaman also missed with a shot.
However, five minutes later, England’s pressure paid off. After a well-worked move in Scotland’s half, Gary Neville delivered a perfect cross from the right, which found Alan Shearer. The striker headed the ball powerfully into the net, making it 1-0! The stands and the England bench erupted in celebration, but the most dramatic moments of the match were yet to come.
Almost immediately after the restart, Tottenham midfielder Darren Anderton unleashed a powerful shot, but Andy Goram in Scotland’s goal made a fine save, tipping the ball over for a corner. Two minutes later, England won a free-kick on the left side of Scotland’s penalty area.
Gazza stepped up to take it. Without hesitation, he sent a beautifully curved ball into the box, where Teddy Sheringham met it with a diving header. Andy Goram once again showed his class, saving the ball with cat-like reflexes.
In the following minutes, Scotland took control and pressed England back into their own half. Captain Gary McAllister was the most threatening, first winning an indirect free-kick in England’s penalty area, from which Colin Hendry narrowly missed with a header. Moments later, Gordon Durie connected with a cross, only for David Seaman to make an incredible save to deny the equalizer.
In the 77th minute, Scotland’s pressure paid off as they won a penalty. England captain Tony Adams fouled Gordon Durie inside the box. Referee Gianluigi Pairetto had no hesitation in pointing to the spot. Captain McAllister stepped up, but Seaman made a brilliant save, sending the Wembley crowd into raptures.
Inspired by the save, England launched a counterattack, and just two minutes later, they scored one of the most iconic goals in European Championship history!
David Seaman’s goal kick sent the ball deep into Scotland’s half. Teddy Sheringham flicked it on to the left, where it found Gascoigne. Surrounded by two Scottish defenders, it seemed he had few options.
But this was Gazza’s moment. With ice-cold composure, he let the ball bounce and, with a deft flick of his left foot, lifted it over Colin Hendry. With his right foot, he hammered a half-volley into the net, leaving Goram helpless. The crowd erupted as Gazza celebrated by lying down in front of the stands, mimicking “The Dentist’s Chair” to the delight of the fans.
The Scots were left shell-shocked as England clinched victory and took control of their destiny in the group.
This was a game that had it all: goals, saves, fierce tackles, penalties, missed chances, incredible goals, and, above all, Paul Gascoigne at his brilliant best. The joy was short-lived as England crashed out in the semi-finals after a heart-breaking penalty shootout against Germany.
This marked the end of Terry Venables’ tenure as England manager, with his place taken by Glenn Hoddle. The country would have to wait until 2021 to experience similar excitement in the national team jersey. But “The Dentist’s Chair” celebration is still remembered as the peak of a golden summer in English football. The joy that Gazza brought to the England fans in that moment and the sheer audacity of the goal are still spoken of with reverence, a symbol of what might have been.
