FACES OF ENGLAND: PAUL GASCOIGNE

Paul Gascoigne, one of the finest footballing talents England has ever produced, is lending his support to the team’s tournament hopes at Euro 2012.

Gazza, who celebrates his 45th birthday this Sunday [27th May], unveiled a giant 13m x 10m image of himself which plays up to the famous ‘tongue out’ pose from his playing days.

The image of Gazza is the first in a series of ‘Faces of England’ from official England kit suppliers Umbro which celebrates icons of England. Over the coming months, other famous figures that represent English culture will appear on the billboard on Old Street, London.

Gazza said: “It brings a lump to my throat when I think about how proud I am to have played for my country. There’s nothing better than representing England - the buzz of the crowd and feeling the support of the whole country. Wearing the shirt again has brought back many happy memories and seeing myself on display in the capital, being celebrated as an icon of England is truly an honour.”

“I bumped into Colin Hendry recently and it [the game against Scotland] felt like only yesterday that I left him on the turf at Wembley. We delivered in style that day and I wish the current squad all the best this summer and hope they wear the shirt with pride.”

Images of Paul Gascoigne in the England home shirt will also appear on fly postering sites across England and you can hear more from him here.