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Gareth Southgate remembers Paul Gascoigne looking for England-Scotland inspiration

Paul Gascoigne celebrates his stunning goal against Scotland at Euro 96
Image: Paul Gascoigne celebrates goal against Scotland in the 'dentist's chair'

Gareth Southgate hopes there will be some Paul Gascoigne-style inspiration when England face Scotland on Friday night.

The interim England boss has fond memories of mercurial midfielder Gascoigne from his playing days, even recalling times when the squad used to let him 'pretend fish' in the team baths at the old Wembley.

Gascoigne is synonymous with the recent history of England v Scotland matches and Southgate revealed the lengths the squad went to before his famous Euro 96 goal to try and inspire his match-winning performance.

"In my time in football, he would be unique anyway in terms of personality," a smiling Southgate said as he looked ahead to the clash at Wembley Stadium in the World Cup European Qualifiers.

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"Obviously he was playing at Rangers at the time, so he had an even bigger motivation [to do well against Scotland]. I mean I am not sure emotional control was his style.

"I think Bryan Robson made him a fishing rod and he was fishing in the old Wembley baths, or pretend fishing because that was the only time he ever relaxed so make of that what you will.

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Gareth Southgate talks us through his England squad to face Scotland in their World Cup Qualifier on Friday. Pictures from FA TV

"God knows what he was actually fishing for. Whatever might have been floating in the bath, which is probably more pleasant before the game than it was after.

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"Only he could remember the celebration he was going to do, having scored a goal like that. How does it even cross your mind - 'oh yes, got to do the dentist's chair thing'?"

Interim England Manager Gareth Southgate issues instruction to his players during the FIFA 2018 World Cup Qualifier Group F v Slovenia
Image: Southgate will be in charge of England for the second time when Scotland visit

Southgate is keen that coaches allow players to try and flourish in the way Gascoigne did, when fit, throughout the 90s, although he admitted he would be "riddled with concern" if there was a repeat of the Hong Kong evening which spawned the famous dentist's chair celebration.

"Whether a character like that comes through the academy system the same way, I don't know," Southgate added.

"Certainly, I think we have got individuals who are talented and I've heard two or three talk in recent weeks about feeling the coaches at their clubs have allowed them to express themselves.

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England interim manager Gareth Southgate says he is pleased with the options available to him ahead of their World Cup Qualifier on Friday against Scotland

"I think that's an important message for all coaches."

Southgate is keen to use the footballing history between the two countries in his preparations and has gone as far as creating a video to show how important the fixture has been.

"You want to be involved in nights like this and as a player you have the chance to be one of the faces in the future," Southgate added.

GLASGOW, SCOTLAND - NOVEMBER 18:  Wayne Rooney of England celebrates after scoring his team's second goal during the International Friendly match between S
Image: Wayne Rooney scored twice in England's 3-1 win in Glasgow in 2014, their last meeting with the Scots

"I will show the players a montage of some historical stuff, some of them are in a couple of the clips. That, caps and medals is what football is about.

"From previous Scotland games, going back to some black and white stuff - that I am not in... it's been really nicely done. 

"You play for England, you are only looking after the shirt for the next person to come through, so there is some humility about that. All of those people have worn that number before and I think that is a good message for our players as well."

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