Paddy McGuinness

TV funny man Paddy McGuinness gives skysports.com his favourite memories from World Cup history.

Paddy McGuinness remembers some iconic memories from World Cup history

TV funny man Paddy McGuinness has joined forces with Pringles this summer to search for the nations' best goal celebrations in a football-themed version of the X-Factor. Whether it is the boys from Brazil famously rocking the baby in 1994 or Peter Crouch doing the robot for England, Pringles are now giving England fans the chance to showcase their own talents. Comedian McGuinness will be joined on the judging panel by Peter 'The Voice of X-Factor' Dickson at live auditions at London's Soho Theatre on 26th May, where football fans will perform their own weird and wonderful celebrations. Each fan will be expertly judged by the celebrity panel on their style, their humour and most importantly their volume, to ultimately crown England's best goal celebration.

World Cup memories

Mexico 1986

The players and the atmosphere were memorable. You had great players like Diego Maradona come into their own. He was electric, even without the Hand of God. Maradona was at his best in the 1980s and early 1990s. He was something else in his prime. When you are younger and watching these guys on TV, you do not pay attention to the off-the-field headlines, you only care that the lad can score amazing goals.

Italy 1990

England were starting to show signs of being a great team, with players like Gary Lineker, who got the Golden Boot at the previous World Cup in 1986 with hat-full of goals. By the time 1990 rolled around England were one of the best sides in the world and we all felt that this would be our year, as under Sir Bobby Robson we were excellent, our great individuals all came together as a side with class and commitment. I always remember that World Cup for us going so close.

World Cup celebrations

1990 was also the year that goal celebrations started to really become part of the game. The African sides started to show what they could do and everyone remembers Roger Milla for his corner flag wiggle. I think fans have started to take this on and that is why Pringles getting fans to show their own loud and proud celebrations is important. I just hope the fans and the players have plenty to celebrate this summer.

USA 1994

Republic of Ireland were memorable at USA 1994, Big Jack (Charlton) and the lads did a great job. I always remember John Aldridge on the sideline giving the linesman grief when he was not allowed on as a substitute.

Republic of Ireland 1 Italy 0 - 1994

Ray Houghton scored important goals, especially his winner against Italy when he lobbed it over Gianluca Pagliuca. It was also a scorcher of a tournament in terms of the weather. Players looked half dead on their feet, but still managed to play some great football.

Quick-fire round

World Cup winners?
Don't laugh, but I think England are in with a shout this time. I don't know why, but Fabio Capello has them playing well and if they can start to play as a unit and not as individuals, they can challenge. Beyond us, Argentina are all over the shop but with Lionel Messi upfront they always stand a chance. Top scorer?
Messi, simple as. The lad is simply class and if his team-mates can sort it out, then I think he can bag you at least six or seven goals. No-one since Geoff Hurst has managed a hat-trick in the final, but I think the little lad could easily grab one. Dark horses?
France had a torrid time in qualification, just edged out Republic of Ireland - cheeky, but I think they could be a surprise package with new players and the fact they know what it takes to win. How far can England go?
Realistically, anyone who has watched England over the years knows that we have not always been the greatest team, despite having great individuals, so sometimes the expectation is over the top. Having seen a few close calls, you resign yourself to the fact that maybe the semi-finals is as far as we can go, but this time, under Fabio Capello it feels different, more realistic and confident. Will Becks be missed?
Becks will be missed on the pitch, but I still think he should go along as part of the coaching staff. He still has a lot to offer. He will be able to give the younger players some support. If he had played that would have been four World Cups, but I cannot feel sorry for a lad with £60million in the bank. No can do. Gazza or Rooney?
Gazza at his peak was second to none, he had a few problems off the pitch, but in his prime he was a game-changer. Rooney will score you more goals, but Gazza was more of a character and I would have him every time. Pele or Maradona?
For me it was who I grew up watching, and that was Maradona. Pele is a legend no doubt, but Maradona was something else in his prime. Three Lions or World in Motion?
Definitely Three Lions, the 1996 version, let's forget about 1998, less said about that the better. I love the World Cup for getting the whole country behind the team and celebrating, these songs help to do that... some more than others mind you. A friend of mine runs a fancy dress shop and around a World Cup she has wall-to-wall England flags and stupid hats because people cannot get enough of it. Celebration is a big part of any World Cup as it gets everyone behind the team - hopefully it will do some good this time around. Pub or the couch?
I've promised myself I would watch every game, me and my mates have promised each other that we will try and watch anyone and everyone to really make the most of it. Probably England games at home with my mates, then down the pub for a few of the other big matches for some atmosphere with other fans. Club support?
I'm a Bolton fan and this season has felt about like same old, same old. Promising at times, especially under the new manager, Owen Coyle, but then disappointing for big chunks of the season. I do not get to watch them much, but I love it when I do. Trouble is that I am so busy during the week that if I went to my missus and said I am off to watch Bolton that would go down like a burning Spitfire. For more information on how you can audition, visit www.facebook.com/pringles/