FRANCE 98 – General Media News Template

England coach Glenn Hoddle insisted Monday that his shock decision to drop Paul Gascoigne was made for purely football and fitness reasons.

“There were some tears in his eyes when I told him, but you have to be an athlete these days,” said Hoddle, speaking at England’s pre-World Cup training camp in the southern Spain.

“I’ve got to have players who can play a full 90 minutes and I’m afraid Paul does not full into that category.” He’s not got himself in good shape. He just ran out of time. I’ve had to make a tough decision and I’m as disappointed as anyone that he will not be with us.” 

Hoddle admiited that his shock decision to drop the 31-year-old maverick Middlesbrough midfielder had created a strange atmoshphere among the 22-man final squad.

“There is a feeling in the camp that it was a difficult day, a strange day,”  said Hoddle. “But by the time we get round to meeting up again I am sure the spirit will still be good.” 

Asked if it was the hardest decision Hoddle had to make he replied: “No. You have to tell players of 18 that their careers are over. That is a far harder decision.” 

Hoddle was asked if Gascoigne’s lifestyle had shortened his career and replied: “We have played him before when he has not been 100 percent fit and, from what he has shown me in the last weeks, he is not fit.” I am not too worried whether people feel I am right or wrong. I have to make the decision.

“This is becoming a bit of a Paul Gascoigne situation but there are five other players who have been left out as well.” Hoddle revealed there were tears in Gascoigne’s eyes when he broke the news to him that he wouldn’t be going to France later this summer and that he had to be comforted by several of his England teammates. He said: “I am as disappointed as he is that is not going with us. I had a tough decision to make, as I did with all six players, not just Paul Gascoigne.” Paul and I had a chat for two to three minutes. It lasted no longer than that. It’s a great shame he has not got himself fit and it’s unfortunate he has had so many injuries over the last few months.” But there were some tears in his eyes certainly when he was with me. He was upset, but there were tears in some of the other players’ eyes as well. Some of the other players in the England squad went to console him.

“Paul reacted as I expected him to react. He was very disappointed.”