The 1990s was a massive decade for popular culture as much as it was sport. Times steadily shifted from perms and mullets, to curtains, bangs and frosted tips - and this stylistic rebrand wasn't just contained to hair. Within football, the '90s saw the introduction of the , the birth of the , and a cool Italian stride of dominance, as everyone in the UK in particular, looked to for inspiration via Channel 4.
From 's heroics with France in '98 to 's wonder goal for England in '96, read on as this piece hones in on 1990s football and some of the finest midfield talents to take to the turf in the era - undoubtedly inspiring generations to come. Diego Maradona, Michel Platini and Ruud Gullit all made their mark in the 1980s. Paul Gascoigne is one of most naturally gifted footballers ever.
In the 90s he trailblazed an engaging path across many football fans' consciences. Initially, 'Gazza' wasn't a shoe-in for the Italia '90 squad as manager Bobby Robson had reservations around how he would handle the pressure. However, the midfielder dispelled those doubts with a Man of the Match display in a warm-up against Czechoslovakia.
Subsequently, he was one of the stars of the tournament. His skill and dribbling gave England fans hope as he helped England reach the semi-final before the tournament ended in tears. Though not quite the force he was in 1990, he lit up '96 with a brilliant goal and iconic dentist chair celebration against .
However, again, England would experience semi-final .