Glenn Hoddle's First England XI

We all love football nostalgia. It’s exactly why The Football Game Co. exists. So what better way to continue our brand new ‘First XI’ series on England managers than with Glenn Hoddle? Here’s a look back at his first game in charge, and the players he picked and brought off the bench.

David Seaman (GK)

Seaman earned 75 England caps between 1988 and 2002, establishing himself as England’s number one throughout the 1990s. He played at three European Championships and two World Cups, famously saving penalties and leading England to the semi-finals of Euro 96.

Gary Neville (RWB)

Neville won 85 caps for England from 1995 to 2007, playing in five major tournaments. He was England’s first-choice right-back for over a decade and a key part of the team’s defence during Hoddle’s reign and beyond.

Gareth Southgate (CB)

Southgate earned 57 England caps from 1995 to 2004, playing at Euro 96, Euro 2000, and the 1998 World Cup. He is best remembered for his penalty miss in the Euro 96 semi-final but went on to become England manager, leading the team to a World Cup semi-final and a Euros final.

Gary Pallister (CB)

Pallister earned 22 caps for England between 1988 and 1996. Though he didn’t feature in a major tournament, he was a dependable squad member during the early part of Hoddle’s tenure before losing his place as competition for centre-back grew.

Stuart Pearce (CB)

Pearce won 78 England caps from 1987 to 1999, playing in four major tournaments. Nicknamed “Psycho” for his fearless style, he famously scored a penalty in the Euro 96 shootout to banish the memories of his miss in 1990.

Andy Hinchcliffe (LWB)

Hinchcliffe earned seven England caps between 1996 and 1998, making his debut in this match. He was part of Hoddle’s early experiments with wing-backs but did not cement a long-term place in the team.

Paul Ince (CM)

Ince won 53 caps for England from 1992 to 2000, captaining the team on several occasions. He featured in two European Championships and the 1998 World Cup, known for his leadership and tough tackling in midfield.

David Beckham (CM)

Beckham earned 115 caps for England between 1996 and 2009, making his debut in this match. He went on to captain the team and become a central figure in England’s squads for the next decade, playing in three World Cups and two European Championships.

Paul Gascoigne (CM)

Gascoigne won 57 England caps between 1988 and 1998, playing at two World Cups and Euro 96. Widely considered one of England’s most talented players, he starred in Italia 90 and scored a stunning goal against Scotland at Euro 96.

Alan Shearer (ST)

Shearer earned 63 caps for England from 1992 to 2000, scoring 30 goals. He captained the team during Euro 2000 and was top scorer at Euro 96, where England reached the semi-finals.

Nicky Barmby (ST)

Barmby won 23 England caps from 1995 to 2001, playing at Euro 96 and Euro 2000. He was a versatile attacking option and featured prominently in the early part of Hoddle’s time as manager.

SUBS USED

David Batty (CM) 

Batty earned 42 England caps between 1991 and 1999. A combative midfielder, he played at Euro 96 and the 1998 World Cup, where he famously missed a penalty in the shootout defeat to Argentina.

Matthew Le Tissier (ST) 

Le Tissier earned eight England caps between 1994 and 1997, but despite his immense club talent, he never cemented a regular place in the national side. This match was one of his rare chances to impress for England.

What do you think of his team? Are you surprised? Should more players have had more caps under him?

If you’re into football trivia and love testing your knowledge with your mates, check out The Football Game – it’s the perfect way to bring a bit of that England nostalgia to your next quiz night.