Terry Venables believes he once managed an England player who scored a goal that even Pele himself could not have bettered. Goals in football come in all shapes and sizes - from magical solo runs through crowded defences and thunderous long-range strikes to simple tap-ins and scruffy rebounds. What makes the game so special is its unpredictability.
An exceptional man-manager with a razor-sharp tactical acumen, Venables led England between 1994 and 1996 and is still regarded as one of the finest coaches to oversee the Three Lions. He helped restore belief after they missed out on the 1994 World Cup, recapturing the imagination of fans across the nation.
His reign is remembered most fondly for England’s famous 4-1 demolition of the Netherlands at Euro ’96 - a performance still hailed as one of their greatest ever. Venables also got the very best out of Paul Gascoigne, whose genius produced another unforgettable moment in the 2-0 win over Scotland during the group stage. When those two elements combined - Gascoigne’s brilliance and Venables’ guidance - it resulted in a goal that the former boss still raves about today.
Venables Claimed Pele Couldn't Have Bettered Gazza's Iconic Euro 96 Goal
MixCollage-18-Apr-2025-04-08-PM-7714
Pele scored an astonishing variety of goals throughout his career, showcasing his extraordinary skill, versatility, and trademark Brazilian flair while starring for Santos, the Brazilian national team, and later the New York Cosmos. His reported tally of 1,279 goals in 1,363 matches (including friendlies, according to Guinness World Records) spanned every type of finish imaginable.
Yet, according to Terry Venables, none quite compare to Paul Gascoigne’s iconic volley at Euro ’96. Speaking to The Guardian, Venables said (watch Gazza’s strike below):
“Pele at his best would not have bettered that movement and finish. It was a goal of unimpeachable quality, world-class, extraordinary, a wonder to behold. I could feel the crowd responding to what they were watching. I wanted a feast of football and I think it was at that moment I thought we could possibly provide it.”
Gascoigne Was One of the 90's Crown Jewels
Paul Gascoigne and England's away shirt at Euro 1996
Phil Foden tried - and many others did, too - but nobody will ever be quite like Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne - in style of play or haircut. One of England's finest footballers ever, the 1991 FA Cup winner with Tottenham is also regarded as one of the most naturally gifted talents in the industry, with his remarkable playmaking ability rubber-stamping him as a true English icon.
Gascoigne was adored during his playing career, sparking a national phenomenon known as 'Gazzamania,' which prompted television broadcaster Terry Wogan to dub him "probably the most popular man in Britain today" in September 1990. For the Three Lions, he was at the heart of the team's run to the 1990 World Cup semi-final.
While Gascoigne wasn't without his demons, with his well-documented problems with alcoholism and depression limiting the autumnal years of his career and spilling over into retirement, he was undoubtedly the biggest football name on the planet at his peak, and his fame coincided with an unbelievable footballing IQ. He is, to this day, many young players' ultimate idol.