Gazza: A wayward genius keeping the demons at bay

An audience with Paul Gascoigne may not bring the eloquence of Peter Ustinov or David Niven, but his stories are wonderful and his personal story is still fascinating.

LEGEND: Paul Gascoigne looks on during the international friendly match between England and Brazil at Wembley. Pic: Michael Regan, The FA via Getty Images

PAUL GASCOIGNE was at Wembley on Saturday night, one of a number of stars from England's 1996 side to pay tribute to Terry Venables, their manager and mentor.

They also paid tribute to other departed heroes from the past, including Stan Bowles and Brazil legend Mario Zagallo, and Gascoigne, unfeasibly close to the Royal Box considering he is still considered one of football's bad boys, might well have been thinking: “There but for the grace of God go I.”