Biography

Competed in the 1986 and 1990 FIFA World Cups.

Former footballer who played 62 matches for England and scored six goals.

His position was winger.

Unfortunately, he is remembered for being the player who missed the penalty in the semi-final shootout against West Germany that knocked England out of the 1990 FIFA World Cup.

Collaborated with fellow England midfielder Glenn Hoddle on the single "Diamond Lights", which reached 12 in the UK pop charts in 1987.

Look at the great players who've missed penalties, players like Michel Platini, Marco van Basten, Diego Maradona. It happens.

[on taking penalties] I was always happier scoring from 20 yards.

It makes me laugh when I see people trying to coach kids. You cannot coach seven-year-olds. I was never coached and I bet John Barnes was never coached, or Peter Beardsley, or Paul Gascoigne.

I'm not saying that just because you're a great player you'll be a great manager but people like John Barnes have a knowledge of the game you'll never find in any coaching book.

All fans want to see their teams win, but they love it even more when they're entertained as well. I like the thought of someone leaving the ground and going into work or the schoolyard on Monday morning and saying 'Hey, you should have seen what Waddle did to this full-back'. People always remember Johan Cruijff's back-heel flick far more than any goal he ever scored. That's what football's about. Giving people something to smile about.