When Paul Gascoigne went on his famous rampage after being omitted from the 1998 World Cup squad
by coach Glenn Hoddle, another experienced professional took his last-ditch removal with a spot more
dignity and reflection. Dion Dublin was massively disappointed not to make the cut, as it would have
represented the completion of his rise from gangly journeyman striker with Cambridge United to dangerous
Premiership pilferer with a World Cup under his belt.
But Hoddle instead plumped for the hardened international experience of Les Ferdinand. Dublin's debut had
come earlier in 1998 as England succumbed 2-0 to Chile at Wembley (alongside Dion that night was another
debutant - a certain exciting youngster by the name of Michael Owen)and those who afforded a spot of sentiment
could see a place in the final squad for the effective and articulateCoventry striker, whose goals were once again
prising the Sky Blues away from the foot of the Premiership table.
Dublin was picked again by Hoddle during the pre-World Cup training camp in North Africa, helping 18 year old
Owen celebrate his first England goal in a 1-0 win over Morocco. Two days later he came on as a sub in a final
warm-up against Belgium (see photo above), and despite genuinely not putting a foot wrong at any point,
he joined Gascoigne, Phil Neville, Andy Hinchcliffe and Ian Walker on the final axe list prior to pitching up in France.
Graceful and magnanimous in disappointment, Dublin got one last call from Hoddle at the end of the year for a
2-0 friendly win over the Czech Republic before the emergence of Emile Heskey put paid to any future hopes
of being England's option for a bigger player up front. (Matthew Rudd) |