Hoddle’s England: The Road to France - Tapa dura

The inside story of England’s successful World Cup 1998 qualifying campaign, beginning with the appointment of Glenn Hoddle as England manager in the summer of 1996 through to the final nail-biting tie against Italy in Rome; plus a preview of England’s World Cup Final group in France.

The book features an in-depth profile of Hoddle and the reasons behind the choice of the ex-Spurs manager as England supremo. As the World Cup qualifying groups unfold, it goes on to give a full review of England’s progress, with first-hand accounts of the matches from players and manager alike, and conveys the tension and excitement behind such testing encounters as the trips to Moldova and Poland and the disappointment of the defeat at Wembley by Italy.

Written by an England fan for the fans, Hoddle’s England: The Road to France relives a fascinating journey by a new-look England team in search of their first international trophy for over 30 years.

More than thirty years have elapsed since England's footballers last tasted World Cup glory. Now there is a new air of optimism among the nation's supporters. Under the guidance of Glenn Hoddle, England have stormed through the qualifying stages of the 1998 competition and are one of the favourites to win football's premier world team trophy.

'The Road to France' chronicles that journey to the euphoria of Euro 96 and the start of the Hoddle era, it follows the England team's progress through the group matches, from the remotest outposts in the world to defeat on home soil by Italy; the victory against all odds in Poland; Le Tournoi, which sparked the turning point of England's World Cup campaign; and the memorable backs-to-the-wall performance in Rome. Finally, the book previews England's chances in the Finals following the draw for the group placings in France.

Journalist Harry Harris has been a close observer of the England team throughout the World Cup qualifying campaign, during which time he has had a unique opportunity to assess the mood swings of the camp. The main focus is on Glenn Hoddle as he demonstrates his resilience and single-minded approach, while at the training ground players like Paul Gascoigne, Tony Adams, Paul Ince and Ian Wright talk frankly about their counselling – from marriage guidance to rage control.

Featuring fly-on-the-wall interviews with key personalities travelling with the England party and refreshing insights into the headline-grabbing stories and moments of controversy that have surfaced en route to the 1998 World Cup Finals, 'The Road to France' is a fascinating insider's story of England's footballing renaissance.