Tuesday 31 March 2015 15:58, UK
In the first of a new series, Paul Ince describes his greatest game - England's draw with Italy in 1997, which guaranteed a place at the 1998 World Cup.
The then-Inter Milan midfielder was left bloodied by the elbow of Demetrio Albertini, requiring a bandage that would become iconic to England's battling performance in the qualifier in Rome.
The 47-year-old was made captain by manager Glenn Hoddle, and describes the delight he shared with team-mate Ian Wright before the game.
Ince said: "It’s the hardest thing when you need a point to not go on and win the game. We felt really confident we could go to Rome and get a win.
We achieved what we set out to achieve. We didn’t go out to play for a draw. We had chances to win the game.
"I was rooming with my mate Ian Wright, who isn’t the quietest at times. The door knocked, and the gaffer was outside.
"I was thinking: 'What does he want?' Either you’re not playing, he’s had a change of mind, or something else.
"He pulled me out, went outside, and he said: 'Listen Paul, I’m going to make you captain.'
"It’s one of those where you try not to smile. You’re absolutely buzzing inside, so excited. Went back in, told Wrightly, and we started jumping up and down on the bed. I couldn’t get to sleep until about half two.
"We achieved what we set out to achieve. We didn’t go out to play for a draw. We had chances to win the game. I think it’s one of those games where everyone had to play well and be on top of their game."
