GLENN HODDLE'S lucky 22 were denied the chance to comment on the wayward superstar who didn't make it as they arrived back in England from Murcia last night. The coach had instructed them to say nothing about the fate of Paul Gascoigne, whose arrival had preceded theirs by 24 hours after the midfielder was sensationally omitted from the World Cup finals squad.

The man himself seemed equally lost for words, only speaking briefly to the Sun newspaper after earlier ignoring reporters outside his estranged wife's home. He admitted that he had sworn at the England coach and, in tears, had to be dissuaded by David Seaman from begging Hoddle to change his mind. It is alleged he had earlier damaged some furniture - and in doing so himself - in a fit of anger, and needed help packing his bags. He rang his father to tell him to cancel the planned family trip to France, before flying out on Sunday night.

When those who had made the squad were greeted by a crowd of hundreds at Luton Airport, the players were not allowed to answer questions before being whisked away in a fleet of chauffeured cars for a few days of rest and relaxation with their families before the big kick-off in France. The players report back to Bisham Abbey to start the final countdown next Friday.