Bullard's debt to Gazza

Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard, England's newest recruit, today revealed that his idol is Paul Gascoigne.

Bullard, who impressed England coach Fabio Capello so much during his side's recent win over Arsenal that the Italian put him straight into his senior squad, has studied the former England, Newcastle and Tottenham star.

Bullard's style of play has been compared with Gascoigne and he said: "It's a fantastic compliment because he's one of my idols.

"I have a lot of videos on Gazza and if people are saying I'm like him then that is fantastic. At the end of the day, though, I'm Jimmy Bullard. I'm not trying to be anyone else."

If things had been different, Bullard could have been playing for Germany rather than England.

"I do have a German grandmother," said the 29-year-old, who once earned £60 a week playing for non-league Gravesend and Northfleet. "But I was born in England, I'm English and I'm proud to have the Three Lions on my chest."