Gary Lineker Recommends

The commentator and former footballer names his fantasy team of football autobiographies.

My audiobook dream team

'My fantasy team of football autobiographies is hugely entertaining to listen to. Gazza provides plenty of laughter and a fair few tears. His midfield partner in my fantasy team, Roy Keane, brilliantly explains what it takes to get to the top and stay there. I’ve chosen Arsene Wenger to coach my team and his book offers real insight into the way he helped transform the English game. Obviously I picked my friends and colleagues Alex Scott, Micah Richards and Ian Wright, but their books all get in on merit.

'With Diego Maradona and Glenn Hoddle both in my team you can hear contrasting views of the infamous Hand of God goal. And I’m naming Megan Rapinoe captain, because her book One Life proves she’s not just a brilliant footballer, but also a woman with real conviction and strong views on social justice.

'There's tonnes of great stuff to choose from in my team - enjoy listening when you’re not watching the World Cup!'

Get to know the team...

Paul Gascoigne

Gazza made 57 appearances and scored ten goals for England. His club career included Newcastle, Middlesborough, Lazio and Rangers.

Roy Keane

The former captain for Ireland, Roy also spent 12 years playing for Manchester United. Managed Sunderland and Ipswich Town.

Ian Wright MBE

With nine goals and 33 appearances for England Ian also made more than 500 appearances for six clubs including Crystal Palace and Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger OBE

A midfielder for four teams during his playing career Arsene followed this up with 34 years managing teams, including 22 years at Arsenal.

Alex Scott MBE

Alex scored 12 goals over 140 appearaces for England and enjoyed a 16-year club career including three stints at Arsenal.

Megan Rapinoe

Megan has two World Cup wins playing for USA under her belt and has made club appearances for seven teams including Olympique Lyonnais and OL Reign.

Diego Maradona

The Argentinian international scored 34 goals for his national team and later spent two years managing them. Written by Jimmy Burns.

Glenn Hoddle

Glenn scored eight goals for England and made 118 appearances for four clubs including Spurs and Chelsea. He managed England for three years.

Peter Schmeichel MBE

The goalkeeper for Denmark over 129 appearances and a 1992 Euros winner, Peter also played for seven clubs including Manchester United.

How to lift the cup

Football legend Gary Lineker and Spain’s World Cup winning midfielder Cesc Fabregas take a fun and entertaining look at what it takes to win the biggest prize in football. Across 14 episodes, they discuss whether your team needs a footballing genius, a top manager, the best tactics, a large slice of luck or some other secret ingredient! Gary and Cesc’s quest for the World Cup winning formula is a roller coaster ride full of larger than life footballing characters, secret dressing room tales and hilarious incidents on and off the field.

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