Matt Le Tissier by no means performed for England once more after ‘what an fool’ mistake
For a player as gifted as Matt Le Tissier, the Southampton hero only made eight England appearances, and his cap tally was ended after his brother was branded an ‘idiot’
Matt Le Tissier’s England career was finished after his brother was labelled an ‘idiot’ by an FA official.
The Guernsey footballing star, turned tin foil hat wearer, was blessed with incredible technical ability but was never able to hold down a place in the England team.
The attacking midfielder only made just eight caps for England between 1994 and 1997, with his last international appearance being shrouded in controversy.
Le Tissier was called up to Glenn Hoddle’s squad for the crucial World Cup qualification clash against Italy in February 1997. However, it would prove to be the Southampton hero’s last game with his brother Karl Le Tissier putting his foot in it before kick-off.
Ahead of the game, Karl blabbed the details of his brother’s recall to the side – revealing Hoddle’s tactics hours before kick-off on BBC Radio. Karl explained what Matt had told him during the previous night’s phone call.
“He had no intimation whatsoever when the team was announced,” his brother told BBC Radio Guernsey, whose interview was later replayed by Radio 5Live. “He was very surprised. We were very surprised too, because he has played a lot better than he is at the moment and never got on.”
Karl further embarrassed his brother by revealing: “He’s got a free role just behind Shearer. Matt and McManaman both have the freedom to roam around.”
The FA were obviously furious, with one official said to have exclaimed “what an idiot” in regards to Karl’s loose lips. The Three Lions were beaten 1-0 via a Gianfranco Zola goal and Le Tissier was hooked off on the hour mark for Les Ferdinand.
Despite the defeat, England topped the group and qualified for the 1998 World Cup. Italy finished runners-up having drawn against Poland, Georgia and England in the final qualification game in the Stadio Olimpico.
Le Tissier failed to make the tournament squad that travelled to France and never featured for England again.
