Excellent player in his day, but obviously his desire for celebrity status raised his name above far better players.
I remember seeing him in the flesh as a kid back in the 90s, and he terrified you when the ball went onto his right foot. I can't remember many players where there is such anticipation or tension (depending on your viewpoint) when a player is about to strike a ball. Maybe the likes of Nedved lining up a shot, or Roberto Carlos with 10 yards to run into.
He always tried his best for England, even if the end of his international career was a total sham.