Although he struggled to find the net in the latter part of his international career, he will be particularly remembered for a hat-trick against the Poles at Wembley and a vital brace that beat Scotland at Hampden Park.

The sun shone on England and temporary manager Kevin Keegan as perennial rivals Poland were comprehensively beaten 3-1 in a European Championship qualifier in March 1999.

Andy Cole had been given his first England start alongside Alan Shearer – but it was Scholes, tucked in behind the front two, who emerged as England’s hero with a stunning hat-trick.

The carrot-topped star scored a priceless goal after ten minutes, anticipating Shearer’s knockdown on the edge of the box and lifting the ball over Polish ‘keeper Matysek as he rushed out to meet the danger.

On 21 minutes Scholes made it 2-0 as he nudged the ball in – probably with his shoulder – as David Beckham’s cross speared into the near-post area.

Brzeczek hit a low shot past David Seaman seven minutes later to make things interesting but it was Scholes who clinched the three points with a firm header with 20 minutes left.

Eight months later a Scholes double-whammy won the much-hyped "Battle of Britain" 2-0 in Glasgow.

An England team had not played at Hampden for ten years and a much smaller crowd than those far-off days when 130,000 would pile in was now stunned into silence by two first-half goals from Scholes.

He teased the ball away from Colin Hendry on 20 minutes and slotted home to give England the lead in the first leg of this Euro 2000 qualifying play-off.

Four minutes from half-time the Manchester United midfielder notched his second goal of the afternoon, stealing some space at the near post to flash a header past Neil Sullivan’s left hand.

Scholesy for the Three Lions: some great goals and so many more laid on for grateful England team-mates.

Whilst at Euro 2004, Paul spoke to TheFA.com. To watch the full video of his interview, click on one of the links below:

England TV  
Paul Scholes Exclusive