Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast The Game

It goes from bad to worse for Manchester United. A humiliating loss to Como followed by captain Bruno Fernandes turning on the manager. Is this now a power struggle between player and manager...if so, who wins?

Aside from the chaos off the pitch what is the problem on it, is it about players not trying, poor coaching or just a simple lack of ability?

Will Michael Carrick still be manager in a weeks time?

Elsewhere, Harry Kane shows why he's in line for the Ballon D'or, Liverpool's up and down performance, another PSG masterclass and a big weekend for Spurs and Chelsea.

Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd join Tom Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke and Times journalist and former football league player Gregor Robertson cover all the latest from The Championship, League One and League Two.

Are Birmingham City's ambitious plans finally coming to fruition? The big time American owners have long talked about reaching the top flight, they are now fourth in the table and looking very strong. what chance they are in the promotion spots come May?

West Ham, Middlesbrough and possibly West Brom look very likely to be in the mix who else is going to join them? And did you see Isaac Price's penalty for West Brom!?

Can Jamie Vardy lead Burnley out of the relegation zone, he got his first goal, but the clarets still lost their problems are at the back.

Plus a tough week for Charlton, Preston and Bristol City.

In League One it's back to back wins for Russell Martin at Leicester, win of the weekend goes to Huddersfield and goal of the weekend Gbemi Arubi with a half way line strike for Burton Albion.

League Two and Matt Taylor is turning things around at Exeter, Salford keep winning and a goalkeeper assist for Jed Ward at Walsall.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brighton can't stop scoring. twenty three goals in the opening seven games is the fourth best in Premier League history. Are Fabian Hurzeler's team serious top four contenders? In beating local rivals Crystal Palace 5-0 they have piled the pressure on manager Pierre Sage, could he be the first managerial casualty of the season?

Diego Gomez scored a stunning fifty metre goal for Brighton's second, where does it rank in the great long distance goals?

Fulham got a much needed win at home to Hull who are now winless in five. But Fulham manager Alvaro Arbeloa is still to win over the Craven Cottage faithful.

Who has created the most chances this season...? Liverpool's hundred million pound flop Florian Wirtz...was his and Liverpool's win a Brentford a turning point or just a reflection of playing against ten men for a half?

Plus, a hard earned point for Michael Carrick at Elland Road, a Chelsea clean sheet and will Arsenal ever be free scoring?

Tom Clarke join Gregor Robertson, Kit Shepard and Pete Rutzler

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lisandro Martinez chucked a hand grenade into the Man Utd dressing room when he questioned the quality of the clubs signings and the man responsible - technical director Jason Wilcox - Why is Britain's 'biggest' club incapable of stability?

Did PSG produce the best football played since Pep Guardiola's all conquering Barca side? in the second half Man City then showed their quality and strength in depth as they put in a barnstorming performance.

The independent football regulator report has been released, its findings suggest the majority of English football clubs are on the edge of financial disaster. Will the report change anything or is it another toothless measure...

Plus, great wins for Liverpool and Villa and a tail of two strikers in Victor Gyokores and Nicolas Jackson

Gregor Robertson joins Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft and Tony Cascarino.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of a full set of midweek fixtures a quick catch up on the EFL with all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two.

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson run the rule over the weekend results, Tonda Eckert, Robbie Savage and an 'absolute exocet' of a goal in League Two.

A suspended ban and a small fine puts spygate behind Tonda Eckert and Southampton, the decision celebrated with a win over local rivals Portsmouth.

Swansea, Stoke and QPR showed they are not going away with impressive performances against Norwich, Bolton and West Ham.

Burnley got their first win of the season, but at Preston Graham Alexander couldn't mark his first game in charge with a win as his side lost at home to Millwall.

In League One the 'flowing locks' derby saw Robbie Savage win his first game in charge at Peterborough, piling the pressure on Leicester boss Russell Martin.

In League Two look out for as pure a strike as you will see at Barnet and Salford go from strength to strength.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City looked worth every penny of the money spent on them as they beat Liverpool at Anfield. But the result left a strange taste as many wondered what it meant. Is the integrity of the league at stake as all results involving Man City have an asterix until the punishment is announced. Could city 'win' the league only to then be relegated?

Liverpool had a front line including two hundred million pound players, neither produced. How worried should the club be about Florian Wirtz?

Jordan Henderson showed he wasn't just a 'vibes' signing when he scored twice and brought some calm to Chelsea's midfield.

Fulham contrived to lose again, Palace nicked three points and Brighton continue to impress.

Spurs took a lot of encouragement from a ten man draw with Man Utd. Not so Manchester United though - six points from the opening six games and a team lacking identity...how much pressure is Michael Carrick under?

And six games in the table has a refreshing look with Brentford and Brighton in the top four and Hull in 8th...can it last?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League returns, Man City punishment needs carful thought and where do Bellingham and Kane rank?

Are Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham in your top five England greats? Martin Samuel picks the best England players he's seen and Tony Cascarino picks the best five he's played against.

Manchester City plan to appeal, but if they are not successful could their punishment sink them as a club?

Messi retired in front of 80,000 adoring fans. Cristiano Ronaldo left in protest at being an used substitute, will his career end in a whimper?

And the Premier League finally returns with some big games this weekend - Liverpool City, Man Utd Spurs and will Gyokores replace Havertz for Arsenal?

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson join Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson return with all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two.

There are some big games in the Championship with third against fourth as Middlesbrough play Wolves and derbies at West Ham who take on QPR and West Brom at home to Birmingham.

Perhaps the most interesting story of the international break was Graham Alexander leaving Bradford City to return to Preston North End. Why do managers leave clubs flying high in one league to go to teams at the bottom of another? Alexander joins a list including Rob Edwards, Matt Bloomfield and Russell Martin. Do these moves ever pay off?

Plus, Robbie Savage takes the reigns at Peterborough, Ian holloway is losing it - again and the best irrelevant goals ever scored.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As expected MAnchester City are to appeal against the guilty verdicts handed down to them by the independent commision. But what does that mean...will the whole affair drag on for another eight years? Matt Lawton brings us the latest - how long will the appeal take and what chance does it have of succeeding?

If City lose and the punishment relegates them - will their big stars stick around?

After the break, just how good were England? James Gheerbrant was at the match and thinks Jude Bellingham is looking like Zinedine Zidane...hyperbole or justified? Who else stood out and is this the start of something special or a one off?

Tom Clarke joins Tony Cascarino, Matt Lawton and Alyson Rudd.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League have released their statement regarding the findings against Manchester City and it is a scathing assessment.

The independent commision referenced 'sham contracts' to reduce costs and inflate revenues disguising over nine hundred million pounds worth of 'secret funding' in the process.

The findings also make claims of false evidence and agreements or contracts designed to deceive.

For the very latest Gregor Robertson joins Chief Sports Correspondent for The Times Matt Lawton who has been leading on the story and The Times Chief Football Correspondent Jonathan Northcroft

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City have been found guilty of the vast majority of the 115 charges against them - what happens next? Relegation, points deduction, transfer embargo, financial fines...? What are the potential sanctions on offer? What does it mean for City and for the teams most affected by City's breaches? The Times Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler has covered this story for near eight years and joins the team to discuss what the sanctions could be and when it could be announced.

Plus, did England embrace the chaos against Spain? They showed more defensive frailty, conceded numerous chances and looked unlikely to beat the world Champions, even if Harry Kane had scored his penalty. So, are they any closer to going one step further at major tournaments?

And finally, Tom Allnutt looks at academies turning back to street football to try to unearth the spark of unpredictable brilliance missing from an overly structured youth football set up.

Tom Allnutt, Martyn Ziegler, Gary Jacob and Tony Cascarino join Gregor Robertson

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

International football returns for the first time since the World Cup and England manager Thomas Tuchel isn't sure he can coach his players to play possession football - and some of his players seem to agree. Is that what the FA get for five million a year, a manager who can't coach? Or is it more complicated than that? While England go through their usual bout of soul searching German football hopes that Jurgen Klopp can do for them what he did for Liverpool and return them to their former glory.

And how will Zinedine Zidane harness the immense talent on offer to the French national team

Plus, five game into the Premier League what have we learnt? Can Arsenal defend their way to a title or can City score their way to a title?

Gregor Robertson joins Martin Samuel, Tony Cascarino and James Gheerbrant…

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EFL EXTRA: Dockers and Black Country Derbies

All the latest news from the EFL. This week Gregor Robertson is joined by Joe Harston.

Two big derby's as West Ham staged an impressive comeback at Millwall in the dockers derby and Wolves got the bragging rights over West Brom in the Black country derby.  

Swansea came from behind to beat Lincoln and stay top, Preston couldn't quite cash in on the new manager bounce as they let a two goal lead slip at QPR. Was a point enough to save Nicky Hayen at Burnley. 

A match report from Lincoln Swansea and a it is a big week for Southampton as Tonda Eckert finally faces his hearing over 'Spygate' - will there be an additional sanction? 

In League One, Bradford hit the top, can they maintain their good form? Yet more woe for Russell Martin at Leicester and a painful miss at Stevenage.

Finally in League Two, three unbeaten teams at the top of the tabel, with Barnet showing no signs of a dip in form.   

Plus, who do Gregor and Joe think are outsiders for the Championship play offs?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Brighton and Brentford put in master class performances to humble Arsenal and Chelsea. Both teams looked organised, robust and hugely impressive. By contrast despite the money spent Chelsea lacked cutting edge and were shakey at the back. For Arsenal was it a timely warning that the defence of their title won't be as easy as some thought? So, can Brighton and Brentford make it into the top four... 

On paper have Man City actually got the best starting eleven? 

At the other end of the table Spurs go into the international break winless, what does De Zerbi do next? 

Coventry got their much needed and well deserved first win of the season and Liverpool won too, but Wirtz struggled again. 

Finally, is Man Utd's main problem central midfield..?

Gregor Robertson joins Tom Allnutt, Alyson Rudd and Pete Rutzler 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two defeats in a week, including the Manchester derby, losing a two goal lead at home for the first time in fifty years and then a young star asks to leave - the problems are mounting for Manchester United and Michael Carrick. 

Is it all football related or have the 'biggest club in England' still not solved their off pitch issues?

Another wonderkid, Max Dowman goes from strength to strength as he scores two and looks at home for Arsenal - how long until he is a regular starter? And just what does a seventeen year old at a top club get paid?

It is easy to forget but Leeds put in an impressive display to beat Newcastle on Monday night, how far can Daniel Farke's side go? And a successful European bow for Sunderland 

Lastly, more VAR fallout and is the Premier League suffering a talent drain?

Tom Clarke is joined by jonathan Northcroft, Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two with Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson. 

Another big win for West Ham sends them top, Southampton are climbing, Swansea and West Brom are surprise packages with Wolves and Middlesbrough looking good - could they all win the Championship? Is it down to just two or three or are there outsiders who are yet to show their best?

At the bottom Preston sack Heckingbottom after another defeat; could Nicky Hayen at Burnley be next?

In League One Russell Martin got a huge win for Leicester City and gave an emotional interview discussing the hostility directed towards him, but will his win away at Stockport be enough to turn around an unhappy fan base at the King Power. 

Wycombe sack their manager Michael Duff and immediately get a win; Neil Harris works his magic at Cambridge and quickest team goal at Plymouth.

In League Two are York City looking at back to back promotions and Gregor's old club Grimsby have a candidate for goal of the weekend.

Plus the usual goal, moment and result of the weekend in each division.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Man City and Arsenal are joint top. Huil impress at Chelsea, Spurs can't score and centre halves sometimes score absolute screamers.

But sadly, the headlines are all about VAR...again. This time an 'error of judgment' is the reason Haaland's fine finish was not disallowed at Old Trafford.

A quick assessment of where we're at with VAR before a look at a new attacking approach from Enzo Maresca and a lack lustre response from Man Utd.

Arsenal win again, is it too early to consider an unbeaten season...if not, who beats them?

Unai Emery has his work cut out at Villa, can he rebuild his team?

Are Hull City over achieving or were their players just underrated?

What's the best goal you've sen scored by a centre back and last but not least Tottenham play Liverpool on Tuesday in the EFL Cup is it too soon for either club to be worried...? 

Tom Clarke joins Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant Peter Rutzler.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Solid home wins for Liverpool and Man City, a strong away wins for Arsenal and Villa mean the English teams have started well in Europe. 

Martin Samuel thinks there is no reason why all the English teams should not be qualifying for the last 16.

While there are some potent front three's around, no team compares to Arsenal's defensive strength - 

how would Arsenal reserve team do in the Premier League?

Mauricio Pochettino thinks Spurs should be award the 2016/17 title because of Chelsea's admitted rule breaches. Would that be opening Pandora's box?

After the break is Harry Kane going to win the Ballon d'or? Who is he up against and does he deserve it. 

Is football more fun and games where there is no VAR? If it is, could it ever be ditched at the top level?

Plus, football never ends, with a thrilling Chelsea six Leeds three cup win being overshadowed, are we in danger of reaching saturation point? 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A week is a long time in the football league, and West Ham used back-to-back matches to kickstart their season with two big wins.

Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson as Nuno Espirito Santo's team finally get moving in The Championship and there's more impressive results for Swansea, Middlesbrough, West Brom and Bristol City. 

Elsewhere the guys wonder whether Jamie Vardy's arrival is really going to be enough to save Nicky Hayen at Burnley? And Tom is upset with Wolves manager Cesar Peixoto. 

In League One it goes from bad to worse for Russell Martin and Leicester and it's screamers galore in League Two. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal put on a dominate display to beat potential title rivals Chelsea. Despite going one down after only a minute the Gunners looked calm, confident and positive throughout. Was it the benefits of having a title under their belts or a new approach from Mikel Arteta? Chelsea have arguably the best attack in the league, but have they left themselves short in defence and midfield?

Alexander Isak is starting to prove his worth at Liverpool, but was their win just as much about Ipswich's poor performance?

A great game at Fulham as Palace won 3-2. but are Fulham "just too much fun to watch?" Could it see therm in a relegation fight?

Plus, is Josh King in line for an international call up and what do Tottenham and Manchester United make of their draws...progress or cause for concern?

Tom Allnutt, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd join Tom Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a crazy summer transfer window in which 3.5 billion pounds was spent and multiple 100 million transfers between English clubs - has the transfer market gone mad? Inlafted prices, last minute deals... is the Premier League an outlier, or is it the new norm for football transfers. 

Which club had the best window and which was the best individual transfer?

Arsenal have hit the ground running, but after a promising attacking start, is it going to be the same defensive focus as last season.

Plus, a look ahead to the weekends action.

Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Gary Jacob join Tom Clarke

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson with all the latest from the Championship, League One and League Two.

Wolves and Southampton already look to have so much strength in depth for Championship level "it is scary.". But it's Charlton who are top on nine points, can they keep it up...

Who is the beat striker in the division?  

In League One Blackpool are on the front foot and Stockport look good as they get back to winning ways.

Plus the South Yorkshire derby in League Two, Salford still winless and Walsall are up there...again!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hull sit proudly at the top of the table. Is it a freak or have the Tigers, and the other promoted clubs been misjudged?

Ipswich were thumped at Old Trafford, but their performance had many positive signs. While Man Utd looked to have rediscovered some swagger. Who shone brightest, Fernandez, Rashford or Mainoo.

After the break familiar horribly memories at Spurs as they lose again - but will it be different this time? A very positivity start on Tyneside for Matthias Jaissle. 

Will Bradley Barcola fix any of Liverpool's problems? 

Plus, what is the transfer you'd most like to see happen and are Chelsea really different under Xabi Alonso? 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Forest pay fifty million for Liam Delap; City buy a teenager for eighty five million and Spurs sign second stringer Savio also for eighty five million. Has the Premier League transfer market gone mad?

Xabi Alonso's Chelsea looked good in their first run out of the season, if they sign a keeper could they be challengers to Arsenal? 

As teams struggle to compete financially is it a level playing field or stacked in favour of 'the old guard'?

And have UEFA lost their nerve in their battle with Gianni Infantino?

Gregor Robertson joins Tony Cascarino, Jonathan Northcroft and Martin Samuel

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our weekly look at all the latest from the EFL with Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson.

Plenty of surprises in week two of the Championship. West Ham lost at home in front of sixty two thousand fans, are their players ready for a tough season in the second tier?

No wins for fancied Norwich, Birmingham or Burnley. At the top Millwall may have a new star up front in Taryk Arconte and West Brom have started where they left off last season with two impressive wins. And special mention to Blackburn Rovers after a big win over Middlesbrough,  

League One Bradford win a Yorkshire derby, a miserable start for Leicester and goals galore for Luton.

In League Two favourites Salford tough start continues, But what was the game of the weekend? 

Plus have we already seen the goal of the season - Dom Ballard's 18yd back heel could be it.

Did you see Gregor play football, do you have anything nice to say? Get in touch.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League is back and if the opening weekend is anything to go by it could be an unpredictable season. 

Hull shocked Man United, Brentford reminded Roberto De Zerbi of the tough job he faces at Spurs and Brighton thumped Villa. 

Promoted Ipswich got a big win, Man City got a late winner and Liverpool levelled with the last kick against an impressive Newcastle. 

Champions Arsenal made it look easy against Coventry plus wins for Leeds and Everton. 

Gregor Robertson is joined by Gary Jacob, Alyson Rudd and James Gheerbrant

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026/27 Premier League season is here. So, it is prediction time.

Who is going to win it, who is in the top four? Who's getting relegated, who could be looking over their shoulders?  

Plus who will be the surprise packages, who are we most excited to see and which manager will come under pressure first?  

Tom Clarke is joined Chief football correspondent for The Times and Sunday Times and football journalist of the year Jonathan Northcroft, the former Chelsea, Villa and Celtic player Tony Cascarino and journalist and former footballer Gregor Robertson.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Football League is back and as unpredictable as ever. 

Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to discuss the opening weekend in The Championship, League One and League Two after plenty of reminders of why these divisions are so hard to call. 

Will Lankshear scored twice to get promotion chasing Middlesbrough off to a winning star but West Ham, Burnley and Wolves all draw. There was controversy as West Brom surprise Norwich and Southampton endured a difficult weekend as they sold their best player and lost at Watford. 

Gregor has a new hero in a gold mask in League One and Tom apologises to Salford fans for jinxing their start in League Two. 

Tom also has a new charity pledge to try and appease the fans who want VAR in the football league...

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Arsenal clear favourites to retain the title? Do Man City really need more players and are Chelsea dark horses? Just some of the questions we answer in the first of our Premier League Preview shows.

Tom Clarke, Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Pete Rutzler also look at which teams need more signings before the season starts and could some big players still be on the move. 

Plus, which teams might be taking a worried look over their shoulders at the promoted clubs - Fulham, Everton, Palace, Sunderland?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke is joined by the Times Joe Harston and Kit Shepard and EFL stalwart Gregor Robertson to preview the start of the EFL season which kicks off this weekend!

Can anyone stop West Ham? And is Jarrod Bowen going to run away with the Golden boot? We discuss how the Hammers will cope with the pressure of having to win every week having just dropped into the Championship

Elsewhere we look at how well equipped the other two relegated sides, Burnley and Wolves are to have an immediate return to the Premier League.

How much of an impact will spygate have on Southampton's season? It may be last season's story but the scandal is still set to have a prominent role in the terraces and the media throughout the season.

And Tom tells us why his beloved Lincoln will silence their doubters and remain in The Championship following their promotion from League One.

Elsewhere we look at how Leicester will cope in League One and is this finally the year that Salford City get their coveted promotion from League Two?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Gary Jacob and Tony Cascarino to continue the build up to the new Premier League season which is less than two weeks away!

Bruno Guimares has signed for champions Arsenal, we ask what impact the Brazilian will have on the Gunners midfield and we herald the return of experienced and sensible transfers after they shelled out £75 million for the 28 year old.

One Brazilian in the door, but another one will be staying in Madrid, we ask who the Gunners should turn to now that Vinicius Jnr has chosen to stay in Madrid, and if Marcus Rashford is a realistic option to fill the void on the left wing.

Elsewhere Tony tells us why he's so excited by what Chelsea can do under Xabi Alonso, we ask if Spurs can get back into top 5 under Roberto De Zerbi and can Oliver Glasner last the full season under Evangelos Marinakis?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke check's in with the Times Chief Sports reporter Martyn Ziegler who brings us right up to speed with all the latest surrounding under pressure FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

He remains in charge.....for now, following an emergency meeting in Morocco, but he has apologised for his handling of the FFE proposals which rocked the football world last week.

Martyn explains why Infantino won't go away without a fight and tells us why he's confident this saga will spell the end of any future proposals to sell off part of the World Cup by Infantino and whoever ends up replacing him.

Away from all the FIFA chaos, we hear from The Times man in Merseyside Paul Joyce who tells us why Andoni Iraola has a lot of work to do to get Liverpool contending for the Premier League next season after a frustrating summer of transfer activity at Anfield.

And we hear why David Moyes could be under pressure at Everton if they fail to get off to a decent start to the new season.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What next for Gianni Infantino and FIFA?

Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Tom Allnut and Tony Cascarino to discuss what the future holds for the controversial FIFA President after a number of FA's across Europe publicly withdrew their support for him following his attempt to sell off a stake in the World Cup.

We ask if we have really seen the end of this story for good and compare the similarities with UEFA's introduction of a new Champions League format in the wake of the failed Super League.

Away from the FIFA scandal, Tom Allnut talks us through hs article on Real Madrid and how new manager Jose Mourinho will get the best out of England's Jude Bellingham.

And we ask which teams are we excited by, intrigued by and worried by, with the new Premier League season less than three weeks away!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another huge day in the biggest story in football - Tom Clarke is joined by Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter at The Times and the man who broke the news of FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the tournament.

In this special, snap episode Martyn offers an update on who has spoken out against the plans, why they will not proceed and whether it could be the end of Gianni Infantino as FIFA President.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a dramatic day! Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Tom Allnutt and James Gheerbrant to discuss FIFA, Gianni Infantino and their plans to sell the World Cup.

The panel call for action and a strong response and before we could finish editing we got that strong response, as UEFA announce they will boycott all future FIFA competitions - Tom rejoined the show to give us the latest.

As if that wasn't busy enough, in part two the team discuss Eddie Howe's shock departure from Newcastle, Chelsea's surprise pursuit of Jordan Henderson and wonder if Xabi Alonso's team will be title challengers.

There is also transfer talk too as Tottenham vow to make another 'bomba' signing and Liverpool eye Bradley Barcola.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke speaks to The Times Chief Sports reporter Martyn Ziegler - following his exclusive story in detailing FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plans to offer 'stakes' in the World Cup.

What are the plans? Why does it matter and what happens next? 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Game is back on tour, speaking with Pete Rutzler who is following Chelsea (and Spurs) down under. The Blues have been spending big, will there be any out goings and how will new manager Xabi Alonso deploy his new talent?

Ian Whittell is in America following Liverpool's tour and saw their first preseason game against Sunderland. Who caught the eye, how is Iraola adapting and will there be more signings?

After the break Tom Clarke joins Ian Hawkey to break down the international manager scene with Klopp and Tuchel already in post could Guardiola or Conte be joining them? And how will Mourinho get on at Madrid? 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

While the World Cup has been on there has been plenty of transfer activity in the Premier League. The record fee has been broken twice by Elliot Anderson to Man City then Morgan Rogers to Chelsea - so is £100 million now the going rate for a midfielder? 

Spurs are spending big, Villa are selling big and Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool have done nothing big ... yet.

There have been managerial changes at Fulham and Forest and injuries are the changing which clubs need to do what business all the time.

Tom Clarke runs through all the latest news with Alyson Rudd, Gary Jacob and Tony Cascarino

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, it is finally over. World Cup 2026 didn't get the final it deserved but it was a fabulous festival of football. 

Tom Clarke, Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Tom Allnutt assess the final - a disgraceful display from Argentina but a footballing triumph for Spain.

Then we pick our team of the tournament, reflect on England and hear from Tom Allnutt who suggests England players could learn from Spain by producing players who are better at thinking for themselves in pressure situations. 

Plus best moments, worst teams and favourite memory. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Well, if the final is as much as fun as that we're in for a treat. 

England beat France 6-4 in a frankly bonkers match to take the bronze medal and finish third, their best World Cup performance since lifting the trophy in 1966. Tom Clarke is joined by Matt Lawton and Ian Whittell who offer their thoughts on whether this helps ease the pain for Thomas Tuchel and what it means for France. 

And then it is onto the big one: Spain vs Argentina. Tom speaks to Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp and Spanish football expert Ian Hawkey to assess both sides, discuss the two managers and get excited for Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal. 

And of course there are some predictions too. We can't wait.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's time, for the biggest game of the tournament, France vs England... well, we tried. But whilst the world might not be excited about the third-place play-off, we have still got loads to talk about. 

Tom Clarke is joined by Jonathan Northcroft in Manhattan to discuss England's footballing DNA, what 'shocked' him about the Argentina defeat, thoughts on the final and more nonsense from FIFA. 

Tom also chats to our European Football expert Ian Hawkey about Didier Deschamps legacy as France coach and who might follow in his footsteps. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did Thomas Tuchel tell his players to sit back and defend, or were they just not able to maintain their pressing...the England inquest is gathering pace. 

There seems unity of opinion that manager Thomas Tuchel has questions to answer. Will he step forward or will the FA wait until their review is complete ?

Tom Clarke chats to Matt Lawton for the latest on Tuchel's future and Martin Samuel discusses England's wider problems.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the end England fell shore, again. One up with half an hour to go England sat back, ceded ground then succumbed as Argentina seized the initiative and scored two late goals. 

Where did it go wrong this time? Did Tuchel lose his nerve, was it all down to Messi do England have an inferiority complex? 

Jonathan Northcroft and Paul Hirst bring immediate reaction from the ground before Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd dissect a disappointing night for England.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two camps, two journalists, both predicting England wins. What could possibly go wrong? 

Tom Clarke is joined by Jonny Northcroft in the England camp and Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp to discuss the second big semi-final and gets the latest news and predictions. 

In part two Tom is joined by Gregor Robertson to discuss Spain's impressive win against a disappointing France and ask what went wrong for the favourites? And can anyone stop Spain in this form? 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He's a World Cup star and one of the best in the world but Kylian Mbappe's leadership has shone at this World Cup, on and off the pitch. 

Martin Samuel joins Tom Clarke to discuss the France forward and preview their semi-final with Spain. 

Martin also offers his thoughts on Jude Bellingham, Thomas Tuchel and why he believes England can beat Argentina.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do England beat Argentina? Both teams looked exhausted after their quarter final wins, will recovery be the key? Gregor Robertson thinks the battle is out wide, Tom allnutt thinks Argentina have more in the tank. 

Does the post game spat between Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham really matter, Tony Cascarino thinks it is a sign of a healthy dressing room?

In the first semi-final France play Spain. France are the dominate team of the last decade but are Spain the team best placed to beat them?

Tom Allnutt explains how the unique mix of cultural diversity, street football and french football academies have laid the ground to create this outstanding French team.

Plus, is this the best World Cup ever? Who is your cult hero of the tournament and score predictions for the semi finals.

Tom Clarke is in the chair.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

That was tense! England beat Norway thanks to another brace from Jude Bellingham and possibly a bit of help from a spider cam.

Tom clarke is joined by The Times head of Sport James Restall and Gregor Robertson for immediate reaction to England reaching a World Cup semi final.

In part two Paul Hirst was there on another tough night for Argentina. They're through to face England but they made hard work of beating Switzerland. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Four Times journalists, four assertions that England are favourites. But can Thomas Tuchel's side deliver? 

Tom Clarke talks to Matt Lawton and Tom Allnutt about England v Norway and also hears from Alyson Rudd - the writer who backed the Norwegians to win the tournament - about any conflict she may feel for this one. 

The Tom Tom Club also analyse Spain's win against Belgium and debate whether they need to improve to beat France and if it is time Mikel Merino got a start. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The hype and excitement is building for England's quarter-final with Norway and our Chief Football Correspondent Jonathan Northcroft can see a route to the final for Thomas Tuchel's side. 

In part two he joins Tom Clarke to discuss the latest news from the England camp and the emergence of Anthony Gordon as a vital player. Tom also shares his worries about the England stars who are one booking away from missing a potential semi-final.

In part one Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant chat to Tom about France's 2-0 win in the quarter-final against Morocco. 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We've reached the business end of the tournament. Some big names have fallen by the wayside but no really big shocks. We have six European teams, Morocco from Africa and Argentina from South America. 

Belgium have been 'deeply average' at times; Spain haven't really got going.

England, a dramatic result in Mexico aside haven't looked convincing. Norway have proved them selves legitimate dark horses.

Argentina are street wise, the swiss are experienced. Morocco pur in midfield and France, has there ever been a better forward line?

Who progresses, who goes home?

Tom Allnutt, Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke do their best to predict each of the quarter finals.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.