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The Game

The Game

The Times 1331 Episodes Jul 10, 2026

The Game is a football podcast from The Times and The Sunday Times, offering previews and reviews of matches every Monday and Thursday. Hosted by Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson, it covers the Premier League, EFL, Champions League, European Championships, and World Cups. The show features tactical analysis, data insights, transfer news, and special guest appearances.

Episodes

WORLD CUP DAY 29: Why England should make the final Jul 10, 2026 28:01 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
WORLD CUP DAY 28: Quarter Final Previews Jul 9, 2026 47:48 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 ho
WORLD CUP DAY 27: Argentina win another thriller, is England their destiny? Jul 8, 2026 47:26 Lionel Messi delivers again, dragging Argentina past Egypt in a thrilling game packed with great goals and yet more VAR controversy. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson and Paul Hirst to discuss that amazing match and debate, once more, the refereeing decisions at this World Cup. In part two Martin Samuel joins Tom to reflect on his memories of the Azteca and England's potential rou
WORLD CUP DAY 26: Ronaldo out and Balogun can't save USA Jul 7, 2026 42:27 So, it turns out Folarin Balogun didn't make a difference anyway. USA produced a dismal - and maybe distracted - display against a brilliant Belgium side, losing 4-1 to crash out of the tournament and mean that we have no co-hosts left. Peter Rutzler and James Gheerbrant join Tom Clarke to discuss that match and also Spain's win against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo bowing out of the World Cup
WORLD CUP DAY 25: England's epic win in the Azteca Jul 6, 2026 47:12 What a game, what a performance, what a result! It was an England performance for the ages as they beat a passionate Mexico team in their own back yard - The Azteca.There were outstanding performances all over the pitch with Jude Bellingham taking the headlines with two brilliant goals. Another from Harry Kane, a red card, twelve minutes of added time, finger tip saves and last ditch clearances fr
WORLD CUP DAY 24: England braced for Azteca and France survive a kicking Jul 5, 2026 46:23 It's time, England fans. The Azteca aura and the altitude - and a decent Mexico team - await for Thomas Tuchel's side in the round of 16. Tom Clarke previews that match with Matt Lawton and Gregor Robertson to discuss tactics, team news and make some predictions. Gregor is also excited for Brazil v Norway and has some final love for Cape Verde. In part two Tom and Gregor hear from James
WORLD CUP DAY 23: England kick off farce and Cape Verde drama Jul 4, 2026 37:46 What a night of drama! FIFA threatened to change England's kick off time against Mexico due to storms only for discussions to break down, Matt Lawton joins Tom to offer the latest on a bizarre and farcical situation at this tournament.Drama on the pitch too as Cape Verde come agonisingly close to beating Argentina, scoring some stunning goals in a 3-2 defeat. Paul Hirst reports from that thriller
WORLD CUP DAY 22: Ronaldo through and Spain look strong Jul 3, 2026 34:27 Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup odyssey continues but he needed VAR to intervene and ensure Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a match packed with incident and drama. Ronaldo and his team face Spain in the next round after they beat Austria. Tom Clarke is joined by Ian Whittell and Peter Rutzler to discuss both of those matches and hears why Spain should be considered as one of the favourites. I
WORLD CUP DAY 21: Harry Kane rescues England Jul 1, 2026 42:00 It wasn't pretty and it was mighty tense but England are through - just - thanks to a late brace from Harry Kane.A performance lacking fluidity in attack and a defense that looked porous at times leaves Thomas Tuchel with far more questions than answers.The talking points: Kane is world class, England's right side and how does Tuchel fix the defense?Matt Lawton gives reaction live from the Atlanta
WORLD CUP DAY 20: Mbappe and Olise shine, can Kane and Bellingham follow? Jul 1, 2026 44:20 Is there a more iconic or productive World Cup duo than Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise? Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to discuss another brilliant performance by France as they swat Sweden aside to reach the Round of 16. James Gheerbrant sends his thoughts on Norway's win against Ivory Coast and another goal for Erling Haaland. And Jonathan Northcroft joins Tom to preview England's clash
WORLD CUP DAY 19: Paraguay stun Germany Jun 30, 2026 39:02 Germany have lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time in their history as Paraguay produced one of the stories of this tournament so far. Tom Clarke hears from Michael Grant at the ground and is joined by Gregor Robertson to dissect that momentous win and also discuss Brazil's comeback against Japan. In part two Tom Allnutt reports from Monterrey and an astonishing penalty sh
WORLD CUP DAY 18: Round of 32 predictions and England update Jun 29, 2026 59:30 From now on it's knockout football. Who goes through, who goes home?Tom, Gregor and Tony attempt to predict all of the remaining round of 32 ties...and work out who makes it to the final. Spoiler alert is isn't Australia.We take a more detailed look at England and their next opponents DR Congo, take some listeners questions "What is Thomas Tuchel's beef with Trent Alexander Arnold?" And a qui

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