The Game
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
Who's at fault - Carrick or Fernandes?
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
EFL EXTRA: Could this be Birmingham City's year?
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 spot
Can free scoring Brighton upset the top four?
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
Are Manchester United a basket case?
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
Did Southampton and Eckert get away with it?
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
City win leaves bad taste and managers under pressure
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
England greats and Manchester City punishment
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 cl
EFL EXTRA: Big games, new managers and pointless goals
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 t
Will Man City's stars leave? And is Bellingham as good as Zidane ?
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 th
Manchester City - What happens next?
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 desi
How should Man City be punished?
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 an
Tuchel needs to forget 'England DNA' and just coach
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 foo
EFL EXTRA: Dockers and Black Country derbies
EFL EXTRA: Dockers and Black Country DerbiesAll 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 ca
Brighton and Brentford upstage the 'big boys'
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...
What is the problem with Manchester United?
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
EFL EXTRA: Who are the contenders to win the Championship?
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 bot
Who can stop Arsenal, Man city and VAR?
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
"Harry Kane deserves the Ballon d'Or"
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 Prem
EFL EXTRA: West Ham are back as Swansea shine
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 reall
Arsenal supreme, United stutter, Spurs struggle
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
Which teams had the best and worst transfer window?
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
EFL EXTRA: "Wolves and Southampton look scary"
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
Hull's hopes, Tottenham's troubles and Mainoo's magic
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
What is 'value' in this crazy transfer market?
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
EFL EXTRA: West Ham worries and the goal of the season
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 start
Premier League is Back with a Bang!
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
PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW: PART TWO
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 Sund
EFL EXTRA: Lankshear shines and surprises galore
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 controve
PREMIER LEAGUE PREVIEW: PART ONE
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 team
The BIG Football League season preview
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 ChampionshipElsewhere we look at how w
Who can challenge Arsenal this season? Rejuvenated Spurs, and Glasner's Forest
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 Bra
Infantino clings on and a big fortnight on Merseyside
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
Infantino finished? Mourinho's Madrid & Iraola's Liverpool challenge
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 similarit
FIFA Special: What now for Infantino?
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. Ho
FIFA, Howe, Henderson and Barcola
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
TIMES EXCLUSIVE: FIFA - Football for sale
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.
On tour with Liverpool and Chelsea
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 s
TRANSFER LATEST - and who is better Rogers or Anderson?
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 cha
WORLD CUP DAY 39: Argentina got what they deserved and "England players must think for themselves."
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 lea
WORLD CUP DAY 38: Big final preview, as England take bronze
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.
WORLD CUP DAY 37: The big one! No, really...
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.&n
WORLD CUP DAY 36: England Defeat Debrief
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 dis
WORLD CUP DAY 35: England throw it away as Tuchel loses nerve
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 C
WORLD CUP DAY 34: Will it be England or Argentina to play 'brilliant' Spain?
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 w
WORLD CUP DAY 33: Why Mbappe is a great captain
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/privac
WORLD CUP DAY 32: Semi-Finals preview
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
WORLD CUP DAY 31: Bellingham drags England to the Semi Final
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 wo
WORLD CUP DAY 30: "Don't miss this chance" - The Big England preview
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 wh
WORLD CUP DAY 29: Why England should make the final
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
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?
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
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
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
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
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
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
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?
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
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
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
WORLD CUP DAY 17: England win but do they need to improve?
England top their group and progress to the round of 32. It was better than Ghana, there were some reasons to be cheerful, but let's be honest...it was a bit laboured. How far can England go playing like that? Is there more to come or is this the limit of England's ability?Immediate reaction from Matt Lawton at the ground before Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd take a closer look at th
WORLD CUP DAY 16: Cape Verde heroics, now England expects
They did it! Cape Verde are into the knockouts after a 0-0 draw with Saudi Arabia and will face Lionel Messi and Argentina in the next round. Ian Whittell joins Tom Clarke to discuss their heroic World Cup story and Tom also hears from James Gheerbrant who watched Spain beat an angry Uruguay and Tom Allnutt who saw a thrilling draw between Iran and Egypt. There are six more games to go i
WORLD CUP DAY 15: Ecuador joy as Brobbey becomes unlikely hero
Ecuador stunned Germany in an eventful round of final group stage games, as they qualified for the knockout stage. Tom Clarke hears from Times journalists across America as Paul Hirst reports on Netherlands 3-1 win against Tunisia, James Gheerbrant watches Sweden rescue a draw with Japan and Peter Rutzler see Turkey salvage some pride by beating co-hosts USA 3-2. In part two Tom chats to
WORLD CUP DAY 14: Scotland tortuous and why Mainoo needs minutes
They are not out, yet. That is about as good as it gets for Scotland after a 3-0 defeat against Brazil. Michael Grant and Gregor Robertson dissect another dismal display with Tom Clarke and ponder whether Steve Clarke's side deserve to go through? In part two Jonathan Northcroft joins from the England camp with the latest on injury fears for Reece James. He and Tom wonder whether Thomas Tuche
WORLD CUP DAY 13: England thwarted, Ronaldo invigorated
After brilliance in game one there was boredom in game two for England their fans as Ghana battled for a 0-0 draw. Tom Clarke is joined by Matt Lawton, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson to dissect a frustrating game and ask what more Thomas Tuchel could have done to get the win. Elsewhere there was a big win for Portugal and two goals for Cristiano Ronaldo - Tom Allnutt checks in from the
WORLD CUP DAY 12: Greatest Golden Boot race ever?
Lionel Messi is the all-time record goalscorer at World Cups and he is leading the Golden Boot race for this tournament with five goals but Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland are hot on his tail. Can Harry Kane keep pace? Jonathan Northcroft joins Tom Clarke to preview England's second match with Ghana and discuss the impact Jude Bellingham is having on this World Cup as his partnership with Ka
WORLD CUP DAY 11: Cape Verde joy and Rashford's renaissance
They've done it again! Cape Verde have shocked the world once more, getting a brilliant and deserved 2-2 draw with Uruguay and become the story of the tournament so far. Can they qualify for the knockout stages?Tom Clarke is joined by Cape Verde super fan Gregor Robertson to discuss that match and Iran's spirited draw with a struggling Belgium.Ian Whittell checks in after watching Spain and Lamine
WORLD CUP DAY 10: Sweden stunned and stick with Ronaldo
A stunning win for Netherlands against Sweden has turned Group F on its head. Graham Potter's side were thrashed 5-1 and Tom Allnutt was in Houston to watch it - he joins Tom Clarke to discuss that game and preview Portugal's massive clash with Uzbekistan. Can Roberto Martinez afford to drop Cristiano Ronaldo?In part two, Tom chats to Martin Samuel about England's impressive start, the big-game pl
WORLD CUP DAY 9: Hope for Scotland and big dreams for USA
Defeated but not downhearted. Scotland lost to Morocco but showed fight in the second half which offers hope for reaching the knockout stages. Gregor Robertson and Michael Grant join Tom Clarke to dissect Scotland's second match and debate those controversial penalty calls. Elsewhere Peter Rutzler reports from a jubilant USA camp as they qualify in style - are they Dark Horses for the tr
WORLD CUP DAY 8: McTominay mania and who is Anthony Barry?
Cometh the hour, cometh the man? Scotland are in need of a performance from their talisman against Morocco, can Scott McTominay deliver on the World Cup stage?Tom Clarke previews that big game with Michael Grant and also chats to Peter Rutzler about USA v Australia, as well as catching you up on all the overnight action as Canada thrash Qatar and Mexico become the first side to qualify for the kno
WORLD CUP DAY 7: England and Kane deliver in style
England finally got their World Cup underway and it was worth the wait as they beat Croatia 4-2 in an entertaining game.Two goals for captain and talisman Harry Kane, one for Bellingham and Rashford and a performance that at times resembled the high intensity Premier League type game that manager Thomas Tuchel has so often talked about. There were issues defensively and Tuchel wasn't happy at half
WORLD CUP DAY 6: Messi, Haaland and Mbappe shine - over to you, Harry
What. A. Night.Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland showed their star quality with two goals each as France and Norway impressed but then along came Lionel Messi. A hat-trick for Argentina's captain as he kicked off his sixth World Cup in style - Tom Clarke spoke to Paul Hirst, James Gheerbrant and Martin Samuel who were at the grounds to witness some big performances from three of the games bigg
WORLD CUP DAY 5: Cape Verde joy and waiting for Messi
Four draws and our first 0-0 but when it's Cape Verde getting a point against Spain we don't care! Tom Clarke hears from Martyn Ziegler who spies some empty seats at Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay and Peter Rutzler who was in Los Angeles to witness Iran's controversial start to this tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand - which was followed by a remarkable press conf
WORLD CUP DAY 4: 19 goals and teasing Tuchel
A thrilling night, loads of goals and familiar names making the headlines. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 but maybe the newcomers don't care - Tom Allnutt was in Curacao to watch their debut with the locals as they celebrated their first ever World Cup goal. Ian Whittell was at the game of the night as Japan snatched a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before Victor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak g
WORLD CUP DAY 3: Scotland win, just, and water breaks dictate
Blimey, that was tense! But Scotland have a World Cup win and sit top of Group C thanks to John McGinn's winner against Haiti. Which players stepped up and which need to offer more? Steve Clarke's side top the group after Brazil draw with Morocco in an entertaining game. Brazil turned the game after the drinks break - is football now a game of four quarters? And we pick the best games to
WORLD CUP DAY 2: C'mon Scotland!! USA look good
The USA started their campaign in style, scoring four against Paraguay. The stadium was full, celebs were out in force and the team looked full of energy. Suddenly USA in the next round or the round of sixteen looks a tough draw - how far can they go?Not so euphoric for Canada but a decent result against a tough Bosnian side.In the second half - Scotland's big day is finally here. At 0200 GMT they
WORLD CUP DAY 1: The Azteca, Team USA and a cave
The World Cup is up and running. The mighty Azteca stadium became the only stadium to host games in three different world cups. Its turf has seen Pele, Maradona and now the 2026 Mexico side. Our reporter Tom Allnutt was in the stadium. Did the match live up to the hype, does it matter? Pete Rutzler is our reporter following team USA, he gives us a quick run down of the American team...how far
WORLD CUP 2026 - Are you ready!?
It is finally here. Tonight Mexico will play South Africa in the opening game. Will it be a tournament for the ages or a step too far for over heated and over worked players?So, a quick look at England - Bellingham or Rogers, Rashford or Gordon?Your favourite World Cup opening games; teams we'd love to see do well and Tom Clarke's mad challenge to watch every match - what are his chances
WORLD CUP 2026: SCOTLAND PREVIEW
Scotland could not be happier going in t the World Cup. When was the last time you heard that - 1928!?Eight goals in two games and believe it or not even some talk of their talisman John McGinn not making it into Steve Clarkes first eleven. The Tartan army suddenly have a cutting edge, confidence to burn and mounting expectation. Bring on Haiti!What could possible go wrong?Who better to ask than t
WORLD CUP 2026 - LIVE PREVIEW SHOW
As part of our build up to World Cup 2026 we hosted a live event at The Times building in London.Tom Clarke hosts the event with Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and World Cup veteran and former Republic of Ireland forward Tony Cascarino.The team discuss England and Scotland's chances and what to expect from the other tournament contenders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/
