The Game Football Podcast

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 ChampionshipElsewhere 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.

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 route to the final, first having to get passed Norway and Erling Haaland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 but does the blame for Portugal's failings actually lay at the feet of manager Roberto Martinez? Has he wasted another golden generation? In part two Tom catches up with Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp to hear about their preparation for Egypt and asks if there is a scenario where Messi might be rested? All the guests also reveal where they were to watch England's remarkable win against Mexico. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 from Dan Burn.In part two, Brazil are out, beaten by Norway who England play next. And FIFA bend the rules and the USA benefit. Exhausting, exhilarating, what a night!Tom Clarke, Matt Lawton, Gregor Robertson and Pete Rutzler give immediate reaction to a breathtaking game. **Show recorded just after final whistle and before it was announced Jordan Henderson had broken his wrist during the celebrations. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Gheerbrant who watched Morocco's win and Ian Whittell who was at France v Paraguay, a game blighted by ugly tactics and shocking refereeing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 and James Gheerbrant watches Egypt beat Australia on penalties. In part two Tom catches up with Martin Samuel to discuss England's hopes, French brilliance and his general tournament reflections. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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. In part two of the show Tom chats to Jonny Northcroft about England's preparations for their game with Mexico and hears why spying fears have altered their travels plans. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 stadium, before Tom Clarke joins Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant to dissect an England win and ask how can England beat Mexico at the Azteca ? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 with DR Congo - will it be another Jude Bellingham masterclass for Thomas Tuchel's side? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 shootout between Netherlands and Morocco and Tom and Paul Hirst discuss Argentina's World Cup title defence so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 quick look back at Argentina, Portugal and Canada beating South Africa.Gregor Robertson and Tony Cascarino join Tom Clarke back in the studio - find us on YouTube @thetimessport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 the performance.Just as we pressed stop, Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland coach. So Gregor and Tom put the headphones back on to assess Steve Clarke's reign and where next for the Scottish national team.... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 including England's final group game with Panama - Matt Lawton joined Tom to preview this one and discuss why a statement win is vital for Thomas Tuchel's side. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 reporter Ian Whittell who offers his view on Brazil and Spain and previews Cape Verde's huge clash with Saudi Arabia as they attempt to keep their remarkable World Cup story going. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Tuchel has overdone it on 'vibes men' in his squad and discuss the need for Kobbie Mainoo to get some game time against Panama. And despite Scotland's misery Tom has still seen two of his goals of the tournament for Canada and Haiti. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 ground to offer his thoughts. And we look ahead to the final round of group stage matches as Scotland prepare to face Brazil - how are the nerves Gregor!? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Kane improves. Paul Hirst reports from another Messi masterclass and James Gheerbrant survived the rain and storms to watch France, Mbappe and Michael Olise reach the knockout stages before Haaland got Norway a 3-2 win against Senegal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Yamal comfortably beat Saudi Arabia and in part two Tom chats to Matt Lawton with the latest news from the England camp as preparations continue for the second game against Ghana. Will Marcus Rashford get a start? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 players who are delivering and how this World Cup compares to previous editions of the tournament. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 trophy? And James Gheerbrant watches Brazil get back to winning ways against Haiti before Turkey are dumped out by 10-man Paraguay. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 knockout stage. In part two Jonathan Northcroft offers further reflections from the England camp and reveals more about Thomas Tuchel's assistant, Anthony Barry, and explains why he thinks the new brave, no-nonsense approach to coaching, is proving so effective. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.