The Game Football Podcast

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.

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 time, but it was a win, an impressive one, and England had a cutting edge.Tom Clarke gets immediate reaction from Matt Lawton who was at the game in Dallas, and is then joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson RuddIn the second half Tom Allnutt reports from an underwhelming performance by Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 biggest stars. And now, it's England's turn. They kick off their tournament against Croatia, Jonathan Northcroft joined Tom to preview that match and wondered if Harry Kane is ready to show he deserves to be regarded in the same group as those modern greats. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 conference.Tom also spoke to Michael Grant to hear how Scotland are coping with being top of Group C and he chatted to Paul Hirst who is with the Argentina camp as Lionel Messi prepares to defend his World Cup crown. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 gave Graham Potter and Sweden a big win against Tunisia.Tom Clarke also caught up with Matt Lawton in the England camp and pondered who Thomas Tuchel might pick to start against Croatia. And in part two Tom chatted to Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler about ticket prices, VAR and those controversial water breaks. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 come on Day 4. Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 take on Haiti, McTominay is fit after a minor shock, can they do it? Oh and it's Brazil and Morocco too!Tom Clarke chats to Gregor Robertson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 will they go in the tournament, are the public following it and how much pressure is on Mauricio Pochettino?Tom and Pete join Tom Clarke on day one of his World Cup marathon, watching every game without waking a three month old baby.See you tomorrow. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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?Gregor details his recent trip to Croatia to meet Luka Modric; what to eat if you're staying up all night and is 4-4-2 about to make a massive come back!?Tom is joined by Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd.From tomorrow we'll be here every morning with your essential World Cup Daily Briefing - listen every morning and don't miss a thing. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 three of the finest Scots in sports journalism...Jonathan Northcroft, Michael Grant and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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/privacy for more information.

It is World Cup week! England treated their friendly against New Zealand as a training session...can we learn anything? Does Thomas Tuchel already know his line up to face Croatia or is it still in doubt? How worried should England fans be that three of England's team are already in the red zone, prone to injury or burn out? Scotland are looking confident with eight goals in their last two games. If they can beat Haiti in their opening game could that be enough for them to qualify for the knockout stages for the first time?Tom clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson and Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If England don't win it who will?France, Spain, Portugal are all among the favourites, but only one European team has ever won in the Americas...can they change that?Lionel Messi will be at his sixth World Cup, can he lead Argentina to defend their crown? Brazil have gone twenty four years without a World Cup, can ageing talisman Neymar and the experience of manager Carlo Ancelotti guide them to the final?Who are the dark horses - Senegal, Japan, Norway, Ecuador...And lastly what of the rest, the first timers, the romantics choice and the rank outsiders. Tom Allnutt, James Gheerbrant and Paul Hirst join Tom Clarke to asses the best of the rest.We're here with our daily update show from Friday 12th June and we'll have a USA and the hosts special next week. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the latest from a busy domestic scene. Silva leaves Fulham...is he Benfica bound? Crystal Palace look set to appoint the former Lens coach Iraola to Liverpool, Ederson to Man Utd and Nottingham Forest are asking for £120m for Elliot Anderson...is that value for money?After the break an update from the England camp in Miami - who is training, who looks good, who looks knackered and has Anthony Gordon nicked Marcus Rashford's girlfriend? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

World Cup 2026 is nearly here! Can England win it? Has Tuchel picked the right squad, what is England's base camp like and what will be England's biggest challenge?With inside knowledge from within the England camp our team cover it all - from which players will be most affected by the heat and who can cover at number six to secret England tactics and who starts at number ten.Join Times Sports Editor Tom Clarke, and the Times Sport team who will be with England throughout the tournament: Matt Lawton, Jonathan Northcroft and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat as they discuss England's starting IX, how far they'll go and the choices facing Thomas Tuchel.We'll be here every single day throughout the tournament with your essential World Cup daily briefing - please do join us. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal fell agonisingly short, was there anything they could have done differently or did they just come up against a generational team in PSG?What if anything could Mikel Arteta have changed, or was focusing on defensive organisation always going to be their best route to success? Who do Arsenal need to sign to get better?In the second half Slot out and potentially Iraola in at Liverpool. Why was Slot sacked and is Iraola what Liverpool need? If the spaniard does come in will there be signings and if so who will be sanctioning the signings...Richard Hughes or the new manager? Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tony Cascarino and Alyson Rudd Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This is a one off special from our colleagues in Scotland who join former player and national team manager Craig Levein. They look at what reaching a World Cup means to Scotland, and how the team might fare.Scotland correspondent Michael Grant is joined by Mark Palmer and former Scotland international Craig LeveinIn the run up to World Cup 2026 we will be releasing a series of specials.Join us next week for our regular shows plus a special England preview with Jonny Northcroft, Martin Samuel and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal have a chance to do the double on Saturday evening, but they have to face a PSG team which many believe are the best of their generation.Can they beat them and if so how? There are intriguing one v one battles all over the pitch, from Rice v Vitinha to Saka v Mendes and who plays right back against Kvaratskhelia? what will be the keys to Arsenal lifting the Champions League for the rest time?Before the big preview Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Tony Cascarino look back at a huge win for Oliver Glasner and Crystal Palace, why Adam Wharton didn't make the England squad and Anthony Gordon moving to Barcelona. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson wrap up the 2025/26 EFL season with a look back at the three play-off finals - and give their own end of season awards. They discuss Hull City's hard earned victory over Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers's win against Stockport County, and Notts County besting Salford City. Plus, praise for standout seasons from Coventry City, Lincoln City and Bromley. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining Tom Clarke are Tony Cascarino, Gary Jacob and Peter Rutzler to wrap up an astonishing Premier League season. What went wrong at West Ham and what do they need to avoid further collapse? How did Sunderland's fairytale campaign end in European qualification? Plus, the team hand out their much-coveted end-of-season awards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke go over each of the Play Off finals - who is favourite, who is in form...who goes up, who stays down?And Gregor gets his say on Spygate Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Northcroft Chief Football Correspondent for The Times and Sunday Times joins Tom Clarke for immediate to the England squad.Who is in, who is out and what do we make of it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Aston Villa added to a crazy week in English football last night, winning their first trophy in thirty years and their first european trophy in forty four years. Is it the first of many for Unai Emery at Villa? How does a club and squad like Villa take the next step to challenge for the Premier League or Champions League?Arsenal are still celebrating their title win - who were the key players for them? Can they win the Champions League too and what role did Mikel Arteta play? After the break Spygate - does anyone have any sympathy for Southampton?The relegation battle, will West Ham or Spurs be able to find a win on the last day? And tomorrow the England World Cup squad is announced...who should be in it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What a week in English football!Arsenal are Champions again after a twenty two year wait.How did they do it, what were the key moments, who were the key players or staff and will it be the start of something bigger?Tom Clarke joins The Times Arsenal reporter Gary Jacob to assess a memorable night for the Gunners.After the break the worst kept secret in football - Pep Guardiola is set to leave Manchester City at the end of the season and be replaced by Enzo Maresca.The Times Chief Sports Correspondent Matt Lawton joins Tom Clarke to discuss his departure, what comes next and his legacy to the English game.Tom Clarke is joined by Matt Lawton and Gary Jacob**More on the 'Spygate' saga in tomorrows episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Xabi Alonso is in the Premier League, but not where many expected.As the Liverpool old boy joins Chelsea what can he expect and is it a huge positive for the Chelsea project? Where does the appointment leave Liverpool, the owners are wedded to Arne Slot but the fans don't seem to be.Man Utd look set to announce Michael Carrick on a permanent basis, what will his targets be next season? Pep Guardiola has a cup double to his name, but if it misses out on the league will he still be at Man City next season to try again?After the break the craziest final day in the SPL; who is the most underrated Premier League player and the enigma that is Neymar.Joining Tom Clarke are Gregor Robertson, Pete Rutzler and Jame Gheerbrant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is the best Scottish title race in years and it got even spicier last night.Celtic were awarded a penalty for literally the last kick of the match - they scored at took it to the final day as Hearts need only a draw at Celtic Park.What is the feeling in Scotland, was it ever a penalty and how will Derek McInnes' Hearts approach the game on Saturday?Man City took the title race to another weekend as they beat Palace...but can anyone see Arsenal dropping points? Why do Chelsea hate Spurs so much? Michael Carrick looks set to make his role permanent at Man Utd, is he the right man for the job?At Chelsea is Xabi alonso in pole position?Plus 'Spygate' and best moments of the season. Gregor Robertson joins Alyson Rudd, Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was it or wasn't it? Could one decision of foul or no foul have decided the title race AND relegation? It was the biggest moment yet for VAR, was the final outcome correct...or is it more complicated than that?Will john McGinn get a statue at Villa Park if he leads them to a european trophy?Who is ion a worse position - Liverpool or Chelsea ?After the break an update on the SPL as Hearts go for their first title in 66 yrs; the chaos at real Madrid and who has had the better season - Bournemouth, Bretford or Brighton? Tom clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Tom Allnutt. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Arsenal are finding form at the right time. Four points clear in the title race and through to the Champions League final the double is still on. What has brought about the turn around in form and who have been the key players? PSG are on the verge of defending their European title, which for some would mark them out as one of the modern day great european teams...so, how good are they and can Arsenal beat them? Does Man City's slip at Everton show that many of the team have not won multiple titles are are feeling the nerves?Chelsea lost for the fifth time in a row where does the responsibility lie? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ipswich did it on the last day...but with that squad were they always going to?Wrexham missed out to Hull City. That is Hull who stayed up on the final day of last season and faced a transfer embargo in the summer - quite an achievement.So, who makes it through the play-off's - is the smart money on the winner of Middlesbrough Southampton?In League One Stevenage defy the odds, Challinor does it again and Leyton Orient's Richie Wellens goes in two footed on his players.Lastly, in League Two final day heartbreak again for Salford and a step too far for Harrogate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Have Spurs turned a corner with De Zerbi? Two wins and a draw in his first three games, took them out of the relegation zone after West Ham lost heavily at Brentford. Was Aston Villa's performance cause for concern ahead of their semi final second leg against Forest. Unai Emery's team have lost three on the spin and look out of form. If the award doesn't go to Arteta or Pepe who else could be in line for manager of the season?And for player of the season could the Man City and Arsenal votes being split lead to one clear candidate from the third placed team - Bruno Fernandez.Arsenal have put the pressure back on Man City with two wins, and they have a striker with twenty goals for the first time in years. Does that make Gyokores a success? Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat join Tom Clarke. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSG v Bayern served up nine goals, but it was so much more than just goals. There were hardly any defensive errors and few shots outside of the goals actually scored. Was it really one of the greatest ever games and if so, why?Were Arsenal unlucky to leave Madrid with only a draw? Regardless of who wins the second leg how will they go about stopping PSG or Bayern. If you had a combined team from the four semi finalists, how many Arsenal players make it in?After the break is it time Michale Carrick was givne the Man Utd job and which midfielders will they be targeting in the summer?Last, a look ahead to the relegation battle and reaction to Scott Parker leaving Burnley.Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Join tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson to preview the final regular weekend of a fantastic EFL season.What a weekend we have in store, there are so many permutations and so much riding on some many games.Who is heading for the Premier League - Ipswich, Millwall or Southampton?Will Wrexham keep the fairy tale alive at the expense of Hull and Derby?In League One can Luton and Plymouth gate crash the play offs on the final day? At the bottom Exeter have it all to do and Leyton Orient are hanging on.And in League Two the tightest battle of all one of Crawly, Harrogate, Newport and Tranmere are leaving the football league...as Gregor Robertson says; "...on the final day sometimes as a player you're just s******g yourself." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is relegation central as we look at the fixtures and decide who stays and who drops?Spurs finally win but with two big injuries and other teams winning will it be enough? West Ham look 'happy in their own skin' but their fixtures are the tougher ones. Perhaps hardest of all are Leeds fixtures, could they still be dragged back into the fight? The FA Cup saw Chelsea show more fight after the sacking of Liam Rosenior, is that ever acceptable, or is it just a sign of the chaos at the club?Arsenal are back on top, will that level of performance take them all the way to the title?Plus an exclusive interview with Roy Hodgson - the grand old man of football still gaining results and admirers at the age of seventy nine.Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Tom allnutt and gregor Robertson. All in a brand new studio, check us out on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thetimessport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Where did it all go wrong?Premier League winners ten years ago; only four years ago FA Cup holders, Community Shield winners; last four in europe competition and battling for top four in the league. What happened?Times and Sunday Times writer Jonathan Northcroft wrote: 'Fearless - The Amazing Underdog Story of Leicester City, the Greatest Miracle in Sports History.'In a special episode Jonathan joins Tom Clarke to discuss the plight and future of the former Champions? Will they bounce back or could it get even worse? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After five defeats and no goals Chelsea bit the bullet and sacked Liam Rosenior. Where do the problems lie at Stamford Bridge - the ownership, the players the coach or the whole project? Given the chaos who would wan tthe job?Man City beat Burnley to go top, but showed familiar signs of frailty in doing so. They're top only on goals scored...could we be heading for a play off?While Chelsea are in turmoil Newcastle quietly have their own problems - they're 14th in the table, european football is looking unlikely and there is talk of selling more of their star players. Who could be leaving and where does that leave manager Eddie Howe?Tom clarke is joined by Newcastle reporter Martin Hardy, Gregor Robertson and Martin Samuel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.