The Game Football Podcast

On Sunday Chelsea take on PSG for the title of World Club Champions! Times report Pete Rutzler will be at the game in New York - what chance does he give Chelsea against the PSG juggernaut?With new signing Joao Pedro making an immediate impact up front, Brazilian signing Willian Estevao looking good and Cole Palmer on form Chelsea certainly pose a threat. After the break a round up of the latest transfer action: Gibbs White, Madueke, Kudos, Henderson and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England put their defeat against France behind them with an emphatic four nil win against the Netherlands. Qualification for the next round is back in their hands.Izzy Christiansen and Kit Shepard react to England's win. Who stood out, what changes did manager Sarina Wiegman make and is qualification now a formality? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City looked back to their dominant best in parts of the Club World Cup…but they also showed signs of the same wide open defensive frailties as well. So was the Club World Cup a success? What next for Pep Guardiola's team this summer?Across the city the red half of Manchester still have much business to do. They need to off load as many as ten players according to some…who will they be, how much money will they generate and who needs to come in?The Times Manchester football reporter Paul Hirst joins Tom and Gregor to run the rule over Manchester City and Manchester United's summer preparations.Lastly a look at the chaotic situation over the Pennines at Sheffield Wednesday. Heading into the new season they have sixteen fit players, no manager, a transfer ban and nowhere to train… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Former England international Izzy Christiansen and Kit Shepard the women's football reporter for the Times and Sunday Times join Tom Clarke to assess England's poor start to the defence of their European title.Where did it go wrong against France? Was it selection, tactics, substitutions? The team look at where England can improve how they might react to being under pressure this early in the tournament. Lastly they and look ahead to the who they would pick to face the Netherlands in a must win game on Wednesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chief Correspondent for The Times and Sunday Times Martin Samuel joins Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson to pay tribute to Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota following his tragic death in a car accident. After a pause Martin reflects on the Club World Cup and its potential to become an enduring tournament and a look at how the English teams have approached it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England enter the tournament as defending Champions, but their preparation has not been smooth. With three senior players either retiring or making themselves unavailable, how will that affect Sarina Wiegman's squad? Tom Clarke is joined by former England international Izzy Christiansen and women's football reporter for the Times and Sunday Times Kit Shepard.They discuss England's key players, the ‘group of death' and the who are the other favourites for the tournament.England kick of on Saturday with a huge game against France. We'll be back with Izzy and Kit to review the match. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England are European U21 Champions again.Lee Carley's side defended their title with an impressive 3-2 extra time win over Germany So, what next for a talented squad and their manger? Player of the tournament Harvey Elliot has to decide if his future lies with Liverpool while many of the team now ply their trade in top European leagues Should Carsley want to move in to league management there are plenty of moves in the football league - Gregor Robertson assess nine managerial changes in the championship alone. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Times' Northern Sports Correspondent Martin Hardy analyses the chances of Alexander Isak remaining at St James' Park and the potential destinations should Newcastle's star striker leave. He also discusses preparations ahead of massive seasons for newly promoted clubs Sunderland, Leeds and Burnley. Plus, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat on Lee Carsley's England Under 21s, who are into a second successive European Championship final. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After the capture of Matheus Cunha, what next for Ruben Amorim's Manchester United? Charlotte Duncker discusses summer transfers and new season ambitions at Old Trafford and chats about potential comings and goings at Nottingham Forest, Aston Villa and Wolves. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Club World Cup is up and running, with some serious prize money on offer. Judging by the line ups of Chelsea and Manchester City in their first games, they're talking it seriously. Pete Rutzler is in Philadelphia following Chelsea; he has been assessing local interest in the tournament and also gives an update on the blues new signings and other potential transfer business. After the break, what's in a football shirt? We've all got our favourites but do they also offer a secret guide to global and local history. From Russian gas giants Gazprom to Young's fish in Grimsby; football shirts offer a snapshot of the economy at point in time. The team look at the big picture but also indulge in some nostalgia as they go through their favourites… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It has already been a busy summer of transfer activity. Chelsea, Manchester United, Manchester City and Liverpool have all brought big signings in to their teams.In this episode we hear the latest from Manchester City's camp as they welcome new signing Rayan Cherki to their Club World Cup campaign and from our Liverpool reporter Paul Joyce as they prepare to break the British record transfer fee for Florian Wirtz. Plus, a low down on how the Club World Cup is being received in the states and if/when it is likely to get more competitive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

First, they were embarrassed, then they were humiliated. It wasn't the start Thomas Tuchel had in mind for his England team.How big are the problems he faces – a full rebuild or just cosmetic? To make matters worse Tuchel gave an interview in which he referred to his star player Jude Bellingham. He suggested his behaviour could be perceived as repulsive by some. Were the comments a distraction from a loss to Senegal, or a hint at deeper issues?The club World Cup starts next week – does football ever end? What effect will the work load have on the two English sides in attendance Chelsea and Man City? Both have signed players in time for the tournament so they must be taking it seriously…The women's Euros is just around the corner…is Sarina Wiegman's camp any happier than the men's as they prepare to defend their title? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventeen days after ending Spurs' seventeen year wait for a trophy Ange Postecoglou was out, sacked by Tottenham chairman Daniel Levy. Was it the right decision? Was leading Spurs to their lowest finish in over forty years a sackable offence? Or are the club constantly asking their managers to overachieve, given their wage bill in comparison to other top six teams?Thomas Frank looks to be in line to replace Postecoglou, what will he bring?After the break a look at a lack lustre England. Will a demanding Thomas Tuchel be able to achieve his plans with so little time with the players? And where does this England team's greatest weakness lie? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will England be the best prepared team at next year's World Cup? Will it matter?As they head into a friendly with Andorra how many true tests of his team will Thomas Tuchel face before the World Cup? And what has happened to England's forward line from the 2022 Euros…only one remains first choice at his club.Domestically teams are making early moves in the transfer market. Could Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo be good signing for Manchester United? Does that mean Bruno Fernandes has to leave? And Manchester City are in the process of a re-build so, where does that leave Jack Grealish? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

PSG finally have their European crown, and they look phenomenal in winning it. Did their demolition of Inter Milan set a new standard? Gone are gifted forwards who don't work for the team, now talents such as Doue, Dembele and Kvaratskhelia putting in performances with breath taking effort from start to finish. What st them apart as a team this year? But… is their triumph tainted by where the money comes from? Does the influence of Qatar also set a new standard?After the break, transfers you'd like to see, serious and not so serious, signings that haven't worked this season and which might not work next year? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea triumph in Wrocław (which is in Poland) to bring home the first major trophy of the Boehly-Clearlake era. So are things looking up for next season? Meanwhile United's post season, pre season friendly tour of Asia turned to misery as they lost 1-0 to Asean All-Stars to boos from the initially adoring Malaysian fans. Amorim astutely pointed out: ‘We should win these kind of games'. Tom Clarke is joined by Tony Cascarino and Martin Samuel to discuss all that and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The play offs are done and dusted. For Sunderland their manager Regis Le Bris championed his team's togetherness, it showed as they scored another last gasp winner. For Sheffield united, heart break as their woeful Wembley record continues.In League One Charlton went through the play offs without conceding a goal, that was enough to see off Leyton Orient. Manager Nathan Jones made no apology for his teams approach.A scrappy League Two final saw up and down Walsall face one last heart break losing to AFC Wimbledon. How do they come back from that? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the Champions League places decided it's time to evaluate who is happy with their season?Forest we're tipped for relegation but ended up in Europe. But after missing out on Champions League football will it still feel like a failure?Spurs finished 17th but won a trophy, did they have a better season than rivals Arsenal?And for Aston Villa, did their season come down to one officiating decision?Our end of season awards - manager of the year, team of the year, break through player of the year.Plus, lets look back at our pre season predictions...were we on the money or miles off? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is Spurs first trophy in seventeen years vindication for their manager Ange Postecoglou?Despite finishing 17th in the league they'll be playing Champions League football next season and Ange was true to his word, he won a trophy in his second season. Will he stay?For the losers Manchester United it will be their worst finish in Premier League history, no European football next season and squad in need of a re build. But is Ruben Amorim the man to do it?Plus, end of season awards… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's play off finals weekend. Is it something fans love or hate? For some it is hard to enjoy the stomach churning, nerve shredding matches with so much at stack. For others it is a free hit at glory, a day out at the national stadium and the tantalising hope of what if we actually win…In the Championship both Sunderland and Sheffield United have appalling Wembley records, one will at least be changing that.In League One Leyton Orient are the club on a charge Charlton have the irrepressible Nathan Jones in charge, in League Two Walsall have had a season or two very district halves, while AFC Wimbledon boast the best defence in the division. So, who wins…over to Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crystal Palace have won their first major trophy – the FA Cup! Oliver Glasner's side beat Man City 1-0 giving Palace European football next season. How did they do it and will they be able to hold on to their best players and their manager?For runners up Manchester city where now? A star striker who didn't want a penalty, a manager who may or may not stay and their first trophy less season since 2016/17.In the Premier League; qualification for the Champions League will go to the final day with Newcastle, Chelsea, Forest, City and Villa all fighting for three places.Everything is riding on the final of the Europa League with Spurs and Man Utd looking at win or bust seasons.Plus, fond farewells to Jamie Vardy and Goodison Park. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Taiwo Awoniyi recovers from a very serious injury, is it time to review VAR protocols. If it is a clear and obvious offside, why are officials told not to flag? Are the consequences more injuries for players? With Saudi Arabia and Spain starting to attract some of the world's top footballing talent is the Premier League getting complacent in its ability to retain the world's best?He FA Cup final could be a feast of attacking football. Will Crystal Palace play with the same attacking intent they did in the semi final, or will their manager Oliver Glasner be more cautious. For Pep Guardiola he thinks a cup in won't rescue their season, but do the fans agree? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The race for Europe is going down to the wire. After spending all season at the top are Forest on the brink of throwing it away, does a ‘passionate' owner help or hinder? Newcastle look strong after a pivotal win over rivals Chelsea and with City faltering Aston Villa are still in contention for top five. Villa's last two games are against Spurs and Man Utd. Any other season that would be tough, this year it looks a guaranteed six points. Why are both teams not in a relegation fight and is it fair that teams in 16th and 17th could end up in the Champions League?At Anfield some fans booed Trent Alexander Arnold. Is it a sign of the times or totally justified? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dream is over for Arsenal. How does Mikel Arteta turn his team from nearly men to winners? Is he even the man to do it?Arteta described Arsenal as the best team in Europe. None of the panel can understand how he justifies a statement like that. If he oversees the summer changes what is needed? Some even think that his team may have gone backwards this season.The other semi final was an all time classic. Seesawing from Inter to Barca and back again. Thirteen goals over two legs, has there been a better two legged semi-final? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The final day of the regular season didn't disappoint. Twenty four thousand turned out for Bradford v Fleetwood…in the fourth tier. Leeds and Burnley both reach one hundred points in the Championship and Leyton Orient storm into the League One playoffs on the back of five straight wins. ‘Producer Neil' joins Gregor Robertson to review the final day and ponder who makes it to the play off finals at Wembley…? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trent Alexander Arnold has finally confirmed what seemed inevitable – he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. His destination is not yet confirmed, but it is widely thought to be Real Madrid. What will be the Liverpool fan's reaction be to a player won everything with his childhood club? ‘How could you' or ‘all the best'? And how will he fit in at Real?In the league the race for Europe is very tight. Chelsea look to have strengthened their grip on a Champions League spot, while Brentford are making a late charge for the Conference league. Bournemouth are still in the race for Europe, thanks to beating Arsenal. It was far from ideal preparation for the Gunners ahead of a monumental week. Say it quietly, but could Arsenal end the season without a trophy while Spurs lift the Europa League…? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a tough night for Arsenal at the Emirates as they were largely second best to PSG. What hope do they have for a second leg in Paris? Well, PSG don't have a set piece coach, could that be Arsenal's best bet? What if any weaknesses do PSG have? The other semi-final was a classic. Inter Milan showed all their guile and solidity to get a three three draw in Barcelona. But their performance was overshadowed by a seventeen year old. Is Barca's Lamine Yama already the best player in the world? The panel are in awe of a remarkable, unplayable talent. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson round up the penultimate round of fixtures in the EFL. Slowly but surely the key places are being decided. In the Championship Sunderland are limping into the play offs, while Blackburn and Millwall are on a charge. Game of the final weekend is a winner takes all between Coventry and Middlesborough At the bottom Preston have been pulled into a late relegation fight. In League One Gary Bowyer and Burton look to have pulled off a remarkable survival feat, while in League Two Walsall are in danger of a remarkable failure to get an automatic promotion spot. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool have finally clinched their 20th league title. Arne Slot has landed the big one in his first season in charge. How did he do it, can he repeat it next year and is it unfair to look at the legacy left by Jurgen Klopp? In the FA Cup Alyson Rudd is Crystal Palace's lucky charm – she interviewed Oliver Glasner ahead of the final and was impressed by his bold approach. What now for Aston Villa?Finally Gregor Robertson went to meet the owner of newly promoted Birmingham City – Tom Wagner. Ambitious doesn't do him justice. He knows the financial figures inside out and he is preparing for the very top, a derby with rivals Villa in the Champions League. And he wants Birmingham to knock Manchester off its perch as a footballing city. Is it realistic? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool have won their 20th league title. In his first season in charge manager Arne Slot has led his side to the top of the English game.How big an achievement is it and how was it done?Times Northern Football Correspondent Paul Joyce has followed Liverpool, and Slot, since his appointment at the end of last season.Here he gives an inside track on how the feat was achieved. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the talk is Ange Postecoglou could be on his way out of Tottenham. Not so fast says Martin Samuel…he might have done better than you think. Could a Europa League win - especially if its over Man Utd - change the narrative?Whoever is in charge next season Spurs are unlikely to be in 15th place again. But for the promoted clubs, what do they have to do to stay up? The gulf in wages, playing staff and finances is bigger than ever. Is it fair? What are the challenges on and off the pitch facing the teams coming up.And the conclusion of our top five all time premier league midfielders debate. Gregor and Jonny have a list… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the latest from the nail biting EFL with Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson.Congratulations to free scoring Leeds and rock solid Burnley who are both heading to the Premier League. How will they fare in the topflight? In the play offs many of the contenders are losing games. At the bottom of the Championship its wins all round for Luton Plymouth and Derby. Could it be a record total getting relegated?League One looks a little more settled. But League Two is remarkable, Carlisle are defying gravity and still have a chance of survival, at the top almost nine teams are still in it…two to go, all to play for. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Leicester are relegated, would they have fared better if they had stuck with Steve Cooper? Manchester United, fresh from a thrilling European come back crashed back to earth with a home defeat to Wolves. Would they have fared better if they had stuck with Ruud Van Nistelrooy? While Amorim lost momentum, Mikel Arteta maintained it at Arsenal but was the cost of a potential Bukayo Saka injury worth it? Hamzah takes a closer look at Brentford and in particular Yoane Wissa and Bryan Mbeumo. The two front men have made the loss of Ivan Tony barely noticeable. Lastly the start of the greatest ever Premier League midfielders debate…what is the right question to ask? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was Arenal's win in Madrid a coming-of-age performance for Mikel Arteta's side? After beating the fifteen-time champions Real Madrid what chance do they have against in form Paris Saint Germain? Is it best defence against best attack? Declan Rice shone in both games against Real, is he now one of the best in Europe?Domestically, Virgil Van Dijk has followed Mo Salah in signing a new contract with Liverpool…could they cap the week by winning the league this weekend?And Newcastle are now third, could they be title contenders next season or do they need to strengthen? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cliché alert: A week is a long time in football. Nothing stays the same for long in the championship, Leagues One and Two Leeds were sinking, now they are top. Wycombe had fallen away now they're back and Walsall were top for 119 days, they've now lost ten in a row but are still third - just.As for the bottom, where do we even start!?Tim Clarke and Gregor Robertson round up all the latest from a gripping round of EFL fixtures and dare to ask - what happens next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur are on course for their worst ever Premier League seasons. Do both now need massive re builds on and off the pitch? Or are they just a small change away from challenging at the top again?Both have eyes on winning a European trophy but will that make any difference to clubs sitting fourteenth and fifteenth in the table? Meanwhile, Forest and Chelsea are showing signs of nerves in their pursuit of the Champions League places whereas Arsenal are only focused on Europe. Will Arsenal and Villa do it? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was Arsenal's win over Real Madrid their best performance under Mikel Arteta? At its heart was a dominant display from Declan Rice, topped off by two outstanding free kicks. Have you ever seen better? And where did Rice's overall performance leave his England position? A six, an eight, a ten?How do Arsenal approach the second leg, sit back and defend or go for more goals? Could that be their biggest challenge?Bukayo Saka showed his calibre as he terrorised a star studded Real team and Miles Lewis Skelly once again showed confidence beyond his years.For Villa it was a tough night albeit against an exceptional PSG side. Did Emi Martinez's antics help or hinder his team? Is the tie over or could it be a famous night at Villa Park in a weeks' time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘Crunch time', ‘the pressure is on', ‘squeaky bum time'… call it what you like now is when it matters. The EFL is an edge of the seat ride. Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson cover all the latest from the EFL.In the Championship Leeds started the week on top, dropped to second and now sit in third - are they about to live up to their tag of blowing it?. Burnley started third and now sit on top. It is all change in the play off places too, with West Brom and Coventry dropping out for Middlesborough and Bristol City. All have tough run ins to come. So, who will finish in the box seats?In League One Wrexham have finally opened a small gap on Wycombe, but with a squad which can bench two first choice strikers in Mullin and Palmer is it really a surprise?Walsall in League Two have dropped like a stone in recent weeks and now find themselves clinging on to third place. In the play off's teams as far down as ninth are still involved, and they all have to play each other. What a league! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is there something ‘off' this season? Run away leaders Liverpool lost, but Arsenal had already dropped points, and relegation was sorted out weeks ago. Yet Villa could win the Champions League, Newcastle won a trophy for the first time in seventy years, and Forest could be back in Europe. So, a great season or just a poor one? Gregor thinks the regular fate of promoted sides going straight back down is becoming a problem for English football.The team discuss all that a woeful Manchester derby, Liverpool contract talks and a look ahead to a huge week for Arsenal and Villa in the Champions League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If ever a game highlighted the problems of VAR it was the Merseyside derby. There is universal agreement that James Tarkowski's tackle on Alexis Mac Allister was a red card and Liverpool's winning goal had what ‘appeared' to be a clear offside. So, what went wrong? Gregor Robertson – fresh from a referee's course – tries to shed some light.Jose Mourinho is grabbing headlines again… but for all the wrong reasons.On the pitch, Forest are not faltering, far from it, they have their eye on Arsenal in second. Ipswich get a rare win, and is Marcus Rashford back to his best? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Forest, Villa and Palace all through it's a varied FA Cup semi final line up…but does the presence of Manchester City have an inevitable fell to it? Alyson Rudd thinks not. Had Bournemouth been more bold they may well have beaten City and Palace and Forest both have the swagger to do so.Can you name a cool right back that has played in the Premier League? Apart from Trent Alexander Arnold the team are struggling. But there are plenty cool left backs.And finally, it's prediction time, who will finish from 2nd to 7th in the Premier League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All the very latest from an enthralling EFL with Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson.With eight games to go the EFL is far from over. In the Championship the top twelve teams still have an eye on the play offs. At the very top which of the top three will falter? At the bottom will Derby's renaissance last?In League One Wrexham are grindingly resilient, but Wycombe and Richard Kone are going nowhere. The play off's look sewn up bar one spot, but with four or five teams fighting for it. League Two Walsall who have been strong all season have stalled badly. At the bottom…Carlisle are in dire straits… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.