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Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Paul Watson and Dan Bardell to discuss transfers and preview the international break. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Tom Garry, and Sophie Downey to unpack a turbulent week for the Lionesses
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair and John Brewin to answer your questions from the Football Weekly mailbag. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White and Ben Haines are joined by former England number one Karen Bardsley and react to the news that Fran Kirby has announced her retirement from international football with immediate effect, just days after goalkeeper Mary Earps also retired from international football before England attempt to defend their Euros title. Ellen shares her memories of playing with Fran and Karen reflects on her impact both on and off the pitch.The team also react to the Lionesses failing to reach the semi-finals of the Women's Nations League with a 2-1 defeat by group winners Spain, a game in which substitute Claudia Pina showed her class.They also look ahead to Thursday 5th June when Sarina Wiegman will name her final 23-player squad for the tournament this summer. Who are the players giving her biggest headaches and will she take a gamble on Lauren James?TIMECODES: 1:10 - Fran Kirby announces her international retirement with immediate effect. 3:20 - Ellen White and Karen Bardsley react to Kirby calling time on her international career. 16:30 - Reaction to the Lionesses 2-1 defeat to Spain in the Women's Nations League. 23:35 - The competition to start at number 9 between Alessia Russo and Aggie Beever-Jones. 25:35 - Post-match reaction from Alessia Russo. 29:25 - Should Sarina Wiegman take Michelle Agyemang to the Euros alongside Russo and Beever-Jones? 31:50 - Post-match reaction from Leah Williamson 34:10 - Look ahead to the England squad announcement for the Euros. 39:50 - Ellen and Karen's squad announcement stories.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Jonathan Wilson as PSG win their first European Cup with an emphatic 5-0 win over Inter. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Mark Langdon to discuss this week's European finals. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Sanny Rudravajhala to round up a the EFL playoffs. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White and Ben Haines are at St Georges Park and react to the shock announcement that England goalkeeper Mary Earps is retiring from international football. Ellen shares her view on why now but they also reflect on what Mary did for the women's game and its profile, particularly for goalkeepers. Niamh Charles and Keira Walsh share their memories of playing with Mary and her impact off the pitch. They also look ahead to England's next Nations League games against Portugal and Spain as the Euros approaches. Ellen and Ben also talk Arsenal winning the Champions League and how Renee Slegers masterminded that huge victory over Barcelona. Plus Jen Beattie has caught up with her former teammate and Scotland captain Rachel Corsie who has announced her retirement from football this week. Rachel won 154 caps for Scotland and led her country out at their first ever World Cup in 2019 and is part of the Scotland camp for their next Nations League fixtures against Austria and the Netherlands.00:20 Intro 01:36 Mary Earps retires from England 04:10 Earps statement 10:28 Arsenal win the Champions League! 15:50 How did Arsenal do it? 20:35 Niamh Charles 25:00 Keira Walsh 32:30 Rachel Corsie with JenBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries next weekend: Wed 2000 Real Betis v Chelsea in the UEFA Conference League Final Fri 1945 England v Portugal in the UEFA Women's Nations League Sat 2000 PSG v Inter Milan in the UEFA Champions League Final
Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Tim Stillman and Sophie Downey to reflect on Arsenal's historic Champions League victory
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson, and Robyn Cowen to unpack the final day of the Premier League season. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Lars Sivertsen as Spurs win their first trophy since 2008 and their first European silverware in more than 40 years. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson and Dan Bardell as Manchester City move closer to sealing Champions League football with a 3-1 win over Bournemouth. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
CEO of WSL Football, Nikki Doucet, speaks exclusively to Ellen White and Ben Haines at the end of the domestic season. After the announcement of a major rebrand for professional women's football in England, Nikki discusses the reasons behind the new name and new look, plus what this means for the future of the WSL and newly renamed WSL 2. Nikki also talks to Ellen and Ben about the reports of scrapping relegation, increased spending in women's transfer windows, how the game is going to be grown and whether women's football will get a dedicated broadcasting slot, as well as giving us an insight into her own personal background.TIME CODES: 0'44” A rebrand that got fans talking? 2'47” Nikki Doucet's background 4'21” What it's like negotiating with clubs 8'18” Tangible things put in place over the last season 13'12” Change of name from Championship to WSL2 15'40” Lack of jeopardy in the league 22'20” Is there help for clubs who are struggling to fill their stadium? 25'03” How are you making women's football attractive for fans? 31'12” Disparity in transfer spending in the WSL 34'30” Looking ahead to the Euros (Recorded on Thursday 15th May 2025)BBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Wednesday 20th May: Europa League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United, 8pm KO. Saturday 24th May: UEFA Women's Champions League Final - Arsenal v Barcelona, 5pm KO. Sunday 25th May: Premier League final day from 4pm.
Jen Beattie and Ben Haines are joined by Arsenal captain Kim Little to talk the Champions League final against Barcelona in Lisbon this Saturday. Jen asks Kim what makes her such a special player, how it feels to make the final and where Arsenal can expose Barcelona. It was also the domestic treble for Chelsea as they beat Manchester United 3-0 at Wembley in front of new investor Alexis Ohanian. Hear from manager Sonia Bompastor on how she wants Chelsea to be challenged by the rest of the league to compete with the highest competition. Reporter Alex Ibaceta joins the pod to share her expertise on Barcelona, who are their biggest threats and how they will match up against Arsenal. 00:20 Intro 01:36 Chelsea do the treble! 06:10 Sonia Bompastor 08:28 Sandy Baltimore performance 10:50 Kim Little with Jen! 21:35 Katie McCabe & Leah Williamson on Kim 27:00 How do Arsenal go up against Barcelona? 30:30 Barca with Alex IbacetaBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Wednesday 20th May: Europa League Final - Tottenham Hotspur v Manchester United, 8pm KO. Saturday 24th May: UEFA Women's Champions League Final - Arsenal v Barcelona, 5pm KO. Sunday 25th May: Premier League final day from 4pm.
Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Robyn Cowen, Freddie Cardy and Lucy Bronze to break down Chelsea's FA Cup final win and preview Arsenal's huge Champions League final against Barcelona
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Will Unwin, Troy Townsend, Ed Aarons and Andy Hunter as Crystal Palace win their first major trophy and Everton's men's team bid farewell to Goodison Park. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jordan Jarrett-Bryan, Nedum Onuoha and Nick Ames to preview the FA Cup final between Crystal Palace and Manchester City. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nooruddean Choudry, John Brewin and Phil Kitromilides for a Football Weekly mailbag. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines react to history made being made by Sonia Bompastor's Chelsea as they became the first the first WSL side to finish a 22-game season unbeaten. Ellen and Jen also talk Chloe Kelly's recent form as Arsenal sealed second place in the league.We hear from Sarina Wiegman as the Lionesses are handed a big Euros boost with the return of Lauren Hemp, Georgia Stanway and Alex Greenwood for their upcoming Nations League games.Plus, Manchester United duo Maya Le Tissier and Elisabeth Terland join the pod ahead of the FA Cup final this weekend where they will aim to defend their title.TIMECODES: 01:30 - Chelsea beat Liverpool so seal an invincible season. 05:00 - Arsenal seal second place in a seven-goal thriller against Manchester United. 07:25 - Chloe Kelly's form at Arsenal. 12:15 - Sarina Wiegman on her 27-player England squad for the two games Nations League games against Portugal and Spain. 14:40 - Ellen and Jen react to the latest Lionesses squad. 20:20 - Maya Le Tissier and Elisabeth Terland join the pod to talk about defending their FA Cup title. 30:40 - Ellen and Jen on their FA Cup experiences. 37:18 - Nathalie Bjorn on Chelsea's hopes to complete a domestic treble.
Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Tom Garry and Chris Paouros to dissect a dramatic final WSL day
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lucy Ward and Sam Dalling as Newcastle secure a huge win over Chelsea in the hunt for Champions League football. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen and Paul Watson as Spurs and Manchester United progress to the Europa League final. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Philippe Auclair reflect on Arsenal being knocked out of the Champions League by PSG. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Fadugba and Mark Langdon as Inter beat Barcelona 7-6 on aggregate after an absolutely thrilling two legged tie in the Champions League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines speak to two title winning managers as the domestic league season comes to a close. London City Lionesses manager Jocelyn Precheur joins the pod as they secure promotion to the WSL and become the first ever sole entity club to compete in the women's top tier. How influential is their owner, Michele Kang? And what are the benefits of being a smaller club? Sonia Bompastor reflects on winning the WSL title in her first year as Chelsea manager as they edge closer to an unbeaten season in the league. But does Chelsea's spending on players take away from their success on the pitch? As Manchester United secure Champions League football for next season, have they gone under the radar this season? And what might the repercussions be of Manchester City failing to qualify for Europe?TIME CODES: 1'52 Final day of the Championship drama 4'17 London City Lionesses manager Jocelyn Precheur 22'02 Chelsea win the WSL title 22'44 Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor 37'10 Manchester United qualify for Europe ahead of Manchester CityBBC Sounds/ 5 Live commentaries this week: Wednesday 7th May CHAMPIONS LEAGUE: PSG v Arsenal, live on 5 Live. Thursday 8th May EUROPA LEAGUE: Bodo Glimt v Spurs, live on 5 Live. EUROPA LEAGUE: Manchester United v Athletic Club, live on 5 Sports Extra. Saturday 10th May WOMENS SUPER LEAGUE: Chelsea v Liverpool 1230 KO, live on 5 Sports Extra. PREMIER LEAGUE: Southampton v Manchester City 1500 KO, live on 5 Live. PREMIER LEAGUE: Bournemouth v Aston Villa 1730 KO, live on 5 Live. Sunday 11th May PREMIER LEAGUE: Nottingham Forest v Leicester 1415 KO, live on 5 Live. PREMIER LEAGUE: Manchester United v West Ham 1415 KO, live on 5 Sports Extra. PREMIER LEAGUE: Spurs v Crystal Palace 1415 KO, live on BBC Sport Website and App. PREMIER LEAGUE: Liverpool v Arsenal 1630 KO, live on 5 Live.
Faye Carruthers is joined by Suzy Wrack, Emily Keogh and Jamie Spangher to reflect on Chelsea's WSL triumph, a dramatic final day in the Championship
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson and Dan Bardell as Chelsea secure a vital win over Liverpool in the race for Champions League football next season. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Lars Sivertsen, Mark Langdon and Sid Lowe to discuss all the big European action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair and Nicky Bandini as Arsenal try and lick their wounds after they failed to gain an edge at home against PSG in the first leg of their semi-final clash in the Champions League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines talk all things Champions League as Arsenal make it through to the final for the first time in 18 years. Jen and Ellen talk about former teammate and friend captain Kim Little and what makes her so good. On the flipside where did it all go so wrong for Chelsea as they went crashing out after defeat to Barcelona and is it a one sided rivalry? Plus the team chat the Championship as Crystal Palace head back down while it will go to the final day, either London City Lionesses or Birmingham City will make it to the WSL.00:20 Intro 01:36 Arsenal masterclass 06:40 Kim Little fan club 14:10 Renee Slegers tactics 17:50 Chelsea crash out 28:00 Palace relegation 32:30 Championship promotion raceBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: Tue 20:00 - Arsenal v PSG in the UEFA Champions League Wed 20:15 - Man Utd v Chelsea in the Women's Super League Thu 20:00 - Athletic Club v Man Utd in the UEFA Europa League Thu 20:00 - Tottenham v Bodø/Glimt in the UEFA Europa League
Faye Carruthers is joined by Sophie Downey, Ameé Ruszkai and Marva Kreel to discuss Arsenal's win, Chelsea's loss and latest action across the WSL and the Championship
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Robyn Cowen as Liverpool are crowned as champions and Manchester City and Crystal Palace go through to the FA Cup final. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Seb Hutchinson and Dan Bardell as Manchester City get a vital win over Aston Villa in the hunt for Champions League football. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, George Elek and Sanny Rudravajhala as Leeds and Burnley confirm their return to the Premier League over a busy Easter weekend in the EFL. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines react to the Women's Champions League semi-final first legs. They are joined by BBC Sport's Emma Sanders who was in Barcelona, to dissect what went so wrong for Chelsea, who trail 4-1 heading into the second leg. They also react to Arsenal's first leg against Lyon – will they regret not making more of their chances against a Lyon team with an impressive home record? Plus they focus on Liverpool's Olivia Smith after an impressive few weeks – what does she need to do to continue her upwards progression?TIME CODES: 1'17 Reaction to Barcelona v Chelsea 5'27 Emma Sanders joins the pod 24'06 Reaction to Arsenal v Lyon 24'17 Renee Slegers post Lyon 36'55 One to watch: Liverpool's Olivia Smith
Faye Carruthers is joined by Sophie Downey, Tom Garry and Emma Sanders to discuss the Champions League semi-finals, the Women's Championship and the latest WSL action
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Barney Ronay and Jonathan Wilson as Aston Villa, Manchester City and Chelsea secure important wins in the race for the five Champions League spots. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Philippe Auclair as Arsenal win 2-1 in Madrid to knock the holders out of the Champions League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Mark Langdon and Lars Sivertsen as Aston Villa go out swinging in the Champions League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines react to the FA Cup semi-finals where Chelsea and Manchester United booked their spots at Wembley. Holders Manchester United have reached a third successive final and they will look to get revenge over quadruple-chasing Chelsea who beat them in the showpiece fixture back in 2023.As well as reflecting on this year's finalists, with their Women's Champions League qualification hopes hanging in the balance and another trophyless season confirmed, the team look at what has gone wrong for Manchester City.Plus, the Champions League has reached the semi-final stage and there is an all-English final on the cards. Two huge rivalries are renewed this weekend as Arsenal host Lyon and Chelsea visit Barcelona in the first-legs.TIMECODES: 00:53 - Holders Manchester United reach a third successive FA Cup final. 06:50 - Manchester United being a dark horse this season. 10:55 - Marc Skinner reacts to his side booking their return to Wembley. 13:21 - Phallon Tullis-Joyce and Manchester United's defence this season. 17:40 - Chelsea's quadruple dream is still alive thanks to a late winner from Aggie Beever-Jones. 21:33 - What's gone wrong for Manchester City in another trophyless season? 29:10 - The Women's Champions League reaches the semi-final stage. 29:55 - Jen on Lyon manager Joe Montemurro, who managed Arsenal between 2017 and 2021. 34:36 - The Chelsea v Barcelona rivalry is renewed. 38:30 - Could we see an all-English champions league final? 39:11 - The WSL returns after the international break.
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Mark Pougatch and Sam Dalling as Newcastle's form puts them fourth in the Premier League. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Philippe Auclair and Archie Rhind-Tutt as to talk over the Champions League action. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Nicky Bandini and Nick Ames as Declan Rice scores two incredible free kicks to help Arsenal beat Real Madrid 3-0 in the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Ellen White, Jen Beattie and Ben Haines react to England losing 3-2 away to Belgium in the second of their double header in the Nations League. England went 3-1 behind in the first half with 19 year old Michelle Agyemang scoring a sensational goal on her senior debut 41 seconds after coming on the pitch to make it 3-2. Hear from manager Sarina Wiegman as she reflects on her teams performance and what went wrong. Elsewhere Wales got a good draw away to Sweden while Scotland capitulated against Germany losing 6-1. 01:00 Intro 04:20 England press & lack of intensity 10:15 Second half improvement & the subs 15:15 Sarina Wiegman 20:00 Michelle Agyemang 26:10 Hannah Hampton number one? 29:10 Home NationsBBC Sounds / 5 Live commentaries this week: PSG v Aston Villa - Champions League - 20:00 - Wednesday 9th April Lyon v Man Utd - Europa League - 20:00 - Thursday 10th April Forest v Everton - Premier League - 15:00 - Saturday 12th April Arsenal v Brentford - Premier League - 17:30 - Saturday 12th April Liverpool v West Ham - Premier League - 14:00 - Sunday 13th April Newcastle v Man Utd - Premier League - 16:30 - Sunday 13th April BBC Sounds / 5 Sports Extra commentaries this week: Chelsea v Ipswich - Premier League - 14:00 - Sunday 13th April Wolves v Spurs - Premier League - 14:00 - Sunday 13th April
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, John Brewin and Nooruddean Choudry as Fulham beat Liverpool 3-2 and Southampton are relegated. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Wilson and Dan Bardell as Liverpool move one step closer to the Premier League title with a 1-0 derby win over Everton. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Liew and Mark Langdon as Nottingham Forest beat Manchester United, taking a step closer to Champions League football next season. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Lars Sivertsen, Seb Hutchinson and Sanny Rudravajhala to look back on the FA Cup quarter-finals. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Philippe Auclair, Robyn Cowen and Will Unwin to wrap up the international break. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod
Max Rushden is joined by Nicky Bandini, Lucy Ward and Paul Watson as Thomas Tuchel maintains his 100% start with England. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/footballweeklypod