Podcast appearances and mentions of Rick Edwards

The World Cup is over.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith take you inside football's biggest night after watching the final at MetLife Stadium. They reflect on the atmosphere, what it was like to experience a World Cup final in person and whether the much-talked-about half-time show added to the occasion or distracted from it.Joe Hart joins to analyse Spain's victory and explain why they deserved to lift the trophy, while Kelly Cates gives her verdict on the spectacle surrounding the final.And after six unforgettable weeks together across Los Angeles and New York, Rick and Lloyd sign off from the World Cup one final time.

England's World Cup is over, but what comes next?Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Guy Mowbray and Adam Crafton to reflect on England's third-place finish, ask whether more could have been done against Argentina in the semi-finals and discuss what the future looks like without players like Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and John Stones.They also preview Spain v Argentina, discuss MetLife Stadium and New York's embrace of the World Cup, while Rick and Lloyd swap stories from Times Square, the cinema with Guillem Balague and a trip to M&M World with Paul Robinson.

The World Cup final is almost here, and Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by John Murray and Chris Sutton to debate the biggest talking points before football's biggest game.Can anyone stop Lionel Messi? Has the refereeing been good enough throughout the tournament? Does a Super Bowl-style half-time show belong at a World Cup final? And why is Chris convinced Americans genuinely mean it when they tell you to "have a good day"?Plus, Rick and Lloyd give their first impressions after arriving in New York ahead of the final.

England's World Cup dream is over.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react after England's heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina, reflecting on the emotions after the final whistle, the key moments that decided the game and why they're left frustrated by Thomas Tuchel's decisions.ESPN's Mark Ogden joins to assess the substitutions, the criticism facing Tuchel and what comes next for England after falling short of the World Cup final.Plus, CBS' Nico Cantor gives the Argentinian perspective on the victory, as he and Lloyd debate football culture, the so-called 'dark arts' and why Argentina believe doing whatever it takes to win is simply part of the game.And after five unforgettable weeks in Los Angeles, Rick and Lloyd say goodbye to LA before heading to New York for the final stages of the tournament.

After a bruising 90-point loss to Brisbane, the Bombers face another tough challenge as they take on GWS in Round 19. This week on Don The Stat, Jonathan Walsh and Ian Hume break down what went wrong against the Lions, including Essendon's struggles at the contest, the shift in defensive structure under Dean Solomon, and whether the final quarter offered any genuine signs of progress. They also discuss:

Wayne Rooney joins Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina.He explains why Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are so important to this England side, why he likes seeing Thomas Tuchel and Bellingham challenge each other, reflects on similar moments from his own career and even shares how musicals help him switch off before the biggest occasions.Rooney also shares a brilliant story about pranking Sir Alex Ferguson alongside Cristiano Ronaldo.Plus, Julien Laurens reacts after Spain knocked out France to reach the World Cup final and explains why they now look like the team to beat.

Ian is joined by Rick Edwards to give his update for July for his 2026 Draft Rankings.  Support Rick at his patreon here: https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards _____ Watch 'The Moment that Mattered' and listen to our Post Match First Thoughts exclusively on Patreon at https://www.patreon.com/donthestat Don The Stat Website: https://www.donthestat.com/ Follow Us on Twitter and Bluesky: Jono at twitter.com/JonathanJWalsh / https://bsky.app/profile/jonathanjwalsh.bsky.social Ian at twitter.com/Kyptastic1 / https://bsky.app/profile/kyptastic.bsky.social Don The Stat Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/donthestat Follow Don The Stat on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/donthestat?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

England are through to the World Cup semi-finals... and now Argentina await.Rick Edwards is joined by John Murray to reflect on England's quarter-final victory over Norway, the performance that booked their place in the semis and why Rick wanted a showdown with Argentina instead of Switzerland.Lloyd Griffith also joins from Miami after experiencing the match as a fan, giving his take on England's performance, the incredible atmosphere inside the stadium, the relentless heat and what one USA supporter shouted at him during the game.Can England take one more step towards the World Cup final?

Spain are through to a mouthwatering World Cup semi-final against France.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Guillem Balague and Stephen Warnock after watching Spain's win over Belgium in LA to discuss why Spain keep finding a way to win, whether Lamine Yamal has reached the heights everyone expected and why France now awaits in one of the ties of the tournament.The boys also look ahead to England's quarter-final against Norway, with all eyes on the battle between Harry Kane and Erling Haaland.Plus, Guillem casually reveals he has Lionel Messi's email address... and even gives Rick and Lloyd a glimpse.

France are through to the World Cup semi-finals... but is there anyone left who can stop them?Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Alistair Bruce-Ball after commentating on France's win over Morocco to break down another dominant display, Kylian Mbappé's penalty miss and the fascinating debate around stuttering versus non-stuttering run-ups from the penalty spot.Plus, Lloyd takes in some of LA's cathedrals where an unexpected encounter with a nun leaves him baffled, the boys discover the local Mexican food might be a little too spicy for them, and yesterday's Norwegian delicacies make an unexpected return.

What should England expect from Norway?Ahead of the World Cup quarter-final, Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined in Santa Monica by Norwegian fans Erik Steigen and Henning Gabrielsen, who bring a little bit of home to LA.They explain the Erling Haaland effect, why football has never been bigger in Norway, how confident Norwegians are of beating England and what this team means back home.Plus, Rick and Lloyd put their taste buds to the test with Norwegian chocolate, flatbread topped with caviar paste and mayonnaise, and perhaps the most divisive of the lot... mackerel in tomato sauce.

Argentina came from 2-0 down with just 11 minutes remaining to beat Egypt 3-2... but the biggest talking point afterwards was VAR.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by the BBC's Football Issues Correspondent Dale Johnson to dissect the controversial decisions that overshadowed an extraordinary comeback and ask whether Egypt were denied a famous victory.Stephen Warnock is alongside the boys to break down one of the most dramatic matches of the World Cup, reflect on Switzerland's penalty shootout win over Colombia and continue the never-ending search for the perfect football pun.Plus, Stephen turns up with a surprise present for Lloyd... a toy fire engine.

The USA's World Cup is over after a 4-1 defeat to Belgium.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by The Athletic's Adam Crafton from the stadium to react to the hosts' dramatic exit, the fallout from Folarin Balogun's controversial red-card suspension and the debate surrounding Donald Trump's call to FIFA over the decision.NBA player for the Cleveland Cavaliers and part owner of Leeds, Larry Nance Jr, reflects on what this World Cup has meant for football in the United States and whether the tournament has left a lasting legacy.Plus, Guillem Balague looks back on the end of Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup career after Portugal's exit, reflecting on his extraordinary legacy and where he ranks among football's all-time greats.

England are through to the World Cup quarter-finals after surviving the game of the tournament so far.Goals, red cards, VAR drama and an unforgettable night at the Azteca Stadium had it all as Thomas Tuchel's side edged past Mexico in a last-16 classic.With Lloyd Griffith back from Las Vegas, he joins Rick Edwards and Dion Dublin to relive an extraordinary evening, break down how England overcame one of their toughest tests yet and ask what it means for their World Cup hopes.Plus, friend of the pod Greg James checks in, fresh from Taylor Swift's wedding, with a voice note from Brazil v Norway.

Can England cope with Mexico?With Lloyd Griffith still in Las Vegas, Dion Dublin joins Rick Edwards to preview England's last-16 clash and ask whether they can handle the heat, altitude and atmosphere at the iconic Azteca Stadium.BBC Sport's senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel brings the latest from England camp, while Moroccan football journalist Amine El Mari explains why Morocco believe they can upset France and continue their World Cup story.Plus, a voice note arrives from Steve in Gillingham... or does it?

We're now more than half way through the World Cup and Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith have quite rightly earned themselves a day off, so here's a chance to listen back to some of their best moments on the podcast so far.TIMECODES: 0'27 - Lloyd's opening question in the BBC's first interview with an England player 4'40 - Rick & Lloyd on a tandem bike 8'37 - Steve Bracknall's appearance England v Croatia 13'42 - Ronaldo Humble Pie

World Cup winner and Spain's record goalscorer, David Villa, joins Rick Edwards to reflect on Spain's impressive 2-0 win over Austria and explains why he believes they can go all the way at this World Cup.The former Spain striker also discusses Mikel Oyarzabal's importance to this team, shares memories of playing alongside Lionel Messi and reveals what it takes to win football's biggest prize.With Lloyd Griffith away in Las Vegas, Guillem Balague and Dion Dublin join Rick to analyse Spain's latest statement victory and debate the dramatic finish to Portugal's clash with Croatia after a late equaliser was ruled out by VAR.TIMECODES: 0'00 - Guillem Balague alongside Rick 1'53 - David Villa on Mikel Oyarzabal 4'33 - David Villa on Golden Boot 6'09 - On what it was like to play with Lionel Messi 7'22 - What does he think on this Spain team? 8'50 - A word on England “I believe in them” 9'20 - On the new ball for strikers 17'40 - Dion joins to recap the Spain game & Portugal v Croatia madness

Harry Kane came to England's rescue to send Thomas Tuchel's side into the World Cup last 16 - but the biggest challenge may be what's waiting next.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by John Murray to reflect on England's dramatic win before turning their attention to a mouthwatering last-16 tie against Mexico at the iconic Azteca Stadium.FOX Sports commentator Rodolfo Landeros gives the view from Mexico: do they fear England, how big is home advantage, and what can England expect from the altitude, the heat and one of football's most famous atmospheres?Plus, Rick and Lloyd relive the moment their neighbour knocked on the door just two minutes after Harry Kane's winner - not to complain, but to borrow some vanilla extract.TIMECODES 2'00 - Rick & Lloyd get interrupted during the football… for some vanilla extract 5'40 - John Murray joins the pod 22'40 - Mexican football commentator Rodolfo Landeros tells us what to expect from Mexico 30'30 - Was Florin Balogun's red card fair? 35'30 - Lloyd doesn't like the listeners' ‘pun' suggestions

What does it mean to captain the USA at a home World Cup?Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith sit down with Tim Ream to talk about leading the United States, the responsibility of wearing the armband, the legacy this team hopes to leave behind and whether he'll keep his famous blonde hair if the USA win the World Cup.The Athletic's Laurie Whitwell joins to look back on another day in the last 16 as Norway, France and Mexico all book their places in the quarter-finals, while Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé continue their tournaments with more goals. They also look ahead to England's knockout tie with DR Congo.Plus, Rick and Lloyd discuss which celebrity they can replace on the 'star wall' in the pub.

Germany and the Netherlands are both out of the World Cup after dramatic penalty shootout defeats.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Raphael Honigstein to react to Germany's shock exit to Paraguay, ask where it all went wrong and discuss what comes next.Humphrey Ker also drops by to talk Wrexham, life working across the UK and USA, and how he spotted Switzerland's John Manzambi a few years ago and wanted to sign him.Plus, Brazil and Morocco book their place in the last 16 and Rick and Lloyd reflect on Cody Gakpo's emotional goal celebration for the Netherlands following a difficult week off the pitch.TIMECODES 00'00 - Rick & Lloyd's emotional reaction to Cody Gakpo's goal 2'25 - Humphrey Ker joins the pod to talk a bit of Wrexham & USA 11'00 - Raphael Honigstein on Germany going out 25'00 - Netherlands crashing out to Morocco 32'00 - Brazil going out to Japan

Steve Clarke has resigned as Scotland manager following their World Cup exit, with Eilidh Barbour joining Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith to react to the news and assess what went wrong for Scotland.England are through to the last 32 after a 2-0 win over Panama. Paul Robinson joins from the stadium to break down another slightly underwhelming performance, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham again central to the result to get the job done.The Athletic's Adam Crafton looks ahead to England's knockout tie with DR Congo and runs through the standout fixtures from an exciting last 32 line-up.Plus, Rick and Lloyd discuss the Nigerian goalkeeper who's taken over everyone's algorithms despite not being at the World Cup, and Lloyd shares a story from his time working in DR Congo on an old job.

What could hosting the World Cup mean for football in the United States?Rick Edwards is back from his backgammon adventures to join Lloyd Griffith as Fulham's owner, Tony Khan, shares his perspective on the tournament, discusses the legacy it could leave in the USA and gives an update on Fulham following Marco Silva's departure.Guillem Balague joins to react to one of the biggest shocks of the World Cup as Cape Verde reach the knockout stages and Uruguay crash out. Plus, France impress again, Ousmane Dembélé fires himself into the Golden Boot race with a hat-trick, and Rick and Lloyd relive their morning kickabout where Lloyd finally got on the scoresheet thanks to an assist from Rick.

Scotland's World Cup hopes are looking more unlikely after defeat to Brazil, but is there still a way through?Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Kasper Schmeichel to assess Scotland's position and discuss the mindset needed when a tournament doesn't go according to plan.The former Denmark goalkeeper explains how players recover from mistakes on the biggest stage, why the World Cup ball has become such a talking point among goalkeepers and what makes every goalkeeper different.Lloyd also reveals to Kasper that he collects goalkeeper gloves, including several worn by Kasper's father, Peter Schmeichel.Plus, Rick and Lloyd answer your questions on everything from Lloyd's singing and their gym sessions to their favourite game of the World Cup so far.

England were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Ghana, but is there any reason to panic?Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Stephen Warnock to react to England's latest World Cup outing. Why did Thomas Tuchel's side struggle to break Ghana down, and what can they learn from facing a stubborn low block? The team also discuss a difficult night for Harry Kane and what the result means for England's hopes of topping the group.Scotland have a huge clash coming up with Brazil and Eilidh Barbour joined to give the latest from Scotland camp and asks... can Scotland make history?Plus, Rick and Lloyd are forced to eat their humble pie after Cristiano Ronaldo finally found his World Cup scoring touch with two goals for Portugal. And an innocent trip to the toilets takes an awkward turn when Lloyd's attempt at a prank goes badly wrong.

Messi, Mbappé and Haaland all scored twice on a day dominated by the World Cup's biggest stars.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react to another record-breaking night for Lionel Messi, who became the tournament's all-time leading goalscorer, and discuss what it means for his place in football history.Julien Laurens joins to assess a huge day for the superstars, reflect on France's dramatic win over Iraq and a 130-minute weather delay.Kelly Somers brings the latest from England camp ahead of their meeting with Ghana in Boston.Plus, Rick and Lloyd take on table tennis and Lloyd does a questionable Jamie Foxx impression.

Spain produced one of the performances of the World Cup so far as they swept aside Saudi Arabia 4-0, while Cape Verde continued their remarkable tournament with a shock draw against Uruguay.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react to another big day at the World Cup and are joined by Elizabeth Conway from Atlanta, where she watched Spain's impressive victory and a standout display from Lamine Yamal. Will this be his tournament?The team also discuss Cape Verde's latest giant-killing result and what it means for one of the World Cup's surprise packages.Plus, Rick and Lloyd went to Belgium's match against Iran in Los Angeles alongside Dion Dublin and Conor McNamara, before comparing notes on how they spent their day off.

Scotland suffered a narrow defeat to Morocco, but their World Cup hopes remain firmly alive.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Pat Nevin, fresh from the stadium, to reflect on an encouraging performance from Steve Clarke's side. What does the result mean for Scotland's hopes of reaching the knockout stages, and what can they take into a huge game against Brazil?South American football journalist Tim Vickery joins the pod to discuss the mood around Brazil after their win over Haiti and assess their chances of ending a 24-year wait for World Cup glory.Plus, the team react to the USA reaching the knockout stages, and Lloyd takes to the pitch for a football match of his own in Los Angeles.

Scotland face their biggest test of the World Cup so far as they prepare to take on Morocco.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by former Scotland international Charlie Adam to preview a huge match for Steve Clarke's side.German football journalist Raphael Honigstein joins Rick & Lloyd in Santa Monica to look back on the opening round of group games and separate the genuine contenders from the early overreactions. Are Spain already out of the running after their draw with Cape Verde? Should Portugal be worried? And will Cristiano Ronaldo ever score a World Cup goal?Raph also praises Thomas Tuchel's man management and reflects on the unique challenge of covering a tournament spread across three countries, before Rick and Lloyd discover that shopping in Beverly Hills can be a humbling experience.

England's World Cup campaign is up and running after a 4-2 victory over Croatia.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react alongside Paul Robinson, who was at the stadium to witness England's opening win. The team discuss Jude Bellingham's standout display after admitting he had a chip on his shoulder heading into the tournament, while Harry Kane once again showed why he's England's talisman on the biggest stage.They are also joined by Royal Oak Sunday League manager Steve Bracknall, who made the trip to watch England at a World Cup for the very first time. Fresh from what he describes as the best day of his life, Steve shares his experiences of following the fans and soaking up the atmosphere around the match... from his bed.Plus, with Kane, Messi and Mbappé all on the scoresheet already, why is Cristiano Ronaldo still waiting for his first World Cup goal?

England's World Cup campaign is about to begin.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by John Murray and Paul Robinson from Dallas, where Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane have been speaking to the media ahead of England's opening match against Croatia. We hear from both of them and assess England's chances before they get their tournament under way.Before that, the team react to another historic night for Lionel Messi. He became the oldest player to score a World Cup hat-trick as he continues to rewrite the record books.Julien Laurens also joins the pod to look react to France's 3-1 win over Senegal and discuss whether the French have what it takes to challenge for the trophy once again.Plus, Rick and Lloyd head out for lunch in LA, where Lloyd's promise to share his nachos doesn't quite go to plan.

Cape Verde produce the shock of the World Cup so far after holding Spain to a goalless draw.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react to a remarkable result and ask what went wrong for one of the tournament favourites. Guillem Balague joins the pod to assess Spain's performance, what needs to change and whether Cape Verde can build on a historic point.Guillem also discusses Egypt's Abdelkarim following his recent move to Barcelona and explains why he's one of the most exciting young talents at the tournament.BBC North America correspondent Shaimaa Khalil joins after attending Iran's World Cup match in Los Angeles. She reflects on the atmosphere around a highly anticipated fixture and what it was like to be there.Plus, Rick and Lloyd take on Santa Monica's bike paths on a tandem bike, but one of LA's rental bikes has some unexpected feedback for Lloyd.

Jordan Pickford joins Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith from England camp ahead of their opening game.Lloyd is reunited with his self-proclaimed mate, while New Zealand goalkeeper Max Crocombe, also joins from his team's training camp to discuss life at the tournament and preparing for their highly anticipated opening game against Iran.Back in Santa Monica, former Netherlands defender Mario Melchiot joins Rick and Lloyd in Ye Olde King's Head. They reflect on the Netherlands' 2-2 draw with Japan, discuss Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao and Mario offers some local knowledge as the pair continue to find their feet in Los Angeles.

Scotland's first World Cup match in 28 years ends with a win.Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react to a huge 1-0 victory over Haiti alongside former Scotland international Charlie Adam, who talks about what the result means and whether Steve Clarke's side can build on a dream start to the tournament.They also look back on Brazil's opening match against Morocco and ask whether Brazil still carry the same aura they once did. Who are the stars carrying this team and where do they sit among the tournament favourites?And Qatar pick up their first ever World Cup point, Switzerland benefit from a major offside controversy after the semi-automated system failed, and Rick and Lloyd report back from a trip to the legendary Gold's Gym in Los Angeles.

Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith have been to their first World Cup match.The pair were in Los Angeles to watch the USA's opening game, a chaotic 4-1 win over Paraguay that featured goals, drama and one of the most bizarre and confusing cases of a yellow card you'll ever see.Joined by ESPN's Mark Ogden, Rick and Lloyd compare notes on their first World Cup matchday experience in the States. From the chants and atmosphere to the food, drinks, sights and smells around the stadium, what is it really like to watch football at a World Cup in America?Plus, content creators Woody and Kleiny drop by to tell us about their remarkable journey following England across the tournament. Travelling thousands of miles together by bus, whilst live streaming 24/7, to raise awareness for prostate cancer, they explain why they're taking on the challenge and how they're going to manage living in such close quarters.

Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are finally in LA.Broadcasting from their Santa Monica base, they discuss their first few days living together, settling into life in California and discovering that, despite the World Cup being underway, there isn't quite the tournament buzz they expected.So how are American sports fans reacting? Is football fever about to arrive?Plus, John Murray joins from the Azteca Stadium in Mexico City after the hosts' opening match in one of the World Cup's most iconic settings.

Essendon heads to the MCG to face a Melbourne side that has transformed into one of the competition's most dangerous teams since the Bombers upset them during Gather Round. With Jono away in England, Ian is joined by long-time Don The Stat patron and tactical analyst Josh Wilson to break down Essendon's loss to Carlton, assess the early signs of the Dean Solomon era, and preview a massive challenge against the Demons.

Support Rick at his Patreon here - https://www.patreon.com/cw/RickEdwards With Essendon's 2026 season spiralling and the AFL Draft becoming the major source of optimism for Bombers fans, we welcome back one of the most respected talent watchers in the Essendon community — Rick Edwards. In this special Don The Stat episode, Rick reveals his exclusive Mid-Season Top 20 AFL Draft Rankings and breaks down the players every Essendon supporter should be watching ahead of the National Championships. We discuss:

The last time the World Cup was on North American soil in 1994, many football fans were sceptical. But it planted the seed of America's soccer culture today, and it has lived long in the memory of two nations in particular. Rick Edwards is joined by Brazil fan Edson and two Ireland fans - Rodney and Phelim - who all travelled to the United States. They describe a sometimes underwhelming atmosphere gripped by the stifling heat, but punctuated with unforgettable moments for their teams.02:20 - Expectations of the US 1994 World Cup 05:00 - The lack of a ‘soccer culture' 8:10 - Edson growing up watching Brazil 10:07 - Ireland coming up against Roberto Baggio's Italy 16:35 - The excruciating heat 18:40 - John Aldridge's famous outburst 20:40 - Why things ended in disappointment for the Irish 22:50 - An unconventional Brazil team 25:20 - Brazil vs Netherlands 27:10 - Phelim and Rodney causing chaos in Fort Lauderdale 29:15 - Brazil and Ireland welcomed home 32:30 - The significance of the 1994 World Cup for both nations

Russia 2018 was the World Cup that changed everything for England. In one summer alone, the mood changed, the pressure lifted, and arguably for the first time since Euro 1996, the fans fell in love with the England men's national team once more. To look back on that time, Rick Edwards is joined by Ceylon, Seb and Dan, who were swept along by it – so much so, that two of them ended up in Moscow for that fateful semi-final. They share their stories and emotions from a truly special summer.01:46 - Pre-tournament expectations for the 2018 World Cup 06:30 - A new relationship with the England team 12:08 - England hitting Panama for six 15:20 - The Colombia game and England's first shootout victory at a World Cup 17:55 - What Gareth Southgate got so right in those early years 22:36 - Seb and Dan's journey to the semi-final 27:30 - How the semi-final vs Croatia unfolded 30:40 - The feeling after England's defeat 33:53 - A new relationship with Englishness 39:40 - The legacy of this World Cup

When England flew to Germany for the 2006 World Cup, expectations were at fever pitch for a star-studded team led by David Beckham. The so-called Golden Generation was ready to deliver. But it never happened – instead came a series of heartbreaks and disappointments that left the fanbase in despair. Rick Edwards is joined by Sharon, Billy and Gary, three fans who probably suffered through more games than anyone else during the Golden Generation. They reflect on their incredible experiences at different tournaments, but also the growing sense of a team that felt further away from the fans than ever before.02:24 - How optimistic were England fans going into the 2006 World Cup? 04:31 - Sharon, Billy and Gary's experiences on the ground in Germany 11:10 - England meet Portugal in the quarter-finals again 13:12 - Owen Hargreaves & underappreciated members of the Golden Generation 17:30 - England at South Africa World Cup 2010 19:15 - Wayne Rooney hitting back at the fans & disconnection with the team 25:03 - The end of the Golden Generation 27:30 - Disaster at Brazil World Cup 2014 29:52 - Reflecting on this era 32:55 - The beauty of following England on the road

In June 1998, Scotland kicked off the World Cup in Paris against the defending champions, Brazil. For the fans that were there, it was a day that they would never forget - and one that's become Scottish football folklore after years of heartbreak. Rick Edwards is joined by Gordon, Paul and Iain to hear about that halcyon summer following their team across France and what marked the end of an era.You can find the whole series here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/series/p02nrsln

In June 1998, Scotland kicked off the World Cup in Paris against the defending champions, Brazil. For the fans that were there, it was a day that they would never forget - and one that's become Scottish football folklore after years of heartbreak. Rick Edwards is joined by Gordon, Paul and Iain to hear about that halcyon summer following their team across France and what marked the end of an era.02:18 - Remembering the Scotland squad that qualified for the 1998 World Cup 05:10 - Being in the Tartan Army throughout the 70s, 80s & 90s 10:00 - Tartan Armies in other countries 13:37 - Scotland face Brazil in the opening game 17:30 - Iain “borrowing” the flag at Bannockburn 20:00 - Kick-off in the Stade de France 22:20 - That Tom Boyd own goal 25:08 - Taking on Norway in Bordeaux 27:45 - Disaster in the final game against Morocco 30:05 - The end of an era for Scotland 34:03 - Fond memories of France in 1998 37:04 - Looking ahead to World Cup 2026 for Scotland

Meet your Football Daily World Cup team. Rick Edwards and comedian Lloyd Griffith will be with you every day throughout the tournament from their base in Los Angeles, taking you along for the journey and bringing you closer to the biggest stories from this year's World Cup.Before they head off, the pair are joined by commentator Ian Dennis to find out what tournament life is really like. How do you live and work together for six weeks? How do you cope with the heat, time zones and changing routines? And what do they need to know about each other before they board the plane?With advice from a man who's covered major tournaments around the world, plus some revealing voice notes from their partners, Rick and Lloyd get ready for six weeks in the US together.

No World Cup has left us with more iconic images than Italia ‘90. For England fans, it remains the tournament that truly got away, encapsulated by Paul Gascoigne's tears in the semi-final against West Germany.Rick Edwards is joined by Mark and Andy - two England fans who went to 1990 and never looked back, attending hundreds of England games ever since - and Neal, a Welshman who was swept up with the Tartan Army after arriving in Italy with no money and no plan. Together, they look back on the myths and the realities of the 1990 World Cup.TIMECODES 01:50 - The mythical quality of Italia ‘90 04:00 - Anticipation around England 08:50 - Why this was a unique World Cup on the ground for fans 15:22 - England's terrible group stage 19:20 - England fans on Sardinia 21:40 - Taking on Belgium and Cameroon 27:10 - England's famous night in Turin vs West Germany 31:10 - Andy's journey to the World Cup final 34:02 - The enduring legacy of Italia 90 40:50 - What changed from USA ‘94

Was it a case of too little too late for West Ham? Can Tottenham break the cycle of consecutive 17th place finishes next season under Roberto De Zerbi? And are we set for a period of Arsenal dominance at the top of the Premier League?The Telegraph's Luke Edwards joins Rick Edwards to discuss all of that and Sunderland's remarkable return to the topflight, securing Europa League football next season. Matt Jarvis joins us to talk about West Ham's relegation to the Championship and we hear from the club's captain Jarrod Bowen. Plus, we'll hear from Mikel Arteta after Arsenal's title celebrations at Selhurst Park and Trey Hume after Sunderland's seventh place finish. TIMECODES: 03:13 – West Ham relegated 06:20 – Jarrod Bowen interview 11:37 – Matt Jarvis joins the pod 16:47 – Tottenham survive 22:32 – Is it time for a period of Arsenal dominance? 22:57 – Mikel Arteta interview 30:42 – Sunderland for Europe 31:30 - Trey Hume interview 35:47 – European football for Bournemouth and Brighton 43:01 – Morgan Gibbs-White unlucky to miss out on the World Cup 44:43 – Premier League Review end of season awards

Rapper and author Guvna B, football presenter Natalie Pike, and comedians Bob Mills and Danny Mcloughlin join Rick Edwards for an hour of sporting punditry, humour and entertainment in the end of season Champion of Champions show. Points are awarded for informed comment, wit and passion, but taken away for nonsense and answers lacking in conviction.In the final round, the top two points scorers go head-to-head in 'Defend the Indefensible' where they must both defend a statement however ludicrous or distasteful for twenty seconds. Tune in to hear who will be crowned the 2026 Fighting Talk Champion.Listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds

Former Premier League striker Clinton Morrison and the Telegraph's Northern football writer Luke Edwards join Rick Edwards to analyse and debate the key talking points from the weekend.How good has Jeremy Doku been in the final stages of the season? Can Arne Slot survive the summer at Liverpool after boos at Anfield?Can one of Bournemouth and Brighton sneak into the Champions League spots after Aston Villa's woeful league form continued?Timecodes: 01:00 Was that the biggest VAR call ever? 01:30 Was it really a foul on David Raya? 05:20 Reaction from West Ham captain Jarrod Bowen 07:30 How decisive was David Raya's save vs Fernandes? 09:30 What went wrong with Arsenal's performance and could it happen against Burnley or Crystal Palace? 11:15 How good was Odegaard off the bench amidst the tension? 11:45 Reaction from Leandro Trossard on his goal 14:20 Jeremy Doku steps up for Manchester City 15:13 Hear from Erling Halaand and Pep Guardiola on Doku's impact 16:00 Pep finds out what it means to be a West Ham fan! 16:30 Liverpool fans boo Arne Slot's decisions — what is going on? 26:20 Half-time teaser — answers 29:45 Concerns for Carrick's United? 34:30 The race for European football — who are you backing? 39:15 Credit to Forest for staying up

Sports presenter David Alorka, sports broadcaster and boxing commentator Steve Bunce, and comedians Chloe Petts and Andrew White join Rick Edwards for an hour of sporting punditry, humour and entertainment. Points are awarded for informed comment, wit and passion, but taken away for nonsense and answers lacking in conviction.In the final round, the top two points scorers go head-to-head in 'Defend the Indefensible' where they must both defend a statement however ludicrous or distasteful for twenty seconds. There can only be one winner!Listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds

Nigel Reo-Coker and The Telegraph's northern football writer Luke Edwards join Rick Edwards to discuss a big weekend at both ends of the Premier League. Bukayo Saka returned to the starting lineup and inspired Arsenal to extend their lead at the top of the table. Meanwhile, Tottenham jump out of the relegation zone with a win over Aston Villa. Plus Manchester United secure Champions League football and will Ipswich stay in the Premier League this time?    TIME CODES: 2:40 Saka gave the whole Arsenal team a boost 4:50 Is Gyokeres a world class striker? 13:40 Huge win for Tottenham 20:10 3-0 loss for West Ham, but were they unlucky? 28:27 Game of two halves at Old Trafford 31:10 Was Sesko's goal handball? 34:43 Is it time to make Michael Carrick the permanent Manchester United manager? 37:56 Has Florian Wirtz been a flop? 38:50 Will Ipswich stay up this time?

Former GB badminton player Gail Emms, football journalist John Cross, The Big Issue editor Paul McNamee and comedian Nish Kumar join Rick Edwards for an hour of sporting punditry, humour and entertainment. Points are awarded for informed comment, wit and passion, but taken away for nonsense and answers lacking in conviction.In the final round, the top two points scorers go head-to-head in 'Defend the Indefensible' where they must both defend a statement however ludicrous or distasteful for twenty seconds. There can only be one winner!Listen to the podcast on BBC Sounds