
The Game
1,353 episodes — Page 17 of 28

Jose Mourinho is back.
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are back... And so is Jose Mourinho.We hear from Jose Mourinho speaking for the very first time as the new Head Coach of Tottenham. The Times very own, Alyson Rudd joins them as they discuss 'The Humble One's' first press conference.They also look ahead to Manchester City's huge clash with Chelsea this Saturday, and Bale's bother as he heads back to Madrid. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's Qualifying Campaign and The WSL Smashes Records!
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are here once again for The Game Podcast! This episode they are joined by the Times very own Deputy Sports Editor, James Restall.Molly Hudson discusses all things WSL as we celebrate yet another record breaking day for women's football.Also, Henry Winter joins us as we take a look back at what was a very comfortable 2020 qualifying campaign for England.Remember for more award winning journalism visit: https://www.thetimes.co.uk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sorry Sterling, England at 1000, and Lampard's late penalty
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Tom Roddy to look back at what's been a rocky week for England and Raheem Sterling.England also turned 1000... in games this week. Natalie quizzed the team as they looked back on some iconic kits.Also, Molly Hudson discussed a roller coaster 12 months for Phil Neville's Lionesses, and Gregor remembered some of the harsher penalty fines from his time in the game. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Liverpool blow it from here? And why Leicester could be their closest rivals
After an action packed top of the table clash, Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Restall for all the fallout from Anfield including Paul Hirst's take on Guardiola's touchline antics.Plus the panel ask if Leicester are Liverpool's closest title contenders? And whether Bramall Lane could be hosting Champions League football next season! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

All eyes on Anfield, and has Watford's luck finally run out?
Natalie Sawyer, Gregor Robertson and Tom Roddy preview the big one at Anfield as champions Manchester City take on leaders Liverpool.They're joined by The Sunday Times' Jonathan Northcroft to discuss whether this is now the biggest rivalry in English football, whether Watford's luck has finally run out and a look at the worrying findings from a government report into the demise of Bury.All that plus Molly Hudson joins the show to look ahead to a historic day for England's Lionesses as they take on Germany at a sold out Wembley Stadium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool leave it late again, and Get well soon Gomes
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Alyson Rudd to look back on an action packed weekend of football.Gregor describes what it's like to go through a horrific leg break as Andre Gomes begins his long road to recovery.Also, we discuss how Liverpool have become so good at leaving it late, and, why the Emirates is so toxic?All this plus, just how good is Alex Neil doing at Preston... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The EFL cup is Five Alive, UEFA's pitiful punishment, and Leicester's legacy
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Molly Hudson to take a look back at an incredible week in the EFL Cup.Paul Hirst joins us to look at a very interesting debut for the teenage Man City star with a famous name.Plus Henry Winter has his say on UEFA's pitiful punishment.All this, plus, how far can Brendan Rodgers' Leicester side go? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mutiny at The Emirates, and let's talk about Dele Alli...
A tough weekend for both halves of North London with incredible scenes at The Emirates as captain Xhaka goes to war with The Gunners faithful!Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by Matt Dickinson and Gary Jacob for more on this, Sean Dyche's call for red cards for diving and whether Tottenham's problems really are all Dele Alli's fault.Plus we hear how Gregor got on when he went to visit Sol Campbell at Southend United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lampard: A coming of age story, King Kane, and Who's following Wilder's
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by The Times very own, Henry Winter and James Gheerbrant to look back on a great week of Champions League action for the English sides.They debate where Kane is most at home on the pitch, and whether he's the best at it.Also, Lampard really made his mark as a manager as Chelsea grabbed a good grasp on their group.And, who could be following closely in the footsteps of Chris Wilder? Gregor talks EFL. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has Klopp got a point about VAR? The Old Trafford verdict...
Has Jurgen Klopp got a point about VAR? Or is he trying to cover up Liverpool's shortcomings?Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant for more on this, including Matt Dickinson's verdict from Old Trafford and his considered take on VAR in the Premier League.Plus Tom Roddy reports on the racism scandal that shocked the English game this weekend less than a week on from that night in Bulgaria. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sad day for football, and England's young Lions
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Henry Winter, and Tom Roddy who were both in Sofia to witness the shocking racism aimed at England stars on Monday.They also discussed to of England's young stars lighting up the under 21 stage that, as Callum Hudson-Odoi - another of Chelsea's 'class of 19' - along with Leeds Eddie Nketiah shine.And we take a look at a mouthwatering return to the Premier League as Liverpool head to Old Trafford. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The John McGinn appreciation society, and has James Maddison done anything wrong?
James Maddison has hit the headlines before his England career has even started, but has he really done anything wrong?Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by Molly Hudson for more on this, plus Paul Joyce tells us why he's not happy with Gareth Southgate and Gregor assesses whether the gap between Scotland and England has ever been bigger. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the Lions den, and are we wasting Alexander-Arnold's talent?
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Townsend are joined by The Times very own Bill Edgar, and Henry Winter as England head on the road to the Czech Republic and Bulgaria.Henry joins the podcast from Prague to give us some inside knowledge from the Three Lions camp.We also discussed those comments from Jamie Carragher, suggesting Trent Alexander-Arnold could one day step in to midfield. Plus, What's next for Sunderland after they part company with Jack Ross. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is the title slipping away from Man City? And let's talk about Matty Longstaff...
On a weekend where Liverpool's lead at the top of the table stretched to 8 points from 8 games - can they really blow it from here?Matt Dickinson joins Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson for more on this including Paul Hirst's damning report on Man City from The Etihad. Plus The Times' man in the north east Martin Hardy on Newcastle's new hero Matty Longstaff after his winner on debut against Manchester United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The only way is Chelsea for Southgate and Gnabry paints North London red
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant to take a look back at a bad night for Tottenham as they are broken by Bayern. The question has to be whether the end is near for Pochettino.Also, The Times Martyn Ziegler introduces the Premier League's new Chief Executive to the podcast.And, Gareth Southgate joins Frank Lampard in turning to Chelsea's production line. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Newcastle's identity crisis and the curious case of Chris Wilder
Newcastle's horror show at Leicester has left many questioning Steve Bruce's methods already - but is it too early to judge the new Toon boss?Molly Hudson and Bill Edgar join Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson for more on this, whether Chris Wilder was right to hang his goalkeeper Dean Henderson out to dry, and ask whether anyone actually wants to win The Championship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A 'Hammer' blow as Spurs say see-ya to silverware again, and how to stop Stoke's sorry slide
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by the Times very own, Tom Roddy and Henry Winter to look back at an interesting week in the EFL Cup which saw a number of top tier teams dumped out to lower league opposition.Natalie and Gregor also looked ahead to Monday's massive clash in the Premier League as Arsenal head to Old Trafford.And, what's happening at Stoke City? Gregor previews this weekend's EFL action as time looks like it's running out for Nathan Jones. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you solve a problem like United? And Lampard's trouble at home
Manchester United are under the microscope again after a humbling defeat at West Ham. But why Solskjaer may not be the problem - is he the answer they need?Matt Dickinson and Bill Edgar join Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson for more on this, what Chelsea need to solve their issues at home, and why it might take us 10 years to perfect VAR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bad week for Britain in Europe, and Liverpool's trip to Chelsea
It was a bad week for English side in the Champions League after such a fantastic season last time around, so is there cause for concern?Alyson Rudd joins Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson on this week's episode as they look back at midweek defeats for Liverpool and Chelsea, while Tottenham blow a comfortable half time lead.Also, has Guardiola found the answer to his defensive crisis? It looks that way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Pep under pressure and Arsenal are at it again
What a weekend of Premier League action including THAT defeat for Man City at Norwich and a weird and wonderful game at Watford.Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant and Bill Edgar for more including why England must not let Tammy Abraham slip through the net, and why Leeds might be even better than last season.Plus we look ahead to the return of the Champions League - but is there really a better team out there than Liverpool? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's strange night at St Mary's as Scotland are left sad again, and are Strikers really the 'Alpha Male' in the dressing room?
What a strange night it was for England as they took the show on the road to Southampton. The Times very own James Gheerbrant and Alyson Rudd joined Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson to look back on another win for the Three Lions as they took a huge stride towards Euro 2020 qualification against Kosovo.Gregor also discusses what exactly is going on with the Scottish National team as it looks like their only chance of reaching next summers major tournament will be through the Nations League Playoffs.Plus, we look ahead to the return of domestic football, as Alyson explains who the 'Alpha Males' are in the dressing room. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A wacky weekend for Watford and why Keane has a point about Fergie
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson look back on an impressive win for England against Bulgaria, and a night to forget for Gregor's beloved Scotland against Russia.They are joined by Molly Hudson and Matt Dickinson to discuss Roy Keane's rant at Sir Alex Ferguson, another managerial change at Watford and where the new look super league can take the women's game in England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Owen v Shearer and why the English kids are alright
Natalie Sawyer is back alongside Gregor Robertson as they dissect Gareth Southgate's England squad, ask whether Tyrone Mings is the real deal and what the plan is if Harry Kane gets injured.They're joined by The Times' James Gheerbrant and Henry Winter who also discuss whether the modern young player is too arrogant, and who came out on top in the twitter storm between Michael Owen and Alan Shearer. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trouble in the top six and disruptive VAR
After a weekend full of football Gregor Robertson is here to analyse all the ups, downs and that 'disruptive' VAR.Alongside Gregor we have The Times' very own Gary Jacob and Martin Hardy. Could this be the season that will cause major trouble for the usual top six?Our Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant also stops by to chat all things Rangers, Celtic and how much longer Steven Gerrard will be able to keep fans on side, following that 2-0 defeat! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bury fold while the Premier League wheel keeps turning
In a week when Bury went to the wall while Manchester United paid almost £6 million for Alexis Sanchez to play for someone else, Gregor Robertson analyses the state of the modern game.Matt Dickinson, Rebecca Myers and Bill Edgar join Gregor to debate how EFL clubs can escape this existential crisis, whether the Premier League should share more of the blame and whether there is even still room more 92 clubs.Our writers also debate Sanchez's legacy in England and preview the North London Derby this weekend. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why Pochettino is the new Mourinho, Gary Cahill reborn, and that strike from Harvey Barnes
Gregor Robertson is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Paul Joyce to look back on an action packed weekend including Liverpool dismantling a below par Arsenal, Steve Bruce's Newcastle stunning Spurs and David Silva shining brighter than ever on the south coast.They also cast their eye over yet more VAR controversy, and ask whether Norwich might be thinking bigger than just survival despite their loss to Chelsea.All that plus a special mention to Leicester's Harvey Barnes after his wonder strike gave Leicester all three points at Sheffield United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A social issue in football, Arsenal's first real test, and Bolton & Bury's battle
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are joined by James Gheerbrant, and Bill Edgar to look ahead to a mouthwatering weekend in the Premier League. Early front runners, Arsenal and Liverpool go head to head, so could Arsenal come through their first real test and prove they are serious title contenders?They also discuss the horrible social media scenes, and disgusting racial abuse aimed at Paul Pogba following his penalty miss on Monday.And, after a big week of EFL action, Gregor discusses Bolton and Bury's worrying battle to survive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who likes VAR? Why Arsenal might be the best team in North London, and where next for Newcastle
Natalie Sawyer & Gregor Robertson are joined by Matt Dickinson & Alyson Rudd to look back on a busy weekend of Premier League action dominated by THAT decision at Man City.They also discuss whether Arsenal are worthy early pace setters, why Frank Lampard has reasons to be cheerful and Gregor recalls his trip to beleaguered Bury as their supporters battle to keep the League Two club afloat. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Klopp's second piece of silverware, Celtic's European demise, and another early Premier League treat.
Henry Winter Joins Gregor Robertson and Natalie Sawyer to look back at the all-English Super Cup in Istanbul, with the Premier League continuing to dominate Europe. Things are not so promising north of the border though as Celtic crash out of the Champions League before it really starts.Natalie and Gregor are also joined by James Gheebrant to take a look this weekend's Premier League action, as it throws up another early treat with Manchester City welcoming Tottneham to the Etihad. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are Manchester United really back?
Natalie Sawyer and Gregor Robertson are back with The Game brought to you by the Times. On this episode, they are joined by The Times' Molly Hudson & Oliver Kay.They discuss whether Manchester United really are back following a 4-0 thrashing of Chelsea, how VAR fared in its first weekend in The Premier League, and whether Billy Sharp can cut it in the top flight.More award winning journalism head to www.thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Season Preview Part 2
Natalie Sawyer and her new co-host Gregor Robertson are back with The Game brought to you by the Times. On this episode, they are joined by The Times very own, Alyson Rudd, and James Gheerbrant.In episode two of our season preview, they focus on the ins and outs of the transfer window, and what VAR will mean for the Premier League. They also discuss whether English clubs will be Kings of Europe again.More award winning journalism head to www.thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Season Preview Part 1
Natalie Sawyer and her new co-host Gregor Robertson are back with The Game, brought to you by The Times. On this episode, they are joined by The Times very own, Alyson Rudd and James Gheerbrant.Over the next two episodes they will take a look at the season ahead as the EFL returns and the Premier League gets closer. They also discuss who could be the King's of Europe and what managers will start the season with and eye already on their job security. All this and more over this two-part season preview.More award winning journalism head to www.thetimes.co.uk/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USA pave the way, WSL needs to sell
Natalie Sawyer, Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and former England star Claire Rafferty are back one last time to review a summer where it was no longer women’s football, it was just football. The USA take home the tour de four as Megan Rapinoe makes the front pages once again. The panel are loving Lavelle but has this World Cup been a let-down for England after their 4th place finish? Plus there’s news of the WSL potentially in turmoil. Is the momentum generated by this tournament for the women’s game about to be squandered? And we look back at our favourite memories from this World Cup. From great goalkeepers to iconic Italians. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A critical point for the women’s game
Natalie Sawyer is joined by Molly Hudson and Tottenham goalkeeper Chloe Morgan as the 2019 Women’s World Cup prepares for its final weekend. The dream may be over for England after semi-final elimination by the USA but as the panel discuss, we enter a crucial period for women’s football in this country. Will attendances rise? Will clubs outside the WSL feel the benefits? Can women’s football capitalise on the success of the Lionesses? And will Phil Neville stick around long enough to see it? It is the Netherlands who will face the Americans in their first ever World Cup final on Saturday. Can the Dutch deny the USA their 4th title and shock the world? Plus Alex Morgan’s tea celebration – do we just need to calm down? Possibly with a cuppa? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neville’s need to win and the remarkable Rapinoe
On the eve of perhaps the biggest England game ever in women’s football, Natalie Sawyer is joined by Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and Tottenham goalkeeper Chloe Morgan as excitement continues to build.The Lionesses take on the best team in the world, the USA, in the semi-final of the World Cup. For manager Phil Neville, 18 months comes down to one game. Will the World Cup be a failure for Neville if England suffer semi-final defeat? Are England’s backline set for their biggest test yet? And will White strike again?The woman making all the headlines on and off the pitch in France is American co-captain Megan Rapinoe. Activist and athlete, what has the publicity she’s garnered done for the tournament and the women’s game? And will the fitness of the Americans pay dividends in the extreme heat of Lyon?There’s another semi-final to be played as well. Can Sweden upset the odds again and reach the final? Or will the Netherlands get the chance to add the World Cup to their European Championship? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bronze sets gold standard as England power into semi-finals
Phil Neville said post-match that Lucy Bronze "has got to win the Ballon d'Or" after her man-of-the-match performance against Norway to send England into the semi-finals. Bronze set up England's first goal and sealed the 3-0 victory with a stunning strike from range, but does she deserve to be recognised as the best women's player in the world?Natalie Sawyer is joined on the podcast by the West Ham United and former England defender Claire Rafferty, plus The Times and Sunday Times journalists Molly Hudson and Rebecca Myers from Le Havre to discuss Bronze's standing in the game and England's best performance of the tournament so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cameroon implode, England advance and Marta bows out
In the face of flying elbows, spitting, violent tackles and two threats to walk off the pitch, England defeated Cameroon to reach the knockout stages. Natalie Saywer is joined by former England, Chelsea and West Ham defender Claire Rafferty and Times chief sports writer Matt Dickinson to analyse one of the most remarkable matches of any World Cup. Should we feel sympathy for Cameroon? Should the referee have taken a stronger stand? And has it really damaged the image of the women’s game? Plus The Times and Sunday Times journalists Molly Hudson and Rebecca Myers join us from France to analyse England’s performance, quarter-final opponents Norway and Marta’s legacy. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We pick Neville’s best England team
With three wins from three England have qualified for the knockout stages in style – but who will Phil Neville pick next?Natalie Sawyer is joined by former England, Chelsea and West Ham defender Claire Rafferty and from The Times and Sunday Times journalists Molly Hudson and Rebecca Myers to analyse England’s best XI. Neville has made 12 changes since the opening win over Scotland and says he will continue to rotate – but who should he be picking and does chopping and changing help or hinder motivation? Elsewhere, Scotland crashed out after throwing away a three-goal lead and suffering one of the cruellest refereeing decisions of the tournament – we debate whether VAR has gone too far? And as interest in the World Cup increases, why are so few people buy tickets for matches? Our guests explain what the atmosphere is really like in France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LifeTimes with Fran Kirby
At the age of 14, Fran Kirby had to deal with the sudden and devastating death of her mother. The next day she went back to school, carrying on her life as normal until grief and depression hit her hard, leading her to give up football, the game she loved.This summer Kirby, now 25, is England’s leading creative force at a World Cup they hope to win and has earned the nickname “Mini Messi”.In this episode of the new in-depth podcast, LifeTimes, England’s leading women’s footballer tells Matt Dickinson how she overcame a shattering loss to rebuild her life and her career. Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss an episode, including the opening show with Paul Pogba. This episode is hosted by The Times Chief Sports Writer Matt Dickinson and produced by Lucy Lavery, it is a Times Sport production, to discover more of our award winning journalism visit www.thetimes.co.uk/sport Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Neville’s Japan dilemmas and Chile’s star goalkeeper
We are into the final round of group games in France and England have already qualified for the knockout stages. Natalie Sawyer is joined by former England, Chelsea and West Ham defender Claire Rafferty and Sunday Times journalist Rebecca Myers to analyse a crucial round of games. England may be through but we explain why it will make a big difference if they avoid defeat against Japan. Plus, should Jodie Taylor retain her place in attack and what made the win over Argentina such an emotional moment for Fran Kirby and Carly Telford? The US overcame one of the best goalkeeping performances in recent times from Chile’s Christiane Endler and Claire gives us the inside line on her former Chelsea team-mate, while we celebrate one of the most heartwarming consolation goals ever. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Should we move the goalposts?
It’s been a memorable few days at the Women’s World Cup in France. Natalie Sawyer digests it in the company of Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and Tottenham goalkeeper Chloe Morgan. The fall-out from the USA’s 13-0 victory over Thailand continues. Were the Americans disrespectful in their failure to ease off? Did they celebrate too much? And with Chelsea manager Emma Hayes writing in The Times about the plight of Thailand’s 5ft 5in goalkeeper, should the goals be smaller in women’s football? The hosts continue to win, seeing off Norway 2-1 thanks to a controversial penalty awarded by VAR. Will the debate over technology rumble on throughout the tournament? And with Phil Neville perhaps set to rotate for England’s second group game, is there a danger that the Lionesses are about to underestimate Argentina? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The future of women’s football
The biggest World Cup in the history of women’s football is well underway, with the action in France already having a significant impact back in the UK. Natalie Sawyer is joined by two people who have been integral to the development of the women’s game in this country. Former England captain with 90 caps for her country, Faye White. And the FA director for the women’s professional game Kelly Simmons. We discuss the potential influence France 2019 can have, how the sport has progressed to a more professional model and the training schemes and initiatives that are encouraging young girls to pursue football as a profession. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

LifeTimes with Paul Pogba
In this new podcast series, LifeTimes, our leading writers have stepped away from the heat of the action to speak in-depth to some of the most famous athletes on the planet - starting in episode one with footballer Paul Pogba. The France World Cup-winner and £89 million Manchester United midfielder sits down at the Bulgari Hotel in Milan to discuss everything from his on-pitch achievements and the importance of his faith to the criticism he receives over his body language and choice of haircuts. Make sure you subscribe so that you never miss an episode.This episode is hosted by The Times Chief Sports Writer Matt Dickinson and produced by Lucy Lavery, it is a Times Sport production, to discover more of our award winning journalism visit www.thetimes.co.uk/sportSearch LifeTimes on your favourite podcast app and make sure you subscribe so you don't miss out on the next five episodes with sports biggest stars coming soon! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England survive Scotland scare but it’s just the beginning for France
France 2019 is in full swing and Natalie Sawyer is joined by Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and former Lioness Claire Rafferty to pore over the opening weekend’s action.England edge past Scotland in front of a record TV audience. How significant is that for the women’s game? Phil Neville’s team are given a helping hand by VAR. What repercussions will the new handball rule have on training? Plus why Neville’s unhappiness is a good thing and the story behind that waistcoat.The tournament’s proving to be big in the UK but how big is it in France? The hosts are in imperious form thanks to the competition’s tallest player. Will Norway stand in their way?Also, can the Germans be got at and are the Brazilians just too old? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

France 2019 World Cup preview
With the World Cup kicking off on Friday, Natalie Sawyer is joined by former England star Claire Rafferty, as well as Molly Hudson, Rebecca Myers and Matt Dickinson from the Times to preview arguably the most high-profile tournament in the history of women’s football. It almost came home last summer but will it finally be coming home for England? Can Phil Neville lead the Lionesses to glory? And what impact will the World Cup have on future generations? Will the harshest critics of the women’s game take the tournament to their heart? If it’s not to be England, who are the teams and players to watch? Can six-time World Player of the Year Marta finally lift the game’s richest prize? Will it be a World Cup double for the French? The Game will bring you podcasts twice a week throughout the tournament, featuring some of The Times’ finest writers out in France. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In conversation with Caulkin
For those suffering Gab Marcotti withdrawal symptoms, we have a treat for you. And indeed a treat for Gab, as he sits down for a chat with one of his favourite writers, the northern sports correspondent for The Times – George Caulkin. Gab and George discuss how press coverage of football has changed, the significance of football in the North East and of course, the current disconnect between fans and club at Newcastle United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Did key Kane call cost Pochettino and Spurs?
It’s the last ever Game podcast for one Gabriele Marcotti. And there are plenty lining up to pay tribute to the man who has made this podcast his own. On the agenda this week, the Champions League final as Liverpool lift their 6th European Cup after a 2-0 victory over Tottenham. They showed nous and it may have been Alisson’s 27th clean sheet of the season but did the Reds even defend that well? From the Spurs side of things, it was a case of what might have been. Was Mauricio Pochettino right to start Harry Kane? Did Poch have enough up his sleeve tactically? And where next for Tottenham’s in-demand manager? The Europa League trophy was lifted by Chelsea in Baku last week. But will it prove to be Maurizio Sarri’s last act as manager at Stamford Bridge? And with the Nations League finals just around the corner, we ask just how seriously should Gareth Southgate and England be taking this trophy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Champions League final preview
Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer bring you a special bumper look ahead to the Champions League final and Europa League final, in the company of Oli Kay, Paul Joyce, Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant.Liverpool and Tottenham get ready to do battle in the biggest club game in European football on Saturday night. Will Firmino and Kane make it for Madrid? How can Tottenham stop the Reds’ rampaging full-backs? And would Mauricio Pochettino leave Spurs on the highest of highs if he was victorious on Saturday?The first final featuring all-English clubs is on Wednesday night. Oli is among those boarding several flights to Baku, as controversy continues to reign around the Europa League final venue. We discuss the absence of Arsenal’s Henrikh Mkhitaryan and the future of Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri.Plus we debate whether Petr Cech’s reported summer move to a directorial role at Chelsea represents such a conflict of interests that he should not be picked in goal for the Gunners. And what will be Mesut Ozil’s legacy? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Football, Bloody Hell! How United won the Treble
Natalie Sawyer introduces a special one hour documentary from talkSPORT looking back at Manchester United's amazing treble winning season. You'll hear how;- The United board wondered if Fergie had taken his eye off the ball- Martin Edwards asked Fergie to cut short his holiday and return for talks- the players placed demands on their coaches.Featuring Teddy Sheringham, Andy Cole, Steve McClaren and Martin Edwards. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bale and Man City – struggling to be loved
Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Dickinson and Alan Smith after a historic weekend in English football. Manchester City equal the biggest FA Cup final win ever with a 6-0 victory over Watford at Wembley, becoming the first English men’s team to complete the domestic treble. But Pep Guardiola is forced to answer some difficult questions about finances while certain fans feel City aren’t getting the credit they deserve. Will City ever truly be embraced, even with the wonderful football they play? On the pitch, we discuss Vincent Kompany’s legacy at City after his decision to become player-manager at Anderlecht and the role of City assistant Mikel Arteta, a pivotal figure as revealed by Paul Hirst’s behind the scenes story of the season in The Times.Gareth Bale appears to have played his last game for Real Madrid after failing to acknowledge the fans after the final match of the season. Who could possibly afford him? Is the narrative of Bale being mistreated a bit wide of the mark? Does Bale need to act like Arjen Robben? And there are managerial movers in the form of Allegri, Potter and Pulis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.