The Game

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd to discuss a big week in the Champions League, and a bigger weekend to come in the Premier League. Liverpool face Manchester City at Anfield as the Premier League’s top two title favourites go head to head. With the Reds losing in Naples, is it the wake-up call Jurgen Klopp needs for a reset on a midfield lacking in creativity? Henry Winter witnesses a Messi masterclass at Wembley, as Barcelona dismantle Tottenham. Messi may be one of the greatest of all time but does he benefit from a better supporting cast than legends of the past? And we ask what has happened to Spurs keeper Hugo Lloris? Is he still among the Premier League’s best shot stoppers? And is it right that he’s been out of the spotlight for so long after his drink-driving charges? Plus Natalie doesn’t want to talk about it – but there’s a managerial vacancy at Villa Park, brought about by bad results and cabbages.Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are back to review more misery for Mourinho at Manchester United. After defeat at West Ham confirms their worst start in 29 years, has he taken United back to square one? And in the wake of in-fighting and increasingly random team selections, we ask if Mourinho is trying to orchestrate his own dismissal so he can leave Old Trafford with some credit in the bank. And what should the succession plan be towards the next manager? Oliver Kay has been to Barcelona and tells us why a bid for Pogba in January is unlikely. And after his sensational equaliser at Stamford Bridge for Liverpool against Chelsea, is Daniel Sturridge now first reserve up front for England? Plus Bill Edgar tells us how much time Cardiff fans are spending watching Sean Morrison hold the ball in his hands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s the story that keeps on giving. The bad blood between Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho continues to boil at Manchester United. Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer discuss with James Gheerbrant and the man at the heart of the story, Paul Hirst.Was Mourinho’s training ground spat with Pogba pre-meditated to underline his authority not just to the squad but to the watching world? How embarrassing is this for the club to have this internal squabble played out in front of the cameras? Can Pogba ever mesh with Mourinho’s style of football? And who will leave United first?With Chelsea meeting Liverpool in the headline fixture in England this weekend, and with Eden Hazard knocking the Reds out of the Carabao Cup in midweek, we ask whether the Belgian really is the best player in the Premier League.Plus with the news that the FA are set to reward Gareth Southgate with an extended contract and a pay rise, the panel assess his value to England. And if he were on the market, which Premier League club would take him?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are joined by Henry Winter and Bill Edgar after another eyebrow-raising Premier League weekend.With Liverpool maintaining their 100% record and Chelsea dropping points for the first time this season, we cast our eye to the top of the table showdown at Stamford Bridge on Saturday. Is Sarri-ball getting the best out of N’Golo Kante? And is there a place up for grabs in that Chelsea midfield for Ross Barkley?Wolves continue to impress as they prise a point from Manchester United at Old Trafford. Gab admires their tactical flexibility but still has problems with their business model. Plus is Ruben Neves the best player outside the top 6? And why has Alexis Sanchez been so ineffective since signing for United in January?And Matt Dickinson joins us to discuss the explosive extracts from Kevin Keegan’s autobiography which you can read in The Game in The Times on Monday, as he lifts the lid on Newcastle under Mike Ashley’s ownership. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer react to an eventful midweek in the Champions League as Tottenham taste their third defeat in a row. Are we right to question Mauricio Pochettino’s decisions or does he have too much credit in the bank? Manchester City suffer shock defeat at home to Lyon. Oliver Kay argues they are failing to hit the heights of this time last year. Should Bernardo Silva take centre stage? Liverpool dispose of PSG as Klopp overcomes Tuchel. But as James Gheerbrant suggests, are we predisposed to wanting PSG to fail due to a lack of goodwill towards them? Elsewhere, it’s a pain in the AARs for Cristiano Ronaldo. And Gazidis is a goner, in a high-profile exit from the Emirates. Has he let Stan Kroenke down?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer break down some major talking points after another big Premier League weekend, in the company of Alyson Rudd and Paul Joyce.Liverpool are flying with 5 wins out of 5 after beating Spurs but are they suffering from a lack of selflessness from their strikers? And what does Mauricio Pochettino do about his Kane conundrum?Everton lose to West Ham but have troubles off the pitch as an independent enquiry examines their approach to Marco Silva last season. Is the alleged tapping up a sign of a more aggressive owner in Farhad Moshiri?The panel looks ahead to the Champions League week and reacts to Wilfried Zaha’s pleas for protection from referees. Only Eden Hazard has been fouled more than Zaha in the Premier League in the last 5 years – what can Palace’s star man learn from the Belgian? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Premier League returns, as do Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer in the company of Matt Hughes and Paul Hirst, to look ahead to what promises to be an intriguing weekend. Gary Neville has spoken exclusively to Matt Dickinson for The Times about his former club Manchester United, the need to back Jose Mourinho and a warning for Paul Pogba not to lose the dressing room over his future. The panel debate whether or not Pogba’s intentions are misunderstood.League leaders Liverpool prepare for Poch and a visit to Wembley to take on Tottenham. But as Neville suggests, would Klopp be better off ditching the Champions League in search of Premier League glory? We analyse (pointless) West Ham’s woes. Did they start with the summer transfer window? And where is their next win coming from? Plus the Roy Keane Republic of Ireland saga and Gab and Nat debunk some myths about the new St Mirren manager.Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer is joined by Matt Dickinson and Bill Edgar to discuss the fall-out from England’s Nations League defeat to Spain at Wembley. With Joe Gomez preferred to Kyle Walker in a back 3, and Kieran Trippier continuing to excel at wing-back, is there a place in the England team for the title-winning Walker?Plus as Southgate looks to solve the midfield conundrum, after a historical English emphasis on physicality, is there a shift in ambition for young players in this country in terms of the type of player they want to be?On the subject of England and Spain, Peter Crouch spoke to Ben Machell and Hector Bellerin was in conversation with Matthew Syed, two interviews which you can read at thetimes.co.uk. We discuss with the panel the concept of footballers expressing themselves as unique individuals and whether there is too much pressure to conform in football.And as the Women’s Super League kicks off, Rebecca Myers from The Sunday Times joins us to discuss a top tier made up entirely of professional clubs and the ramifications for women’s football in this country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Alyson Rudd and George Caulkin to discuss the inaugural UEFA Nations League weekend. But if you’re still unsure about what exactly it is, allow us to answer the questions you were maybe afraid to ask. Is England’s game with Spain in danger of being treated like a World Cup parade where fans pay tribute to the players? And we examine numbers that might point to a decline in Harry Kane’s form but is he just being cautious due to injuries? Plus the panel debate the dilemma facing Declan Rice who may switch allegiances from the Republic if Ireland to England. And the issue of clarification of the handball rule, which began with Willy Boly’s goal for Wolves against Manchester City, continues to enrage.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and Gab Marcotti are back together in the studio after another Premier League weekend full of surprises. Oliver Kay witnesses the Woodward banner at Turf Moor as we examine the criticism thrown at Manchester United’s chief executive. And with Burnley and West Ham struggling, we look at two sides suffering from the (claret and) blues. After errors from the experienced Cech and the handsome Alisson, the panel debate the merits of goalkeepers playing out from the back with their feet. And does Unai Emery really have faith in Bernd Leno? James Gheerbrant watched Watford terrorize Tottenham at Vicarage Road. Are Watford benefitting from squad depth? And did Pochettino try and be too clever? Is Liverpool hiring a throw-in coach the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever heard? Or does weaponizing the throw-in make perfect sense? Plus find out why Gab has a hotline to Grant McCann and Natalie is channelling her inner Sepp Blatter. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special bonus bite of The Game podcast, Gab Marcotti is in Monaco to give his reaction to the group stage draw of the Champions League. In Group B, Tottenham face not just the might of Messi, but also Coutinho, Dembele and Chucky. Is Group C the group of death? Last year’s finalists Liverpool must overcome PSG, Napoli and Red Star Belgrade. Will it be an easy ride for Manchester City in Group F as they face Shakhtar Donetsk, Lyon and Hoffenheim? And of course all eyes will be on Old Trafford in the group stage when Cristiano Ronaldo returns to his old club with Juventus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer is back in the studio, alongside Alyson Rudd and Bill Edgar on The Game podcast.With The Times reporting that Anthony Martial has been offered a 5 year contract by Manchester United, is this a power-play from Ed Woodward to indicate he and Martial will outlast Jose Mourinho at Old Trafford? And does Mourinho deserve more respect or has he crafted the dullest side in the top 6? Plus hear why Alyson Rudd thinks Zinedine Zidane might not be the right man for United.The panel look ahead to Watford v Spurs on Sunday, two teams with 100% records, two teams who had very quiet summer transfer windows. Does stability breed champions in the Premier League era? Bill Edgar digs into the record books to find out.And The Times’ Scottish football correspondent Michael Grant joins us to look ahead to the first Old Firm match of the season as Celtic host Rangers on Sunday. What effect could this game have on the managerial careers of Brendan Rodgers and Steven Gerrard?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Alyson Rudd break down some complex issues on this Bank Holiday Monday edition of The Game. Arsenal secure their first win under Unai Emery but Mesut Ozil is missing from the squad against West Ham through illness. With rumours of a training ground bust-up denied, are people too quick to rush to judgment on Ozil? With Michael Owen’s revealing interview on BT Sport highlighting the impact that injuries had on his mindset, the panel debate how the clubs and physios working with Owen failed to notice his change in approach. Jonathan Northcroft joins us to try and determine whether Roman Abramovich is ready to sell Chelsea. Plus did Willy Bolly have a moral obligation to admit to handling the ball into the net against Manchester City? And have Wolves offered up the blueprint for how to play against the champions? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Alan Smith and George Caulkin tackle some of the tough issues in football this week, starting with the never-ending dispute between Newcastle fans and their owner, following some Wise words on Mike Ashley. What are fan expectations at football clubs and are they realistic? Matthew Syed is in the studio to discuss his article on Unai Emery and the challenge in inheriting an Arsenal infrastructure dominated by Arsene Wenger. And with several of England’s World Cup stars struggling for game time, we examine the ruthless nature of the Premier League, and ask why aren’t more young English players playing abroad? Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Gary Jacob and Paul Hirst after a Premier League weekend that asks a lot of questions. Manchester United’s defeat at Brighton raises issues over United’s defence. The panel discuss how Ed Woodward and Jose Mourinho can’t agree on certain players in the squad and the effect that has on their relationship.We saw 25 minutes of Sarri-ball during a bonkers victory for Chelsea over Arsenal. Will Sarri stick with a system that forces N’Golo Kante to neglect his defensive responsibilities? And on the Arsenal side of things, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is a big-name player but is he a big-game player? Plus what does Unai Emery do with the turgid Mesut Ozil?Martyn Ziegler speaks to us about how far we are from VAR in the Premier League and reveals why the 39th game might not be as far away as we think.And even though Natalie Sawyer is on holiday, there are still bragging rights up for grabs. Who was victorious in the first week of match predictions? Gab or Natalie? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer and James Gheerbrant take a look at the issues dominating the headlines in football ahead of another big Premier League weekend.Paul Joyce joins us to discuss how Manchester City can adapt to losing player of the year Kevin De Bruyne, side-lined for 3 months through injury. Could Phil Foden fill in?Should Emery lean on Leno for Arsenal in search of a better distributor than Petr Cech? They face Chelsea and superstitious Sarri at Stamford Bridge.Son of an architect Henry Winter discusses the delay in Tottenham’s move to their new stadium. How well set are Spurs for this season as a whole?Plus we'll find out who knows more about Barnsley – Natalie Sawyer or Gab Marcotti?Charlie Scott and Paddy von Behr provide their advice ahead of the fantasy football weekend. For free Fantasy Premier League tips from The Sweeper, visit thetimes.co.uk/fantasyfootball  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Dickinson and Oliver Kay after the opening weekend of the Premier League season. And it’s clear the rest of the division should be very worried by Manchester City after their comprehensive victory at the Emirates. There’s no new broom at Arsenal who don’t look any different under Unai Emery. Paul Pogba’s cryptic comments about his manager open up a can of worms at Old Trafford. Are Manchester United and Mourinho acting a bit rich over their most expensive signing? And who’s more important to the club? Also on the agenda – have English clubs backed themselves into a corner with the early closure of the transfer window? Plus Kante, Keita and a chronic lack of VAR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Game is back for the new Premier League season and it's double trouble. Gab Marcotti is joined by new co-host Natalie Sawyer. We’ll be bringing you a half-hour show every Monday and from next week a new preview show every Thursday.Alyson Rudd and Matt Hughes join us in the studio to discuss the major talking points ahead of the big kick-off. Are Liverpool the team to provide a title challenge to Manchester City? Are Manchester United bored of Mourinho? And which new signing is a poor man’s Neymar?Elsewhere, Gab is looking forward to seeing some Sarri-ball while Natalie is fearing Fulham as a force this season. And is it a case of Cardiff and Huddersfield PLUS ONE in the battle to beat the drop? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 32 days and 64 games, it is France who take home the World Cup after a pulsating 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow. For our final episode, Natalie Sawyer is joined by Oliver Kay and Matt Hughes to analyse the final. What next for Kylian Mbappe, a player with the world at his feet? And will Paul Pogba be allowed to replicate that level of performance under Mourinho at Manchester United? With Croatia feeling hard done by with VAR after Perisic was penalised for handball, are slow motion replays misleading to match referees? And have we seen the advent of the VAR handball? Plus The Times chief sports writer Matt Dickinson helps us review the best bits of a sensational World Cup in Russia. Can anything top Michy Batshuayi smashing the ball into his own face? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer presents the penultimate podcast of this World Cup. England are well beaten by Belgium in a slightly sobering third place play-off. Matt Dickinson joins us from St Petersburg to assess exactly where England are in the footballing pyramid right now and where upgrades need to be made. Should Ruben Loftus-Cheek have played more during this tournament? And did Harry Kane play well this summer?Football may not have come home but Alyson Rudd has. She’s in the studio to preview the World Cup Final along with Henry Winter. It’s France versus Croatia. Deschamps versus Dalic. But is the match-up in Moscow made for Mbappe or Modric? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England’s World Cup adventure ends at the penultimate hurdle as Croatia come from behind to defeat the Three Lions in the semi-finals of the World Cup in Moscow after extra-time.Natalie Sawyer watches the game in the company of Matthew Syed, Tony Cascarino and Martyn Ziegler. Jonathan Northcroft is at the Luzhniki Stadium to heap praise on the world-class Kieran Trippier and the magnificent Mario Mandzukic.There’s tributes paid to the planning of the FA and Gareth Southgate in setting England up for future success while uniting football fans across the nation – but also some questions raised about Southgate’s substitutions.Plus Gab Marcotti joins us to put Croatia’s achievement into context as they reach their first ever World Cup final, led by Luka Modric. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer brings you The Game World Cup Daily with less than 24 hours to go until England take on Croatia for a place in the World Cup Final.Henry Winter joins us from Moscow to preview England’s biggest game in almost three decades, paying credit to Pippa Grange for the run to the last four. Plus we hear how Baddiel & Skinner’s Three Lions represents the antithesis to the mindset of the squad under Gareth Southgate.Student of Croatian football and politics, Dario Brentin gives us his insight into the controversy and corruption that has coloured the attitude of some Croatians towards their national team. Follow him @DarioBrentin on Twitter.Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar deconstruct France’s progression to their third World Cup final as a dominant defensive display sees Didier Deschamps’ men to a 1-0 victory over Belgium’s golden generation.Plus Natalie speaks to Adam Sage, who The Times asked to watch France v Belgium in France…and Belgium. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup in Russia continues to give and give to England fans. The Three Lions are through to the last 4 for the first time since 1990 after seeing off Sweden in Samara by 2 goals to nil.Natalie Sawyer, Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar assess how this unexpected rise to the top table of international football occurred under Gareth Southgate. There’s praise for Pickford and debate on whether Raheem Sterling is judged too harshly by his critics.Gab Marcotti watches Croatia progress on penalties by knocking out hosts Russia in Sochi. He gives his insight into England’s semi-final opponents, concluding Croatia can keep the ball forever. But will they be exhausted after another gruelling battle through extra-time? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Can Southgate’s side see off Sweden in Samara and soar to the semi-finals? Natalie Sawyer is joined by Henry Winter and Alan Smith to analyse England’s chances in the World Cup quarter-final, as well as examining how the public have learned to fall in love with the national team again. Belgium best the bookies’ boys Brazil as Roberto Martinez looks to add World Cup glory to his FA Cup triumph with Wigan, thanks to the brilliance of De Bruyne, Hazard and Lukaku. They will face France in the last 4. Oliver Kay watches the French grind out a quarter-final win over Uruguay in Nizhny Novgorod, as Didier Deschamps’s team prove they can win a match in many different ways. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another historic night in Russia. At the World Cup where seemingly anything can happen, England win a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time ever, knocking out Colombia at the last 16 stage. Pickford’s saves keep England in the tournament, the selfless Kane continues to score and Dier displays his confidence with the winning spot-kick. Natalie Sawyer is joined by Matt Hughes and Oli Kay in Moscow to dissect a performance where England showed edge and resolve to progress to the last 8 – a performance that answers some big questions for Gareth Southgate – and look ahead to how far this team can go. Alyson Rudd watches one of the worst games of the World Cup so far in St Petersburg but is ideally placed to assess England’s next opponents after ‘the passion killers’ Sweden see off Switzerland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s time. England take on Colombia in the round of 16 in Moscow with the winner facing an appetising route to a return to the Russian capital in just over a week and a half. Natalie Sawyer brings you a comprehensive preview. Henry Winter discusses the patriotism at play in the England squad and the opportunity to end their embarrassing record in the knock-out stages. Colombian football expert Simon Edwards tells us what Tuesday night’s game means for Pekerman and his players, plus why they have the best centre-halves in the competition to deal with England’s set-piece threat.Former goalkeeper David Preece has been studying the technique of the penalty takers and stoppers at the World Cup and gives his advice to Jordan Pickford, should the inevitable shootout occur. Alyson Rudd watches the real deal in Brazil and is full of praise for their defensive structure but full of scorn for Neymar’s ludicrous amateur dramatics. And Bill Edgar reviews Belgium’s sensational 3-2 win against Japan, a fightback forged by Fellaini. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer looks back at the second day of last 16 ties at the World Cup. Two matches, two 1-1 draws, two penalty shootouts and a whole lot of drama.Hosts Russia overturn the rankings and shock the world by beating former champions Spain in Moscow. Jonathan Northcroft debates how Spain manager Fernando Hierro was found out, while paying tribute as Andres Iniesta bows out of the international stage.Matt Dickinson and Bill Edgar discuss whether or not England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford is too short, Bobby Moore’s bracelet in Bogota and why Matt isn’t a waistcoat guy.Plus Croatia progress to the quarter-finals after outlasting Denmark as the panel examine England’s half of the draw and how it could lead to a brand new World Cup finalist.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award-winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet for just £1 a week for your first 8 weeks. Search The Times Digital for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The knockout stage of the World Cup in Russia begins with a bang. Natalie Sawyer reviews the progression of Uruguay and France to the last 8. A stunning display from 19-year-old Kylian Mbappe blows Argentina away. Alyson Rudd joins us from Kazan and is privileged to have witnessed one of the great World Cup games. Giles Smith is in the studio to mourn the loss of Diego Maradona from our TV screens and ponder the pointlessness of beer showers at a VAR tournament. Oli Kay gives his reaction to a pulsating Uruguayan victory over Portugal as the handsome Edinson Cavani comes into form at the right time. And we debate the importance of Alli and Henderson to England ahead of their clash with Colombia on Tuesday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After all the speculation over England's Group G decider with Belgium, two reserve sides face off in Kaliningrad with Gareth Southgate's side losing 1-0 and surrendering top spot. But does finishing 2nd offer an easier route to the World Cup final? Or did defeat damage morale as England's squad players blew their chance of a regular starting berth?Natalie Sawyer is joined by Jonathan Northcroft and Alan Smith to assess England's chances of progressing in this tournament while wondering if Belgium are the real deal this time.Plus Oliver Kay watches England's next opponents Colombia knock out Senegal in Samara. And he feels the Three Lions have nothing to fear.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the third World Cup in a row, the holders are knocked out at the group stage. Defeat for Germany against South Korea spelled the end of their reign as world champions and raised major questions over the attitude and atmosphere behind the scenes.Alyson Rudd reports from Kazan on the demise of the Germans and tells us why this tournament could be called the ‘under the radar cup.’Studio guest Matthew Syed is mystified and left bereft by Germany’s elimination and tries to make sense of their regression.Matt Dickinson previews England’s group decider with Belgium in Kaliningrad with questions still remaining over either side’s motivation to top Group G.And Oliver Kay has a front row seat to The Neymar Show, also known as Brazil’s victory over Serbia in Moscow.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the score at 1-1 against the Super Eagles in St Petersburg, Argentina were 4 minutes away from being eliminated from the World Cup. But a Marcos Rojo volley spared Jorge Sampaoli’s blushes and knocked Nigeria out.Natalie Sawyer is joined by Martyn Ziegler and Bill Edgar to review another disjointed Argentine performance that sets up a last 16 tie with France. And should Messi’s men progress, a meeting with Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal is possible in the quarter-finals.Martyn has also been examining every VAR review at the tournament and with England and Belgium separated by just yellow cards, could the drawing of lots decide Group G on Thursday?Plus Gab Marcotti witnesses a French team featuring a lost Lemar and a ghastly Griezmann. And he runs the rule over a Denmark side that will face Croatia in the next round on Sunday.For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Spain lose and then regain top spot in Group B as VAR allows a disallowed Iago Aspas equaliser while simultaneously awarding Iran a penalty to push Portugal down into second place. Natalie Sawyer reviews a crazy couple of minutes in Kaliningrad and Saransk. She’s joined by Henry Winter, who wants VAR to clamp down on Portuguese play-acting, Alex Kay-Jelski who would like Argentina to stay in Russia and Alyson Rudd who admires Uruguay’s intelligent thuggery. Plus we bring you an update from the England camp ahead of the clash with Belgium and the conclusion to Mo Salah’s miserable month. For more from The Times why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes,@OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After pummelling Panama in record-breaking fashion, England’s attention now turns to the knock-out stages of the World Cup. But with a game to come against Group G rivals Belgium, Natalie Sawyer asks Paul Joyce and Matt Hughes whether Gareth Southgate’s side should seek to finish 2nd and navigate a potentially easier path to the final.Harry Kane is England’s hat-trick hero and the top scorer in Russia but have we seen Tottenham’s Harry Kane at this tournament yet? Oliver Kay suggests maybe not.And Alyson Rudd reports from Group H where Colombia eliminate Poland to keep their hopes of a last 16 date (potentially with England) alive as the Colombians turn Kazan into a sea of yellow.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A sensational finish in Sochi as a 95th minute winner from Toni Kroos keeps Germany’s World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Sweden.Natalie Sawyer is joined by Matt Dickinson for his verdict on Saturday night’s drama and to preview England’s lunch date with Panama, as Ruben Loftus-Cheek looks to make a place in Gareth Southgate’s team his own.Martyn Ziegler witnesses the highest scoring game of the World Cup so far as England’s Group G rivals Belgium hammer Tunisia 5-2 in Moscow.Times photographer Jack Hill has been to Syria and back. He joins us to discuss his 24-hour trip in a train carriage with England fans.And Giles Smith has been watching football on TV and pays homage to Martin O’Neill while also telling us why Carles Puyol has already been sent home.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer reports on another historic day at the World Cup as Neymar sees a penalty given, then rescinded by VAR. Gab Marcotti discusses the world’s most expensive player and what’s going on inside his head after Brazil’s late victory over Costa Rica.Alan Smith dissects a combustible clash in Kaliningrad as Switzerland’s Kosovan contingent complete a remarkable turnaround against Serbia. Plus why Ahmed Musa has been Argentina’s best player.Paul Joyce gives us an insight into the England camp as Gareth Southgate criticises the leak of the team sheet against Panama. Should the media be more supportive of the England team? And Tom Clarke gives us a tactical breakdown of what the Three Lions can expect from their opponents on Sunday.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One of the biggest stories of this World Cup in Russia continues to unfold as Argentina stand on the brink of elimination after their 3-0 drubbing by Croatia. Natalie Sawyer is joined by Oliver Kay, Matt Dickinson and Bill Edgar as Lionel Messi struggles to carry a country on his shoulders.We discuss the likelihood of Raheem Sterling being replaced by Marcus Rashford for England's meeting with Panama on Sunday.Alyson Rudd analyses French progression to the round of 16 as Peru are sent home. Plus Alan Smith explains the political backdrop to Serbia v Switzerland and why Shaqiri might need his shin pads.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another day, another England story as a wander into the woods ends with manager Gareth Southgate in a sling. Natalie Sawyer gets an update from the England camp with Paul Joyce who has also been speaking to Ruben Loftus-Cheek about his future at Chelsea.Gab Marcotti gives us a full breakdown of events in Group B where Cristiano Ronaldo becomes the all-time top European goal scorer and the power of the vuvuzelas can’t prevent Iran from losing to Spain. Plus Giles Smith from The Times is in the studio to analyse the battle in World Cup coverage between the BBC and ITV.Which means we discuss the greatest goal getter that ever lived and the greatest set that’s ever been built.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only, it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Host nation Russia are as good as qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup, for the first time ever. Natalie Sawyer is joined by Alyson Rudd and James Gheerbrant as Mo Salah’s Egypt are set to head home.With Dele Alli suffering a thigh strain, former Liverpool physio Mark Leather gives his prognosis on the severity of the injury, while Henry Winter updates us from his log cabin at the England camp.Martyn Ziegler takes in Senegal’s victory over Poland and has been speaking to FIFA about VAR while we also bring you the story of the Iranian women set to watch their team play for the very first time.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The rollercoaster ride of following the Three Lions continues as England leave it late to secure 3 points in their World Cup opener against Tunisia.Natalie Sawyer is joined by Matt Dickinson, Matt Hughes and Alyson Rudd to salute the bagger of a brace Harry Kane, debate the non-appearance of VAR in Volgograd and discuss whether Ruben Loftus-Cheek can fill Dele Alli’s boots.The video officials do help deliver Sweden’s first opening day victory since 1958. Plus Ian Hawkey is on Panama Watch for the podcast in Sochi as England’s next opponents succumb to Belgium in their first ever World Cup match.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Gareth Southgate’s men 24 hours from Tunisia, Natalie Sawyer, Jonathan Northcroft and James Gheerbrant ask will we see the real Harry Kane? And what’s to be done about those Volgograd mosquitos?Tom Clarke gives us a tactical breakdown of Tunisia, the panel analyse a lacklustre start from Neymar and Brazil after their draw with Switzerland and Oli Kay is in Moscow where Mexico upset and outsmart World Cup holders Germany on matchday 4.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matchday 3 was historic for the World Cup as not one but two penalties were awarded with the help of the Video Assistant Referee.Natalie Sawyer breaks down all that and an incredible first ever point at the World Cup for Iceland who contained the might of Messi and Argentina.Bill Edgar and Jonathan Northcroft discuss the day’s action, as France see off Australia with the help of technology, Croatia cruise past Nigeria and Denmark break Peruvian hearts. Plus what could make Fabian Delph unique amongst England footballers?And Times writer George Caulkin talks about his trip on the Trans-Siberian Railway and travels around Russia, all in the name of football.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer reviews a breathless Matchday 2 at the World Cup. Three games all decided by last minute goals, as the panel react to the greatest World Cup performance of Cristiano Ronaldo’s career, in Portugal’s 3-3 draw with Spain.James Gheerbrant has his eye on Uruguay, while Matt Dickinson watches Iran make history but curses the return of the vuvuzela.And Alyson Rudd is cold in Kazan as she looks forward to her first glimpse of the French ahead of their clash with Australia.For more from The Times, why not take advantage of our digital sale and subscribe to enjoy award winning journalism online and on your smartphone or tablet. For a limited time only it's just £1 a month for your first 3 months. Search The Times Sale for more information.You can follow @NatalieSawyer on Twitter and track our award-winning writers in Russia, including @henrywinter, @DickinsonTimes, @OliverKayTimes, @_pauljoyce, @allyrudd_times, @martynziegler and @JNorthcroft. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The World Cup is underway! Natalie Sawyer brings you the first of our daily matchday podcasts from The Times, alongside Matt Hughes in a studio that could rival ITV for grandeur and excess.Henry Winter gives us the latest from the England camp where bowling and darts dominate the agenda. Oliver Kay reports from Moscow after the hosts’ 5-0 win on opening day over a spectacularly inept Saudi Arabia side. And Gab Marcotti joins us to discuss one of the most remarkable stories in World Cup history – Spain sacking manager Julen Lopetegui just 48 hours before their opening fixture with Portugal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Natalie Sawyer fronts the new World Cup podcast from The Times, publishing every night after the final whistle on every matchday. In our opening episode, Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter and James Gheerbrant join Natalie to look ahead to this summer in Russia.The panel focus on Russia’s preparations to host the tournament and what shape England find themselves in, as they seek to end 52 years of hurt. Plus we run the rule over the contenders and pretenders looking to take home the trophy. Does the evidence suggest we should be writing off the Germans? Are Belgium under-prepared? And can Didier Deschamps drive the French Ferrari? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the last regular season episode before the start of our World Cup podcasts, Gab Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft and Jonathan Northcroft to discuss the fall-out from Real Madrid’s Champions League Final victory over Liverpool. From that rascal Ramos to Bale baling out on the Bernabeu, via those Karius catastrophes.We also have analysis of Emery’s arrival at the Emirates, the Cottagers’ comeback to the top flight and every Premier League club has their season graded by the panel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss Chelsea's FA Cup final victory over Manchester United and the aftermath at Wembley. Was United's manager too disrespectful to his players and were Chelsea players too disrespectful to their manager?Also on the agenda, Arsenal's potential acquisition of Mikel Arteta as their new manager, as reported by The Times. And after the announcement of England's World Cup squad, the panel analyse Gareth Southgate's major decisions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd hosts a special Times Plus event in the company of Matt Dickinson, former Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino and Crystal Palace manager Roy Hodgson.Roy reveals his insight on Ruben Loftus-Cheek and his thoughts on two high-profile players that didn't make the England squad for Russia - Jack Wilshere and Joe Hart. Plus he reflects on the great escape for Crystal Palace while the panel also look ahead to the Championship play-off final, Champions League final and the World Cup. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Premier League campaign draws to a close, Gab Marcotti, Oli Kay and James Scowcroft discuss the Manchester City Centurions and whether their feat of reaching 100 points is less likely to be replicated than the Arsenal Invincibles.Plus the panel pick apart the latest Pochettino power play and they select not just their Premier League team of the season but their team of the season outside the top 6. No journalists or ex-footballers were harmed in the making of this podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens and James Gheerbrant to discuss the pulsating Premier League action that saw West Brom somehow survive another weekend and the race for the top 4 restart.Plus are Neil Warnock’s Cardiff a welcome addition to the Premier League? Was Sparky too sarcy about Jon Moss? And do Chelsea have the most handsome forward line in football? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Jonathan Northcroft and James Scowcroft who run the rule over the relegation run-in in the Premier League. Plus Paul Joyce helps dissect the disharmony at Liverpool that led to assistant Zeljko Buvac stepping away just days before the second leg of their Champions League semi-final. And are pundits like Shearer and Souness harsher on players than ever before? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.