The Game

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.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Henry Winter, Stewart Robson (who’s forced to say some nice things about Arsene Wenger) and Bill Edgar (who relives his pitch-invading days). The longest serving manager in English football will be leaving at the end of the season so the panel debate Wenger’s legacy, the details of the departure and what next for Arsenal?Plus in the FA Cup semi-finals, why did Spurs go limp and why didn’t Southampton go harder? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd, Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens salute the magnificent Manchester City, the new champions of England as Pep overcomes the power of the Premier League. The panel also ask whether people are jealous of Wolves, how are Southampton’s squad on the brink of relegation and why is Steve Parish opposed to VAR? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens to discuss a jaw-dropping weekend, not just in the Premier League but at the top of the Championship.There’s in-depth analysis of the Manchester derby, first-hand experience of a dramatic win for Wolves in Wales and the panel try and piece together the puzzle that is Danny Welbeck. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s Easter weekend and Gab Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft and Julien Laurens to feast on all the big footballing issues. Will Chelsea hire a new director of football before appointing a new manager? Should Big Sam be sacked by Everton? And will we see Alan Pardew in the Premier League again? Plus the panel look ahead to the last 8 of the Champions League. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week, it's The Game Podcast Book Club! Grant Wahl from Sports Illustrated joins us to discuss his new book Football 2.0: How The World's Best Play The Modern Game. And Brazil-based journalist Andrew Downie tells us about Doctor Socrates: Footballer, Philosopher, Legend, which is out now in paper back.Gab Marcotti also reflects on England's victory in Holland with Henry Winter and Stewart Robson, including debate on Southgate's back 3 and some regrettable scenes in Amsterdam. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Since our last podcast, Jose Mourinho has been talking. A lot. Gab Marcotti, Oli Kay and Stewart Robson attempt to dissect Mourinho’s words, including his summer strategy, his Sevilla summary and whether or not Luke Shaw is being bullied. Away from Old Trafford, we look at the FA Cup quarter-finals, Sparky’s return to Southampton and Gareth Southgate’s England squad. Plus there’s some credit due for Sheffield United. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is in the company of Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens to discuss Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool and the shocking aftermath of former player turned pundit Jamie Carragher spitting at a fan.James Jones, founder of West Ham World, joins us to discuss the ugly scenes that marred the Hammers’ home defeat by Burnley. Plus how much Ant & Dec should Sam Allardyce be watching? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England World Cup goalscorer Matthew Upson makes his debut on The Game podcast alongside Gab Marcotti and Matt Hughes to discuss the Premier League weekend as the champions submit to the champions elect.It’s time for another Arsenal enquiry and the panel try to unlock the Glenn Murray mystery. Also on the agenda - Martin Glenn, Scott McTominay and the Korean Thomas Muller. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a fabulous footballing Sunday, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst to review Manchester City’s League Cup Final win over Arsenal and Manchester United’s Premier League victory over Chelsea.  The panel assess Antonio Conte’s pessimism, the yellow ribbon and how the Gunners were fearless. In a bad way. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Political behemoth Alastair Campbell is in the studio this week to discuss his new football-based crime novel Saturday Bloody Saturday, out now, as well as his beloved Burnley and the time when Rochdale manager Keith Hill was on Fergie’s radar. Plus Gab Marcotti has a Very Angry Reaction to VAR mistruths. He’s also joined by Stewart Robson (the business model for Arsenal Fan TV), James Gheerbrant and Gregor Robertson who’s written an article for The Times on PFA chief executive Gordon Taylor’s salary. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It’s a grand old Game this week as Gab Marcotti is joined by Jonathan Northcroft, Julien Laurens and Henry Winter to discuss a massive win for the Magpies over Manchester United. Plus the panel look ahead to the Champions League ties this week. And did Kane foul Koscielny in the North London Derby? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd hosts a special Times Plus event in Newcastle in the company of George Caulkin, Oliver Kay and Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez.In front of a live audience, Rafa reveals all about his relationship with the city of Newcastle, the wide-open relegation battle, the miracle of Istanbul and phone-calls with his mother. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is the voice of the voiceless after the Philadelphia Eagles triumph in the Super Bowl. But there’s plenty to talk about with Oliver Kay and James Scowcroft, including the lack of atmosphere at Old Trafford and beyond, two controversial penalties at Anfield and Lookman’s move to Leipzig. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After an eventful FA Cup 4th round weekend, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Stewart Robson to discuss the furore over the foul by Joe Bennett on Leroy Sane, and fixate on the flaws in VAR and Liverpool's defence. Plus can Moura bring more to Spurs and will Aubameyang advance Arsenal? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes and Bill Edgar to discuss the inevitable Alexis Sanchez - Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal and yet another manager biting the dust at Watford. Also on the agenda, the never-ending Newcastle takeover and the future of Harry Kane. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mark Clattenburg joins Gab Marcotti this week to react to the Premier League action and give a referee's insight into English football's first foray into VAR. Plus Alyson Rudd and James Gheerbrant are in the studio to talk Manchester City's first domestic defeat, Sanchez for sale, and the arrivals of Paul Lambert at Stoke and Ryan Giggs at Wales. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Oliver Kay and Stewart Robson for a bumper podcast that takes in the FA Cup third round, the ins and outs at Liverpool & Stoke and whether the rivalry between Mourinho and Conte has gone too far. Plus why you shouldn't keep artwork in the conservatory... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter and Alyson Rudd pick their manager and player of 2017, while also issuing their grades for the Premier League season so far. Which team is teacher's pet and which side are sitting in the corner with a dunce's hat on?This week the panel review Huddersfield, Brighton, Stoke, Southampton, Newcastle, Crystal Palace, West Ham, Bournemouth, West Brom and Swansea. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter and Alyson Rudd issue their grades for the Premier League season so far. Which team is teacher's pet and which side are sitting in the corner with a dunce's hat on?This week the panel review Manchester City, Manchester United, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Arsenal, Burnley, Leicester, Watford and Everton. Part 1 of 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss a dominant display from the champions elect (and a poor performance from Pawson). Plus the panel determine whether time has finally caught up with Bournemouth and debate the season so far for VAR. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a packed Game podcast as Gab Marcotti, Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens dissect a massive Manchester derby - and the milky melee that followed. Plus the panel pick sides over the penalty in the Merseyside derby, debate the sanity of Saturday night football and there's live reaction to the Champions League draw! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti and Henry Winter discuss what's being billed as the biggest game of the Premier League season so far. This Sunday, the top two meet at Old Trafford in a pivotal match in the title race. Mourinho takes on Guardiola. Manchester United face Manchester City. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti returns to the hot seat alongside James Scowcroft and James Gheerbrant to answer some questions posed by the Premier League weekend. Has a screw come loose in Pep's head? Should Pogba be exempt from suspension? And why can't you be retrospectively un-punished for not diving? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Matt Dickinson steps into the podcasting shoes of Gab Marcotti this week. He’s joined by Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar to discuss embarrassment at Everton, majesty at Man City and resistance to rainbow laces. But you do get your Marcotti fix as he sits down with Raphael Honigstein to discuss his new book Klopp: Bring The Noise. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens and Bill Edgar to discuss a jam-packed Premier League weekend. Did Tottenham take Arsenal too lightly? Should Zlatan start ahead of Lukaku? Plus Raphael Honigstein pops in to debate West Brom's sacking of the man in the baseball cap. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by James Gheerbrant and Stewart Robson to unlock the Ruben Loftus-Cheek conundrum for England and study how David Moyes can change the West Ham philosophy. Plus journalist Patrick Barclay pops in to discuss his new book detailing an icon of football – Sir Matt Busby: The Definitive Biography.    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After a truly Super Sunday, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, Matt Dickinson and Henry Winter to debate Mkhitaryan going missing and Arsene's inefficiency. Plus Guillem Balague discusses his book Brave New World - Inside Pochettino's Spurs, as we hear about Gab's trip to Disney World with Poch. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Jonathan Northcroft and Alex Kay-Jelski discuss all the fall-out from another big weekend of football, as The Game looks at the hype surrounding England’s kids, Everton’s identity crisis and why is everybody so cruel to Puel?    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In a special podcast, Alyson Rudd speaks to one of the most decorated players in football – Graeme Souness – about his autobiography ‘Football: My Life, My Passion.’ The Liverpool legend discusses the mind-set of a player and manager. Plus gardening, gin and Gangs of New York. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Matt Dickinson, Paul Joyce and Julien Laurens discuss a hugely eventful Premier League weekend as Everton ditch their Dutch manager. Plus Matthew Syed joins us to dissect the issues around the Eni Aluko enquiry for the FA. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd is joined by James Scowcroft and Bill Edgar as they discuss Palace picking up their first points of the season, Chelsea’s lack of firepower and Mourinho’s maddening mind games. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti, Alyson Rudd and James Scowcroft react to a weekend of international football on The Game podcast. Henry Winter joins us to debate Southgate's change of system for England.Plus from north of the border, Graham Spiers discusses Scotland's decline and Strachan's theory of genetics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Bill Edgar to dissect the Premier League weekend. Find out how Manchester City channelled 2010 Barcelona and why Dejan Lovren can handle criticism.Plus Opta's Duncan Alexander speaks about his book Outside The Box, explaining the use of data in football and the newest statistical phenomenon - expected goals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes and Julien Laurens to discuss the big questions posed by the Premier League weekend. Are the media too kind to Klopp? When did Bilic lose his mojo? Plus Martyn Ziegler debates the FA’s handling of Mark Sampson’s dismissal as England women’s manager. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens to discuss another huge weekend of football, with issues including the sacrifice of Sanchez for steel, Koeman’s counter-attack and Cologne’s crowd control. Plus photographer Bradley Ormesher describes the art of capturing the world’s most expensive player over 90 minutes. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.