The Game

Was it Man City 1-0 Premier League? Jonathan Northcroft has reappraised and thinks it could be a score draw. Martin is sticking to his guns and Gregor sees echoes of the European super league. After the break, what happened to tough players, should Bellingham play up front and Gregor once played against Andres Iniesta…it was spellbinding. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Manchester City have won the first of their legal cases against the Premier League.What does it mean for City and for the rest of the Premier League? Tom Clarke, Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft and Tony Cascarino explain and offer immediate reaction… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This could have also been called: “Why are Spurs so Spursy?” as Ange Postecoglou’s team blew a two-goal lead at Brighton. Was it the Seagulls brilliance or a Spurs implosion?Manchester United got a creditable if boring draw at Villa Park, will it be enough to turn the tide for Erik Ten Hag?Gregor Robertson is a convert to Chelsea, Alyson Rudd thinks they might even win something. Hamzah Khalique-Loonat waxes lyrical about Bukayo Saka, is he the best in the league? Tom Clarke steers the ship.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A great week for English clubs in the Champions League with four wins from four.European master Unai Emery steered Villa to a famous win over Bayern Munich – is there a better match in club football than Emery and Villa? Controlled wins for City and Liverpool and a statement win for Arsenal against PSG.Oh, and what happens to Cole Palmer when he rolls up to England camp?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our fortnightly look at the EFL. Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson look at a flying Sheffield United, managerial changes at Stoke and the form of the promoted clubs – Oxford, Portsmouth and Derby. After the break in League One Steve Bruce has taken Blackpool from relegation zone to play offs in less than a month, what’s his secret?In League Two MK Dons and Carlisle have rolled the dice and changed manager, highlighting once again just how many teams have lofty ambition with backing to match it.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

“Manchester United look like a relic!” That is the blunt assessment of Gregor Robertson.Their rivals Liverpool are top, but it's not enough for Alyson Rudd or Hamzah Khalique Loonat who think they haven’t played anyone any good yet.Tom Clarke has a hangover but talk of Cole Palmer and Ethan Nwaneri are like a caffeine shot! Plus, is kick off a set piece? Brentford think so. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Rodri is ruled out could injuries decide the title? Will players go on strike this season? And will there ever be another summer without football?Plus, after yet another lacklustre display nothing seems to have changed at Manchester United. Its troubled times at West Ham and all is not well at Newcastle.Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Tony Cascarino join Tom Clarke to discuss.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who’ll be happier after an enthralling draw at the Etihad?  Arsenal are nasty and its impressive! Tough, gritty and hard to beat. Could City have done any more? Tom Clarke is back as Gregor Robertson lauds the defending, Alyson Rudd wonders if Arsenal were defeatist and Tom Allnut agrees with the referee. Plus looks at Brighton, Forest, Palace, Man Utd and the three clubs in the relegation zone – Wolves, Southampton and Everton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Champions League, striking players, dodgy kits and card happy refs. It’s a busy episode. Martin Samuel and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat agree on the Champions League but definitely do not agree on refs or football finance. Gregor Robertson steps in to referee. In amongst that Hamzah went to Milan to see Liverpool ease past the Rossoneri. Martin barely recognised Villa and City in their ‘new’ shirts.Lastly, City v Arsenal this weekend, could a City win be ominous for the season?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this week’s EFL extra Gregor Robertson quizzes Hamzah Khalique-Loonat on his visit to St Andrews. Hamzah saw big names Tom Brady, Rob McElhenney and David Beckham pitch side as a fluent Birmingham beat Wrexham. After the break they look at three rising stars of the EFL: Sunderland’s Chris Rigg, Ollie Arblaster from Sheffield United and Louie Barry on loan at Stockport County  And for a final bit of glamour, Hamzah is recording the show from Milan airport.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is D day for Manchester City as the hearing into the 115 charges against them begins. Matt Lawton Joins Gregor Robertson to explain what could happen.  Tom Allnutt reflects on a big win for Arsenal and asks if Spurs are ‘fun but not serious.’? Tony Cascarino watched Liverpool struggle and a masterclass from Nuno Espirito Santo.And Hamzah Khalique-Loonat thinks the new Champions League format is rubbish.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The England job is Carsley’s to lose, but are Finland and Ireland really a test?Gregor Robertson is joined by Martin Samuel and Tony Cascarino as they assess England, Kane the looming civil war in the Chelsea boardroom.Plus, a look ahead to the North London derby, pressure on Ten Hag and what is ‘a legend’ in football?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lee Carsley shocked England fans by playing a left footer on the left, and it worked, for the first half at least. Charlotte Duncker, Tom Allnutt and Alyson Rudd join Tom Clarke to assess the performance against Ireland. What does Tyrick Mitchell have to do to get a call up and has Angel Gomes ever driven a bus?Plus, a look at Craig Bellamy’s Wales and is it time for Ronaldo to retire?   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who would you keep – Casimiro or Ten Hag? Trent, Salah or Van Dijk?Tony Cascarino, James Gheerbrant and Jonathan Northcroft join Tom Clarke to decide who stays and who goes. Plus a look at the finances at Leicester and Newcastle.After the break as Lee Carsley takes charge of England, will it be Carls-ball or Carsey-ball ? And the team pick their all-time combined England Ireland teams, which must include at least five Irish players – Irwin or Pearce, Sheedy or Waddle…it’s an easy job for Tony Cascarino.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4 games down, how are things shaping up away from the Premier League? Gregor and Tom's EFL tour takes in Sunderland's near perfect start (again), Wrexham's Hollywood script (reluctantly) and a £15million League One striker(!). Plus are Morecambe showing why you should never get back with an ex? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Liverpool, good? United, bad? Or is there more to it? Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Hamzah Khalique-Loonat and Gregor Robertson to dissect an embarrassing Old Trafford outing for Ten Hag and his players. Meanwhile Everton try to outdo United in the shame stakes. Salah has Liverpool “squealing” for more than one reason. And are Chelsea actually alright?The rest of the weekend’s action too.Did you know, you can watch us now, too. Search for The Game Football Podcast on The Times Youtube channel. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea have about 20 players to sell and are still looking to buy. Liverpool have finally entered the market. What could Friday's transfer deadline bring? "Anything could happen", says Paul Hirst. He joins Tom Clarke, Charlotte Duncker and Gregor Robertson to dissect the week's transfer news, look back on the life and career of Sven-Göran Eriksson and preview the weekend's big clash: Nottingham Forest vs Wolves.Oh and a few words on United vs Liverpool, too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chelsea served up a humble pie for Gregor Robertson in the form of a 6-2 away win. It's on the table, but will he tuck in? He joins Tom Clarke, Alyson Rudd and Tony Cascarino in the studio to discuss a shocker of a VAR decision at Bournemouth... Where does a sleeve begin and where does it end? And what do the resident Liverpool fans make of Slot's start? Is Alyson *coughs* "squealing"? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On the agenda today, the crazy club, not Wimbledon circa 1980’s but Chelsea circa 2020’s.What does the future hold for their out of favour stars Sterling and Chilwell?Also, a look back at the Monday night game and as Martin Samuel and Jonathan Northcroft make their season debuts alongside Gregor and Tom we hear their thoughts on the first weekend.Finally, Premier League cult heroes…  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first of our fortnightly EFL shows reflecting the best of the Football League. Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson dive straight in looking at the teams who have made very strong starts to the season. But with the transfer window still wide open, will they manage to retain their best players..? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imperious, confused, blunt. Just some of Gregor Robertson’s first impressions of Premier League teams after the opening weekend of fixtures.Gregor is joined by Tony Cascarino, Alyson Rudd and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat as Chelsea put in a disjointed performance despite their spending; City won without playing well and Manchester United still lacked a cutting edge. Plus much more, of course... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat join Tom Clarke for the second part of the big Premier League season preview. What is ‘mid table’ and who’ll be avoiding it, which owner does Gregor dislike and why can’t the richest club in football spend any money? More questions, more predictions and a reveal from Hamzah.And at the risk of ruining their professional credibility the team put together their final league table for the 24/25 season…it’s just a bit of fun, don’t hold them to it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Alyson Rudd, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat join Tom Clarke for the big Premier League season preview.Who’ll be fighting it out at the top, will the new managers succeed, can the promoted teams survive and who are the signings to watch out for? The panel call on all their insider knowledge to muster some bold predictions and offer some surprising insights.Hopes, fears, excitement, anticipation – it’s all here and its only part one, there is more to come! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The football season is back. As the EFL kicks off this weekend Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke run the rule over the Championship, League One and League Two.  Gregor looks at the ‘distorting effects’ of parachute payments. Do the crumbs from the Premier League table unduly effect the championship? Who else can compete alongside the relegated teams? After the break Tom speaks to author and sports data analyst Ian Graham. Following his experience working as Liverpool’s head of research during their most successful period in the Premier League era; Ian has written a book: How to win the Premier League – The Inside Story of Football’s Data Revolution. The book is packed with stories and examples of the way data affects the modern game.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of the EFL starting this week and the Premier League hot on its heels The Game is taking a look at VAR. This episode is a chance to listen again to a discussion the panel had during the season. Is VAR here to stay, and if it is, how on earth can it be improved…Tom Clarke speaks to Jonathan Northcroft, Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant about the dreaded VAR…  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A bonus edition of The Game as Tom Clarke catches up with Paul Hirst who is in America following all the pre season action. Paul is based in LA where he has been covering Manchester United’s tour, including the latest on new signing Leny Yoro. He is also keeping a close eye on Arsenal and as The Times Manchester reporter is across all the latest from neighbours Manchester City, including Pep Guardiola’s contract situation… Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You thought we were done, didn't you? No chance. Martin Samuel has returned to the office just to say hello (but mostly to get his laptop fixed). Tom Clarke takes the opportunity to get his views on the final and who comes after Southgate, if Southgate leaves. And now we're fully over England's loss (we are, promise), Tom Clarke, Tom Allnutt and Gregor Robertson look back over the tournament in full to pick their favourite moments and pick The Game's Euros XI. We really are done now, for a couple of weeks at least. Stay tuned for the new season... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So near and yet so far…for the second Euros in a row England are runners up. A team and a nation left bereft.Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat try to make sense of where it went wrong for England. Was the captain fit, why couldn’t they retain the ball and were they always a safety-first team?  What on earth do England need to get over that final hurdle!? Spain are the first team to win every game at a Euros, so can England really complain, the best team won didn’t they? Where now for a team of world stars and a manager loved by his players but perhaps now doubted by many fans. Was getting to the final enough, or did performance and silverware matter? Many questions, but for now, few answers… just disappointment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's finally here: England v Spain. One more for European glory. All eyes on Berlin. Still, there's plenty of time to debate who should start at left back. Tom Clarke is joined by Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Jonathan Northcroft, who's very excited, or in his words has a 'frisson of interest'. If England win, IF, could Southgate stay? If he doesn't, who is there to replace him? How do England stop this high flying Spain side? And don't worry, we'll be there for you after the game, no matter what.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If it really is coming home, England will need to beat Spain. Tom Clarke is joined by Ian Hawkey, Tom Allnutt and Gregor Robertson for a Spanish deep dive in the first of two final preview shows. How much credit does Spain's manager, Luis de la Fuente, deserve for their success? Why has it seemingly clicked for Spain more than any other team in the tournament? And what are their weaknesses (good news for England fans, there are a few)?¡Está volviendo a casa! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chief sports writer Owen Slot is England’s lucky charm. He has covered the whole tournament but until the semi-final he hadn’t covered England. He turned up and they put in their best performance and won. He’s booked for the final.Tom Clarke joins Owen to discuss the atmosphere around the England team, the depth and togetherness of the squad and England manager Gareth Southgate.  Owen then gives a behind the scenes look at life on the road covering a tournament, from the sheer joy of a football festival in Europe, with thousands of fans and without covid; to the Romanian soul generation and terrible eggs.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They’ve done it, and what a way to do it! Another last minute, last gasp winner, this time from Ollie Watkins. Weston-Super-Mare to the Euros final, yes!Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and James Gheerbrant join Tom Clarke to react to a fantastic win and – say it quietly – a good performance.Does this vindicate the approach of Gareth Southgate; another final, the first on foreign soil, surely, he gets the credit? Not so fast…Gregor doesn’t want to re write history just yet.We’ll worry about Spain tomorrow, first, let’s look at how England won and put in a performance to be proud of…dodgy penalty aside.   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One semi down, one to go. Tom Clarke is joined by Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat to marvel at a very impressive Spanish 16 year old(!). Whoever Spain face in the final, surely they've got to be favourites? And are we actually looking forward to a penalty shootout tonight? No, not really. But it could be England's best route to another Euros final.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It is semi-final day, dare we even consider who England would prefer to play out of France and Spain? Let’s indulge ourselves; Tom Allnutt and Gregor Robertson look at the strengths and weaknesses of both teams. IF England were to beat the Netherlands, how would they fair against the irresistible force of the Spanish team, or the immovable object that are the French?Paul Joyce joins Tom Clarke and offers a glimpse inside England press conferences and the mindset that Gareth Southgate is projecting, to the press at least. As the Times reporter who covers Merseyside, he also looks at the Dutch’s main weapons – Virgil Van Dyke and Cody Gakpo. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A second look at England’s win over Switzerland. Some would call it resilient, a friend of Martin’s called it a ‘filthy’ win, but that’s football. Gregor Robertson, Martin Samuel and Tom Clarke take a detailed look at the performance and the changing narrative around Gareth Southgate. If you win, does it matter how you play? Is resilience more valuable than cohesion...? Captain Kane has drawn some criticism in the press, is that fair or a reflection of the system he is playing in? Finally, is Declan Rice the forgotten man of England? Getting better with every game, filling the gaps and front foot aggression. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Penalties... no problem. In his press conference, Gareth Southgate was asked if his side were the 'new Germany': the team that doesn't play well but is very good from 12 yards. Jonathan Northcroft and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke to discuss. Was the 3 at the back experiment a success? Who do you now pick between Guéhi and Konsa? Do England still need to sort out their left hand side? Yes, yes they do. And a quick mention of Turkey v Netherlands. Another classic? 'Get your rave on!' Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

 Here we go again…do England have a ‘performance’ in them? If so, will it materialise today? Gregor Robertson, Ian Hawkey and Hamzah Khalique Loonat join Tom Clarke to discuss if a back three from Gareth Southgate will be the magic formula. Gregor is fearful of playing Luke Shaw, Hamzah thinks England could be Sheffield United in disguise and Ian knows how good Switzerland are. But… they also offer some hope.Elsewhere, was Spain’s win over Germany the ‘final’ many wanted? And France, well they’re sparing England’s blushes by playing dreadfully and still winning… Oh and would you still pick Ronaldo? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rumours abound of England switching to a back three for their quarter final against Switzerland. Could this finally be the way to get the best out of an underperforming squad? Martin Samuel, Jonathan Northcroft and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke to look at the pros and cons of changing the system at this stage in the tournament. If Southgate does change, who would play in that line up; is there a place for Trent, does Shaw have to play for the first time since February…and who plays up front?In today’s games, arguably the best two teams meet as the hosts take on Spain. Will the Spanish attack be able to unlock a very strong German defence? In the other quarter final France play Portugal, like England two teams who have so far underperformed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another pause between rounds allows for some reflection, this time with Matt Lawton, the chief sports correspondent of The Times. Having covered 15 major tournaments, he's in a pretty good spot to assess how good Euro 2024 has been. He offers his take on England's tournament so far and what Gareth Southgate's future might look like.Plus, he tells Tom Clarke about his recent eye-opening trip to Ukraine with the President of World Athletics, Seb Coe. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's an England free zone today. But that might just mean it's more joyous than ever. Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat join Tom Clarke for a round of 16 stocktake. Did we just watch the game of the tournament in Austria v Turkey? Or at the very least, the save of the tournament? And the Netherlands have finally joined the party! Are they now in with a chance? Well, technically, yes.  Plus, some honourable mentions now that 16 teams have been sent home.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The England inquest continues; if they pick the same team, will they beat Switzerland? The resounding response is no. But is Southgate, a pragmatic manager willing to change the script? Gregor Robertson, Martin Samuel, and Tom Allnutt join Tom Clarke to ask; can England rely on having one or two players capable of the exceptional to drag them through? As Cristiano Ronaldo wore his heart on his sleeve it turns out tournament football is quite tough. A star studded Portugal team struggling to get past Slovenia and France scrapping past Belgium. Gregor casts an admiring eye on the French defence, never mind that they haven’t scored from open play yet…  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One moment of brilliance saved England from humiliation. Jude Bellingham’s overhead kick helped secure England’s unlikely win, but it doesn’t paper over the chasm in England’s performance; lacklustre, disjointed, blunt, pedestrian. Where does Gareth Southgate go now? Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and James Gheerbrant join Tom Clarke to dissect a performance which was so disappointing and left so many questions. Left being the operative word…”Just put someone on the left!!” In the other game, Spain…they look rather good. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

England's path to the final looks clearer than ever, what could possibly go wrong? Tom Clarke is joined by Ian Hawkey, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson to discuss exactly what could go wrong... they could do an Italy. Is there anything more infuriating than VAR? Gregor Robertson doesn't think so. But does Germany's under par performance give other teams hope?And will Georgia upset Spain? Probably not, but here's to hoping.  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Two days without football felt like a lifetime. But it's back! Martin Samuel, Alyson Rudd and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke to preview the last 16: Which game are we most looking forward to? Will there be any shocks on the cards? And how does Alyson decide which decorative flags on her house stay up and which go down?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the group stage finished its time to step back, take a breath and have a considered look at Euro 2024. Which teams have impressed, which have disappointed? Who are the players who’ve stood out and who are the surprise packages? One man perfectly placed to answer most of those questions is Times writer Paul Hirst. He has seen ten teams, travelled across Germany and watched England with England fans in a fan park. Tom Clarke catches up with Paul to get his tips for who to look out for in the knockout stages, the best players he’s seen so far and is German rail really as bad as it is in the UK? Oh, and England, what does he make of them? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Are England the luckiest team in football? They have somehow contrived to avoid France, Germany, Portugal and Spain; only playing them if they reach the final. Or is that to disrespect the teams who have made it through in their half of the draw  – Austria, Switzerland and their next opponents – Slovakia? Martin Samuel, Gregor Robertson and Hamzah Khalique-Loonat join Tom Clarke to round up a brilliant night for Turkey and Georgia; and to plot England’s unlikely route to the final. Surely, they will beat Slovakia…surely?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ok, so a 0-0 draw against a country smaller than Manchester doesn't sound great... but there are positives. Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft and Alyson Rudd are intent on finding them. The big question remains, though: who starts in the next round? Plus, Austria are showing the rest of Europe how to win AND entertain. And Alyson thinks the Netherlands will come good eventually. Perhaps in the last 16 against England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Will it be a convincing win, a team that clicks and all doubt banished…? Or another edgy one one draw followed by a three-day inquest? The speculation is that Gareth Southgate will swap Trent Alexander Arnold for Conor Gallagher. Will that be enough, will it change the dynamic of a team slow to press and lacking a cutting edge?A thrilling conclusion to group B as football once again proved so much can change in a minute. On ninety-eight minutes Italy were likely heading out, Croatia were going through. But by ninety-nine Italy were through, Croatia as good as out. And England, well even if they were to lose tonight, they’re also through as one of the best third placed teams. But surely, they won’t lose… will they?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The dream is over for Scotland. It was Hungary who got the late winner, leaving Scotland bottom of group A. Did the Scots go out with a whimper or with a bang? Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Martin Samuel join Tom Clarke to dissect Scotland’s performance.Gregor thinks they have been the worst team at the tournament, even though they’re not the worst team. Martin and Alyson lament a complete lack of cutting edge. In the other group game Germany nearly suffered a shock defeat to Switzerland, trailing one nil going into injury time. Did their very late equaliser paper over the cracks or are the home fans now wondering if their team are as good as they thought?After the break, a look ahead to England. What is Gareth Southgate’s next move? Double down, change the system or change the personnel? It all feels a bit like closing your eyes and hoping for the best…same old England then…      Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's all still to play for, with only 3 teams qualified after 2 rounds of matches. Martin Samuel and Gregor Robertson join Tom Clarke to discuss Belgium's arrival, Portugal's improvement and Georgia's last second heartbreak. Martin weighs in on England... What is the question? And is Adam Wharton the answer? Oh, and of course we talk more about Trent Alexander-Arnold. And Gregor is getting ready for his '90 minute panic attack' this evening... Scotland win and they're through. How do they go about that, then?  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.