The Game

Recent episodes

1. Infantino finished? Mourinho's Madrid & Iraola's Liverpool challenge from The Game

   Aug 3, 202648 min

   What next for Gianni Infantino and FIFA? Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Tom Allnut and Tony Cascarino to discuss what the future holds for the controversial FIFA President after a number of FA's across Europe publicly withdrew their support for him following his attempt to sell off a stake in the World Cup. We ask if we have really seen the end of this story for good and compare the similarities with UEFA's introduction of a new Champions League format in the wake of the failed Super League. Away from the FIFA scandal, Tom Allnut talks us through hs article on Real Madrid and how new manager Jose Mourinho will get the best out of England's Jude Bellingham. And we ask which teams are we excited by, intrigued by and worried by, with the new Premier League season less than three weeks away! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

2. FIFA Special: What now for Infantino? from The Game

   Jul 31, 202610 min

   Another huge day in the biggest story in football - Tom Clarke is joined by Martyn Ziegler, Chief Sports Reporter at The Times and the man who broke the news of FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the tournament. In this special, snap episode Martyn offers an update on who has spoken out against the plans, why they will not proceed and whether it could be the end of Gianni Infantino as FIFA President. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. FIFA, Howe, Henderson and Barcola from The Game

   Jul 30, 202657 min

   What a dramatic day! Tom Clarke is joined by Alyson Rudd, Tom Allnutt and James Gheerbrant to discuss FIFA, Gianni Infantino and their plans to sell the World Cup. The panel call for action and a strong response and before we could finish editing we got that strong response, as UEFA announce they will boycott all future FIFA competitions - Tom rejoined the show to give us the latest. As if that wasn't busy enough, in part two the team discuss Eddie Howe's shock departure from Newcastle, Chelsea's surprise pursuit of Jordan Henderson and wonder if Xabi Alonso's team will be title challengers. There is also transfer talk too as Tottenham vow to make another 'bomba' signing and Liverpool eye Bradley Barcola. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

4. TIMES EXCLUSIVE: FIFA - Football for sale from The Game

   Jul 28, 202617 min

   Tom Clarke speaks to The Times Chief Sports reporter Martyn Ziegler - following his exclusive story in detailing FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plans to offer 'stakes' in the World Cup. What are the plans? Why does it matter and what happens next? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

5. On tour with Liverpool and Chelsea from The Game

   Jul 27, 202650 min

   The Game is back on tour, speaking with Pete Rutzler who is following Chelsea (and Spurs) down under. The Blues have been spending big, will there be any out goings and how will new manager Xabi Alonso deploy his new talent? Ian Whittell is in America following Liverpool's tour and saw their first preseason game against Sunderland. Who caught the eye, how is Iraola adapting and will there be more signings? After the break Tom Clarke joins Ian Hawkey to break down the international manager scene with Klopp and Tuchel already in post could Guardiola or Conte be joining them? And how will Mourinho get on at Madrid? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

6. TRANSFER LATEST - and who is better Rogers or Anderson? from The Game

   Jul 23, 202656 min

   While the World Cup has been on there has been plenty of transfer activity in the Premier League. The record fee has been broken twice by Elliot Anderson to Man City then Morgan Rogers to Chelsea - so is £100 million now the going rate for a midfielder? Spurs are spending big, Villa are selling big and Arsenal, Man Utd and Liverpool have done nothing big ... yet. There have been managerial changes at Fulham and Forest and injuries are the changing which clubs need to do what business all the time. Tom Clarke runs through all the latest news with Alyson Rudd, Gary Jacob and Tony Cascarino Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

7. WORLD CUP DAY 39: Argentina got what they deserved and "England players must think for themselves." from The Game

   Jul 20, 202654 min

   Well, it is finally over. World Cup 2026 didn't get the final it deserved but it was a fabulous festival of football. Tom Clarke, Tony Cascarino, Gregor Robertson and Tom Allnutt assess the final - a disgraceful display from Argentina but a footballing triumph for Spain. Then we pick our team of the tournament, reflect on England and hear from Tom Allnutt who suggests England players could learn from Spain by producing players who are better at thinking for themselves in pressure situations. Plus best moments, worst teams and favourite memory. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

8. WORLD CUP DAY 38: Big final preview, as England take bronze from The Game

   Jul 19, 202640 min

   Well, if the final is as much as fun as that we're in for a treat. England beat France 6-4 in a frankly bonkers match to take the bronze medal and finish third, their best World Cup performance since lifting the trophy in 1966. Tom Clarke is joined by Matt Lawton and Ian Whittell who offer their thoughts on whether this helps ease the pain for Thomas Tuchel and what it means for France. And then it is onto the big one: Spain vs Argentina. Tom speaks to Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp and Spanish football expert Ian Hawkey to assess both sides, discuss the two managers and get excited for Lionel Messi vs Lamine Yamal. And of course there are some predictions too. We can't wait. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

9. WORLD CUP DAY 37: The big one! No, really... from The Game

   Jul 18, 202628 min

   It's time, for the biggest game of the tournament, France vs England... well, we tried. But whilst the world might not be excited about the third-place play-off, we have still got loads to talk about. Tom Clarke is joined by Jonathan Northcroft in Manhattan to discuss England's footballing DNA, what 'shocked' him about the Argentina defeat, thoughts on the final and more nonsense from FIFA. Tom also chats to our European Football expert Ian Hawkey about Didier Deschamps legacy as France coach and who might follow in his footsteps. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

10. WORLD CUP DAY 36: England Defeat Debrief from The Game

    Jul 17, 202637 min

    Did Thomas Tuchel tell his players to sit back and defend, or were they just not able to maintain their pressing...the England inquest is gathering pace. There seems unity of opinion that manager Thomas Tuchel has questions to answer. Will he step forward or will the FA wait until their review is complete ? Tom Clarke chats to Matt Lawton for the latest on Tuchel's future and Martin Samuel discusses England's wider problems. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

11. WORLD CUP DAY 35: England throw it away as Tuchel loses nerve from The Game

    Jul 15, 202641 min

    In the end England fell shore, again. One up with half an hour to go England sat back, ceded ground then succumbed as Argentina seized the initiative and scored two late goals. Where did it go wrong this time? Did Tuchel lose his nerve, was it all down to Messi do England have an inferiority complex? Jonathan Northcroft and Paul Hirst bring immediate reaction from the ground before Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd dissect a disappointing night for England. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

12. WORLD CUP DAY 34: Will it be England or Argentina to play 'brilliant' Spain? from The Game

    Jul 15, 202637 min

    Two camps, two journalists, both predicting England wins. What could possibly go wrong? Tom Clarke is joined by Jonny Northcroft in the England camp and Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp to discuss the second big semi-final and gets the latest news and predictions. In part two Tom is joined by Gregor Robertson to discuss Spain's impressive win against a disappointing France and ask what went wrong for the favourites? And can anyone stop Spain in this form? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

13. WORLD CUP DAY 33: Why Mbappe is a great captain from The Game

    Jul 14, 202621 min

    He's a World Cup star and one of the best in the world but Kylian Mbappe's leadership has shone at this World Cup, on and off the pitch. Martin Samuel joins Tom Clarke to discuss the France forward and preview their semi-final with Spain. Martin also offers his thoughts on Jude Bellingham, Thomas Tuchel and why he believes England can beat Argentina. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

14. WORLD CUP DAY 32: Semi-Finals preview from The Game

    Jul 13, 202657 min

    How do England beat Argentina? Both teams looked exhausted after their quarter final wins, will recovery be the key? Gregor Robertson thinks the battle is out wide, Tom allnutt thinks Argentina have more in the tank. Does the post game spat between Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham really matter, Tony Cascarino thinks it is a sign of a healthy dressing room? In the first semi-final France play Spain. France are the dominate team of the last decade but are Spain the team best placed to beat them? Tom Allnutt explains how the unique mix of cultural diversity, street football and french football academies have laid the ground to create this outstanding French team. Plus, is this the best World Cup ever? Who is your cult hero of the tournament and score predictions for the semi finals. Tom Clarke is in the chair. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

15. WORLD CUP DAY 31: Bellingham drags England to the Semi Final from The Game

    Jul 12, 202633 min

    That was tense! England beat Norway thanks to another brace from Jude Bellingham and possibly a bit of help from a spider cam. Tom clarke is joined by The Times head of Sport James Restall and Gregor Robertson for immediate reaction to England reaching a World Cup semi final. In part two Paul Hirst was there on another tough night for Argentina. They're through to face England but they made hard work of beating Switzerland. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

16. WORLD CUP DAY 30: "Don't miss this chance" - The Big England preview from The Game

    Jul 11, 202630 min

    Four Times journalists, four assertions that England are favourites. But can Thomas Tuchel's side deliver? Tom Clarke talks to Matt Lawton and Tom Allnutt about England v Norway and also hears from Alyson Rudd - the writer who backed the Norwegians to win the tournament - about any conflict she may feel for this one. The Tom Tom Club also analyse Spain's win against Belgium and debate whether they need to improve to beat France and if it is time Mikel Merino got a start. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

17. WORLD CUP DAY 29: Why England should make the final from The Game

    Jul 10, 202628 min

    The hype and excitement is building for England's quarter-final with Norway and our Chief Football Correspondent Jonathan Northcroft can see a route to the final for Thomas Tuchel's side. In part two he joins Tom Clarke to discuss the latest news from the England camp and the emergence of Anthony Gordon as a vital player. Tom also shares his worries about the England stars who are one booking away from missing a potential semi-final. In part one Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant chat to Tom about France's 2-0 win in the quarter-final against Morocco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

18. WORLD CUP DAY 28: Quarter Final Previews from The Game

    Jul 9, 202647 min

    We've reached the business end of the tournament. Some big names have fallen by the wayside but no really big shocks. We have six European teams, Morocco from Africa and Argentina from South America. Belgium have been 'deeply average' at times; Spain haven't really got going. England, a dramatic result in Mexico aside haven't looked convincing. Norway have proved them selves legitimate dark horses. Argentina are street wise, the swiss are experienced. Morocco pur in midfield and France, has there ever been a better forward line? Who progresses, who goes home? Tom Allnutt, Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke do their best to predict each of the quarter finals. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

19. WORLD CUP DAY 27: Argentina win another thriller, is England their destiny? from The Game

    Jul 8, 202647 min

    Lionel Messi delivers again, dragging Argentina past Egypt in a thrilling game packed with great goals and yet more VAR controversy. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson and Paul Hirst to discuss that amazing match and debate, once more, the refereeing decisions at this World Cup. In part two Martin Samuel joins Tom to reflect on his memories of the Azteca and England's potential route to the final, first having to get passed Norway and Erling Haaland Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

20. WORLD CUP DAY 26: Ronaldo out and Balogun can't save USA from The Game

    Jul 7, 202642 min

    So, it turns out Folarin Balogun didn't make a difference anyway. USA produced a dismal - and maybe distracted - display against a brilliant Belgium side, losing 4-1 to crash out of the tournament and mean that we have no co-hosts left. Peter Rutzler and James Gheerbrant join Tom Clarke to discuss that match and also Spain's win against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo bowing out of the World Cup but does the blame for Portugal's failings actually lay at the feet of manager Roberto Martinez? Has he wasted another golden generation? In part two Tom catches up with Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp to hear about their preparation for Egypt and asks if there is a scenario where Messi might be rested? All the guests also reveal where they were to watch England's remarkable win against Mexico. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.