Published by BBC Radio 5 Live
The latest news, insight, analysis and big-name guests from the Premier League, EFL, Scottish, International and European football. Plus, fact-checking football stories with Karel Prince: Lie Detector. Get in touch with us @5liveSport on social media and remember to leave us your ratings and reviews.
Listen on Apple PodcastsEilidh Barbour is joined by former Rangers midfielder Charlie Adam, Livingstone's Ryan McGowan and the Guardian's Scottish football correspondent Ewan Murray to look ahead to the new Scottish Premiership season. After Celtic snatched the title from Hearts on the final day of last season, which way will this season's title race go? Rangers have raided Hearts for their manager and 2 key players, Hearts have had to rebuild under their new Belgian head coach and Celtic have stuck with the tried and trusted Martin O'Neill along with some eye-catching signings. The panel also pick their "best of the rest" and who might struggle towards the bottom of the table. TIMECODES: 01:44 - Can Derek McInnes get Rangers winning trophies? 15:34 - How do Hearts rebuild under Wouter Vrancken? 29:36 - Are Celtic favourites after sticking with Martin O'Neill? 42:16 - Best of the rest? 46:15 - Who's going to struggle?
Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by BBC Chief Football News Reporter Simon Stone, The Athletic’s Adam Crafton and ESPN’s Julien Laurens as UEFA and its 55 member associations take the extraordinary step of threatening to boycott every FIFA competition if Gianni Infantino proceeds with plans to sell ownership stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors. We hear UEFA’s powerful statement declaring the World Cup “not for sale”, reaction from home nations and CONCACAF, and speak live to UEFA vice-president Laura McAllister who was in the room for the vote. Plus thoughts from former FA executive director David Davies and discussion of the immediate threat to upcoming tournaments - including the U20 Women’s World Cup in Poland that starts in five weeks, for which England have already qualified.
John Bennett presents reaction to Eddie Howe's departure from Newcastle United, just three weeks out from the new Premier League campaign. He's joined by the Daily Telegraph's Luke Edwards to discuss why exactly Howe has chosen to leave, and what his legacy at the club will be. Newcastle fan Samantha Rees tells us of her shock at Howe's departure. And we hear all about the frontrunner to replace Howe, Matthias Jaissle, from German football writer Constantin Eckner. TIMECODES 01:30 Why Howe decided to leave 05:40 The effect of Newcastle's recruitment 07:45 Newcastle fan Samantha Rees on her reaction to Howe's departure 17:10 Who is Matthias Jaissle? German football journalist Constantin Eckner on Newcastle's prospective new boss
Eleanor Oldroyd is joined by BBC Sport's Chief Football News Reporter Simon Stone and football finance expert Kieran Maguire. The panel discuss FIFA's proposal and the fallout from the announcement. They assess the chances of it actually happening and consider whether investors could have a greater say in the future of football. Plus, what could this potential scheme mean for supporters?
This week, former Stoke City, Chelsea, Everton and Bosnia-Herzegovina goalkeeper Asmir Begović submits three stories from his career. Did Stoke manager Tony Pulis really invite Begović to date his daughter with the hope that he might one day become his son-in-law? Did Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers secretly call him into an office at Anfield to discuss a transfer immediately after a Premier League match? Or did Rafa Benítez shorten a proposed Everton contract because he was convinced Begović enjoyed too many nights out? Armed with photographs, football knowledge and plenty of confidence, Karel and Anita dissect every detail before Begović returns to reveal the truth. Karel Prince: Lie Detector is presented by Karel Prince and Anita Abayomi and is a Sport Social Studios production for BBC Sounds. Credits Series Producer: Matt Tasker Technical Producer: Tom Hinckley Assistant Producer: Jason Kavuma Executive Producer: Jim Salveson Photography: Tom Barker Artwork: James Mobbs Original theme music: WIZZFX Commissioning Executive for BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard Commissioning & Digital Support: Jade Burns & Stuart Birch
We'd like to introduce you to the first episode of 'Sports Strangest Crimes Presents: Shadows On The Pitch'. Throughout the series, James Montague investigates a startling conspiracy theory put forward by the Iraqi football federation in the 90s - that America influenced a World Cup qualifying tournament to save USA '94 from its so-called enemies. In this opening episode, a former referee with a cryptic message may hold the key to unraveling the mystery. Can he help James uncover the truth behind the alleged conspiracy surrounding the build-up to the 1994 World Cup? James travels to Bucharest in search of answers. If you enjoyed 'Sports Strangest Crimes Presents: Shadows on the Pitch' and want to hear more, head to the Sports Strangest Crimes feed on BBC Sounds, where you can listen to the rest of the series.
Karel Prince and Anita Abayomi are the BBC’s resident Lie Detectors, examining unbelievable football stories to uncover the truth. In the first episode, former Manchester United and Scotland striker Brian McClair submits three stories from his playing career. Did Sir Alex Ferguson really deliver a notorious hairdryer over a player attending the birth of his child? Did David Beckham lay out brand-new pyjamas and a framed photo of Victoria before every away game? And did McClair’s famous nickname ‘Choccy’ really originate from a supermarket job? Armed with case files, photographs and their own football knowledge, Karel and Anita interrogate every detail before Brian returns to reveal which story is genuine. It’s football folklore, detective work and plenty of laughs, with one simple question at the heart of every episode: can you spot the lie? Karel Prince: Lie Detector is presented by Karel Prince & Anita Abayomi and is a Sport Social Studios production for BBC Sounds. Credits Series Producer: Matt Tasker Technical Producer: Tom Hinckley Assistant Producer: Jason Kavuma Executive Producer: Jim Salveson Photography: Tom Barker Artwork: James Mobbs Original theme music: WIZZFX Commissioning Executive for BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard Commissioning & Digital Support: Jade Burns & Stuart Birch
Karel Prince is the BBC’s new resident fact checker. Alongside Anita Abayomi, they are charged with investigating football stories so unbelievable they simply have to be checked. Every week, a famous figure from the world of football submits three extraordinary tales. Two are lies. One is completely true. The challenge? Can Karel separate fact from fiction before the final whistle? Armed with case files, photographs, voice notes and an encyclopaedic knowledge of the game, Karel opens a new investigation each episode. Alongside Anita he interrogates every claim, challenges every timeline and follows every lead in pursuit of the truth. Part detective, part fact-checker and part chaos conductor, Karel brings forensic scrutiny to football’s wildest stories, while Anita ensures no detail escapes examination. Karel Prince’s Lie Detector asks the only question that matters: which story is true? The investigation starts now. Roll the tapes. Karel Prince: Lie Detector is presented by Karel Prince & Anita Abayomi and is a Sport Social Studios production for BBC Sounds. Credits Series Producer: Matt Tasker Technical Producer: Tom Hinckley Assistant Producer: Jason Kavuma Executive Producer: Jim Salveson Photography: Tom Barker Artwork: James Mobbs Original theme music: WIZZFX Commissioning Executive for BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard Commissioning & Digital Support: Jade Burns & Stuart Birch
Spain succeed, Argentina played the villains and is the pressure off Thomas Tuchel? Steve Crossman is joined by Adam Crafton, Steph Houghton and Luis Miguel Echegaray to discuss the fallout from the World Cup Final and England's bronze final win over France. 1:21 - Former Spanish international Cesar Azpilicueta pays tribute to Spain 14:37 - Did Argentina make themselves the bad guys? 30:58 - Has England's 3rd place finish taken the pressure off Thomas Tuchel?
Steve Crossman is joined by former teammates, colleagues, journalists and fans of Kevin Keegan, who has died aged 75. 4:14 - BBC Football Correspondent John Murray 7:22 - Former Newcastle player Lee Clark 17:29 - Samantha, Newcastle supporter 26:24 - Former Newcastle manager Chris Hughton 34:45 - Liverpool teammate Phil Thompson 40:02 - John Gibbons from The Anfield Wrap 47:20 - Former Chairman of the Football Writers Association Paul Hetherington and football journalist Henry Winter 55:01 - German football reporter for The Athletic Seb Stafford-Bloor
The World Cup is over. Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith take you inside football's biggest night after watching the final at MetLife Stadium. They reflect on the atmosphere, what it was like to experience a World Cup final in person and whether the much-talked-about half-time show added to the occasion or distracted from it. Joe Hart joins to analyse Spain's victory and explain why they deserved to lift the trophy, while Kelly Cates gives her verdict on the spectacle surrounding the final. And after six unforgettable weeks together across Los Angeles and New York, Rick and Lloyd sign off from the World Cup one final time.
Relive the atmosphere and instant reaction from 5 Live at full-time as Spain overcome a dogged 10-man Argentina to win the 2026 World Cup. Ferran Torres scored the decisive goal in extra time. Kelly Cates is joined by John Murray, Ian Dennis, Chris Sutton and Paul Robinson in New Jersey as Spain's captain Rodri lifts the famous trophy. Guillem Balague gives his reaction to the win for Spain and South American football expert Tim Vickery has his say on a tight, cagey encounter. TIMECODES: 00:10 - Spain's magic moment 01:20 - Chris Sutton: 'The best team won' 03:10 - Guillem Balague's instant reaction 13:10 - Should Nico Williams' goal have been given? 15:25 - Donald Trump arrives onto the pitch 18:05 - Thoughts from Tim Vickery 26:30 - The presentations begin 31:20 - Rodri lifts the World Cup trophy
England's World Cup is over, but what comes next? Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by Guy Mowbray and Adam Crafton to reflect on England's third-place finish, ask whether more could have been done against Argentina in the semi-finals and discuss what the future looks like without players like Harry Kane, Jordan Pickford and John Stones. They also preview Spain v Argentina, discuss MetLife Stadium and New York's embrace of the World Cup, while Rick and Lloyd swap stories from Times Square, the cinema with Guillem Balague and a trip to M&M World with Paul Robinson.
The World Cup final is almost here, and Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith are joined by John Murray and Chris Sutton to debate the biggest talking points before football's biggest game. Can anyone stop Lionel Messi? Has the refereeing been good enough throughout the tournament? Does a Super Bowl-style half-time show belong at a World Cup final? And why is Chris convinced Americans genuinely mean it when they tell you to "have a good day"? Plus, Rick and Lloyd give their first impressions after arriving in New York ahead of the final.
Steve Crossman is joined by ESPN’s Julien Laurens, Guillem Balague & Nedum Onuoha as they dissect England's semi-final defeat against Argentina. They discuss Tuchel’s tactics and substitutions in the second half, his future as England head coach, and how this could be Harry Kane’s last World Cup in an England shirt. TIMECODES 4’23 - Should Thomas Tuchel remain England Manager? 8’00 - Jules on Tuchel not delivering his promises 14’14 - Should the responsibility be shared between the manager & the players? 15’43 - Should England have sat back when they did? 20’33 - Were the players being told to go for a second goal at 1-0 up? 24’40- Does Tuchel know the players well enough now to succeed? 32’47 - How England were playing like they were down to 10 players 35’50 - Will Tuchel be manager at the Euros? 38’25 - Have we just witnessed Harry Kane’s last World Cup? 44’20 - Can England gain anything from third place play off?
England's World Cup dream is over. Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith react after England's heartbreaking semi-final defeat to Argentina, reflecting on the emotions after the final whistle, the key moments that decided the game and why they're left frustrated by Thomas Tuchel's decisions. ESPN's Mark Ogden joins to assess the substitutions, the criticism facing Tuchel and what comes next for England after falling short of the World Cup final. Plus, CBS' Nico Cantor gives the Argentinian perspective on the victory, as he and Lloyd debate football culture, the so-called 'dark arts' and why Argentina believe doing whatever it takes to win is simply part of the game. And after five unforgettable weeks in Los Angeles, Rick and Lloyd say goodbye to LA before heading to New York for the final stages of the tournament.
Relive the atmosphere and instant reaction from 5 Live at full-time as England were knocked out of the World Cup by Argentina. Kelly Cates is joined by correspondent John Murray, ex-England players Paul Robinson and Matt Upson as well as South American football expert Tim Vickery. They ask whether England's defensive strategy after taking the lead cost them the game, and look at how the team bounces back following this defeat, with a bronze medal match against France still to come. We also hear from Tuchel, as well as captain Harry Kane and defender Dan Burn. TIMECODES 00:30 On the whistle reaction as England lose to Argentina. 14:30 Did Tuchel's tactics cost England? 18:35 Harry Kane interview with Kelly Somers 30:30 Argentina v Spain in the Final 33:00 England's next task - prepare to face France 35:00 Dan Burn interview with John Murray 39:00 Thomas Tuchel interview
England manager Thomas Tuchel, along with players Ezri Konsa, Marc Guéhi and John Stones, speak to John Murray ahead of England’s World Cup semi-final against Argentina. They discuss how England can exploit Argentina’s weaknesses while also dealing with the threat posed by Lionel Messi. John is joined by former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson to assess how England are likely to set up and whether they have what it takes to overcome the reigning world champions. 2’18 - Start of Thomas Tuchel interview 2’38 - Tuchel on player availability & how they’ll get at Argentina 4’30 - Tuchel on Argentina bringing the best out in England 6’03 - How does Tuchel deal with pressure? 8’33 - Ezri Konsa interview 10’28 - Paul Robinson on who will play at right back 12’11 - Marc Guehi interview 13’16 - Guehi on the challenge of Messi & how much Guardiola referenced him 14’50 - John Stones on his journey for England at World Cups 17’40 - Stones on what he can take from winning the last two Euro’s semi-finals 20’08 - Paul Robinson on forward options 21’48 - Will Declan Rice play?
Wayne Rooney joins Rick Edwards and Lloyd Griffith ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. He explains why Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane are so important to this England side, why he likes seeing Thomas Tuchel and Bellingham challenge each other, reflects on similar moments from his own career and even shares how musicals help him switch off before the biggest occasions. Rooney also shares a brilliant story about pranking Sir Alex Ferguson alongside Cristiano Ronaldo. Plus, Julien Laurens reacts after Spain knocked out France to reach the World Cup final and explains why they now look like the team to beat.
England captain Harry Kane speaks to BBC Sport ahead of England's World Cup semi-final against Argentina. He talks about the comments made by manager Thomas Tuchel after the quarter-final win against Norway, Jude Bellingham's response, his partnership with Bellingham and whether England can rewrite history and beat Argentina to reach the World Cup final. 0’25 - How he feels about being one game away from World Cup Final 0’52 - How does he assess England’s tournament so far? 1’45 - How were Tuchel’s comments post Norway received in the dressing room? 2’57 - Jude Bellingham’s response to Tuchel’s comments 5’00 - His partnership with Jude Bellingham 7’13 - What is Bellingham’s best position? 8’00 - Why he’s scored so many goals this season 10’41 - Can England rewrite history?
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