The Game Football Podcast The Times
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The Game is the premier football podcast from The Times, with the finest writers previewing and reviewing all the action throughout the 2023/24 season. Twice a week, Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke speak to the leading football writers from The Times and The Sunday Times, offering unparalleled analysis of the latest results and commentary on emerging issues.
On Mondays, Alyson Rudd, Tom Roddy and Tony Cascarino review the weekend's action and on Thursdays Martin Samuel tackles the biggest issues of the week alongside the likes of Jonathan Northcroft and Ian Hawkey.
Subscribe to The Times to enjoy our award-winning sports journalism on your smartphone or tablet. Just search The Times online.
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Euros Daily #25: England; flamboyant or ’filthy’?
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.
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Euros Daily #24: Are England the new Germany?
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!'
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Euros Daily #23: England: Is a back three the answer?
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?
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Euros Daily #22: Are England about to change system?
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.
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Euros Daily #21: Is Bellingham 2024 the Rooney of 2004?
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.
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Euros Daily #20: Stick in the mixer & get the big man on the end of it, dude!
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.
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Customer Reviews
Football enthusiast
Much improved now that Hugh Woozencroft is no longer the presenter. In addition, would also be improved if Alyson Rudd left. She’s incredibly pretentious whilst being the least informed.
A good use of your time
I really enjoy this podcast and it makes huge difference having journalists talking and explaining things. There’s a skill in being able to articulate and identify key points and sadly there are too many podcasts with non-journalists/ex-players that just ramble into incoherent mess. I don’t want to be too critical of an individual but its noticeable how different the podcast is when Tony Cascarino is on it. Not because his views aren’t valid it’s just hard work listening to them!
Gregor is a revelation and with Alyson and Martin managed well by Tim, they make a great and well informed ensemble. Highly recommended and the Euros daily has been just as good with some fantastic contributors.
I’ve told Martin this at the Etihad couple of times this season but he always seems distracted by the hospitality awaiting! Keep up the good work.
Oh, the good ol’ days…
Remember when Gab Marcotti hosted with Julien Laurens, Oliver Kay, Stewart Robson, James Scowcroft, Matt Dickinson… Natalie Sawyer then came in a she’s a good host and knows her onions. You actually learned something. Now, you unlearn. You have pretensions Alyson Rudd where you get zero insight; just how good looking person A is or I met person B. How lucky am I!? People talking about everything but football and giving you zero insight. Gregor I like because he’s informative. The rest can do one. They don’t teach you new things. This show won’t be going on for much longer at this rate. Really gone downhill.