The Game

Latest Episodes:

England into Semis after crazy penalty shootout Jul 18, 2025

Show notes

England are through to the Semi-finals, just. In a nerve-wracking game where they looked second best for large parts England refused to give in. Individual heroics, force of will and some super subs dragged them level with Sweden. Then came the penalties, high on drama low on quality. But the main thing, England won!

What of the ninety minutes, can the shoot out even be analysed and will they have eleven fit players to face Italy in the semi-finals? Former England international Izzy Christiansen and The Times Women’s football reporter Kit Shepard join Tom Clarke to offer some answers.

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Chelsea are Champions of the World! Premier League next..? Jul 15, 2025

Show notes

Stop the press Chelsea are champions of the world. Who saw that coming? They didn’t just win; they won in style dominating a PSG team who had previously swept all before them.

Chelsea reporter Pete Rutzler was in New York for the game and joins Tom Clarke to discuss Chelsea’s performance. Was it a Maresca masterclass? Have they created a blueprint of how to beat PSG?

Are Chelsea now serious title contenders? Might they even strengthen more before the season starts? Plus, all the latest on the other key signings at Arsenal, Spurs and reaction to Crystal Palace being demoted to the Europa Conference league.

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England thrash Wales. It's Sweden next... Jul 14, 2025

Show notes

England got a convincing but expected win against Wales. Next up in the quarter finals it’s Sweden. Just how good are the Swedes?

Former England International Izzy Christiansen and Times women’s football reporter Kit Shepard join Tom Clarke to assess England’s performance against Wales and look ahead to Sweden.

Izzy and Kit both think Sweden will pose a serious threat as an organised physical team with direct fast wingers. Prediction time - will Wiegman change her winning line up to deal with the way Sweden play, which players will prove key and who are favourites?

Check your feeds throughout the day as we’ll have a special CLUB WORLD CUP episode later today.

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Transfer latest and will Chelsea be World Champions? Jul 11, 2025

Show notes

On Sunday Chelsea take on PSG for the title of World Club Champions! Times report Pete Rutzler will be at the game in New York - what chance does he give Chelsea against the PSG juggernaut?

With new signing Joao Pedro making an immediate impact up front, Brazilian signing Willian Estevao looking good and Cole Palmer on form Chelsea certainly pose a threat.

After the break a round up of the latest transfer action: Gibbs White, Madueke, Kudos, Henderson and more.

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WOMEN'S EURO 2025: England bounce back in style Jul 10, 2025

Show notes

England put their defeat against France behind them with an emphatic four nil win against the Netherlands. Qualification for the next round is back in their hands.

Izzy Christiansen and Kit Shepard react to England’s win. Who stood out, what changes did manager Sarina Wiegman make and is qualification now a formality?

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What do Man City and Man Utd need to do this summer? Jul 08, 2025

Show notes

Manchester City looked back to their dominant best in parts of the Club World Cup…but they also showed signs of the same wide open defensive frailties as well. So was the Club World Cup a success? What next for Pep Guardiola’s team this summer?

Across the city the red half of Manchester still have much business to do. They need to off load as many as ten players according to some…who will they be, how much money will they generate and who needs to come in?

The Times Manchester football reporter Paul Hirst joins Tom and Gregor to run the rule over Manchester City and Manchester United’s summer preparations.

Lastly a look at the chaotic situation over the Pennines at Sheffield Wednesday. Heading into the new season they have sixteen fit players, no manager, a transfer ban and nowhere to train…

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WOMEN’S EURO 2025: England v Netherlands - it's crunch time Jul 07, 2025

Show notes

Former England international Izzy Christiansen and Kit Shepard the women’s football reporter for the Times and Sunday Times join Tom Clarke to assess England’s poor start to the defence of their European title.

Where did it go wrong against France? Was it selection, tactics, substitutions? The team look at where England can improve how they might react to being under pressure this early in the tournament. Lastly they look ahead to who they would pick to face the Netherlands in a must win game on Wednesday.

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A tribute to Diogo Jota Jul 03, 2025

Show notes

Chief Correspondent for The Times and Sunday Times Martin Samuel joins Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson to pay tribute to Portugal and Liverpool forward Diogo Jota following his tragic death in a car accident.

After a pause Martin reflects on the Club World Cup and its potential to become an enduring tournament and a look at how the English teams have approached it.

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Women’s Euros 2025: Will England defend their title? Jul 01, 2025

Show notes

England enter the tournament as defending Champions, but their preparation has not been smooth. With three senior players either retiring or making themselves unavailable, how will that affect Sarina Wiegman’s squad?

Tom Clarke is joined by former England international Izzy Christiansen and women’s football reporter for the Times and Sunday Times Kit Shepard.

They discuss England’s key players, the ‘group of death’ and the who are the other favourites for the tournament.

England kick of on Saturday with a huge game against France. We'll be back with Izzy and Kit to review the match.

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England U21 Champions and all change in the Championship Jun 30, 2025

Show notes

England are European U21 Champions again.

Lee Carley's side defended their title with an impressive 3-2 extra time win over Germany

So, what next for a talented squad and their manger? Player of the tournament Harvey Elliot has to decide if his future lies with Liverpool while many of the team now ply their trade in top European leagues

Should Carsley want to move in to league management there are plenty of moves in the football league - Gregor Robertson assess nine managerial changes in the championship alone.

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