The Game

Latest Episodes:

WORLD CUP DAY 31: Bellingham drags England to the Semi Final Jul 12, 2026

Show notes

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.

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WORLD CUP DAY 30: "Don't miss this chance" - The Big England preview Jul 11, 2026

Show notes

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.

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WORLD CUP DAY 29: Why England should make the final Jul 10, 2026

Show notes

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.

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WORLD CUP DAY 28: Quarter Final Previews Jul 09, 2026

Show notes

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.

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WORLD CUP DAY 27: Argentina win another thriller, is England their destiny? Jul 08, 2026

Show notes

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

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WORLD CUP DAY 26: Ronaldo out and Balogun can't save USA Jul 07, 2026

Show notes

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.

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WORLD CUP DAY 25: England's epic win in the Azteca Jul 06, 2026

Show notes

What a game, what a performance, what a result! It was an England performance for the ages as they beat a passionate Mexico team in their own back yard - The Azteca.

There were outstanding performances all over the pitch with Jude Bellingham taking the headlines with two brilliant goals. Another from Harry Kane, a red card, twelve minutes of added time, finger tip saves and last ditch clearances from Dan Burn.

In part two, Brazil are out, beaten by Norway who England play next. And FIFA bend the rules and the USA benefit.

Exhausting, exhilarating, what a night!

Tom Clarke, Matt Lawton, Gregor Robertson and Pete Rutzler give immediate reaction to a breathtaking game.

**Show recorded just after final whistle and before it was announced Jordan Henderson had broken his wrist during the celebrations.

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WORLD CUP DAY 24: England braced for Azteca and France survive a kicking Jul 05, 2026

Show notes

It's time, England fans. The Azteca aura and the altitude - and a decent Mexico team - await for Thomas Tuchel's side in the round of 16.

Tom Clarke previews that match with Matt Lawton and Gregor Robertson to discuss tactics, team news and make some predictions. Gregor is also excited for Brazil v Norway and has some final love for Cape Verde.

In part two Tom and Gregor hear from James Gheerbrant who watched Morocco's win and Ian Whittell who was at France v Paraguay, a game blighted by ugly tactics and shocking refereeing.

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WORLD CUP DAY 23: England kick off farce and Cape Verde drama Jul 04, 2026

Show notes

What a night of drama! FIFA threatened to change England's kick off time against Mexico due to storms only for discussions to break down, Matt Lawton joins Tom to offer the latest on a bizarre and farcical situation at this tournament.

Drama on the pitch too as Cape Verde come agonisingly close to beating Argentina, scoring some stunning goals in a 3-2 defeat. Paul Hirst reports from that thriller and James Gheerbrant watches Egypt beat Australia on penalties.

In part two Tom catches up with Martin Samuel to discuss England's hopes, French brilliance and his general tournament reflections.

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WORLD CUP DAY 22: Ronaldo through and Spain look strong Jul 03, 2026

Show notes

Cristiano Ronaldo's World Cup odyssey continues but he needed VAR to intervene and ensure Portugal beat Croatia 2-1 in a match packed with incident and drama.

Ronaldo and his team face Spain in the next round after they beat Austria. Tom Clarke is joined by Ian Whittell and Peter Rutzler to discuss both of those matches and hears why Spain should be considered as one of the favourites.

In part two of the show Tom chats to Jonny Northcroft about England's preparations for their game with Mexico and hears why spying fears have altered their travels plans.

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