The Game

Latest Episodes:

EURO 2020 | Ep 14 | The Calm Before The Last 16 Storm Jun 25, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Tom Clarke.

We take a look at the tournament so far as it heads into the knockout stages. Did the ‘Group of Death’ live up to the hype? Which teams have impressed and which have left us feeling deflated? (00:00)

The panel select their ‘Best XI of the tournament so far’. Will Alyson pick Olivier Giroud despite him barely playing so far?

Wales play the first of the last 16 matches against Denmark in Amsterdam. Will they be able to overcome ‘everyone’s second team’ and will the lack of fans affect them at all? (24:03)

We end with predictions for the next round. Gregor was thrilled.. (35:45)

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EURO 2020 | Ep 13 | The Rivalry Continues In The Last 16 Jun 24, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft, James Gheerbrant and Paul Hirst.

The refereeing in the tournament is under the spotlight after a night of big decisions. Has VAR been implemented more efficiently at Euro 2020 than in the Premier League? (00:00)

The ‘Group of Death’ threw up an exciting end to the group stage - with Germany sneaking through with a late goal to set up at tie against England at Wembley (12:58)

Spain have finally shown they mean business in the tournament with a 5-0 win over Slovakia. Paul Hirst joins us live from Seville to weigh up their chances in the tournament (28:08)

There was another thriller in Group E as Sweden scored a late winner against Poland. Could they go far into the tournament and are Poland one of the biggest disappointments of Euro 2020 (32:55)

Today’s results:

Sweden 3-2 Poland

Slovakia 0-5 Spain

Portugal 2-2 France

Germany 2-2 Hungary

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EURO 2020 | Ep 12 | The Boogie Comes To An End Jun 23, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd, James Restall and Jonathan Northcroft.

England are through as group winners - but did their performance against the Czech Republic do much to reassure they can challenge for the tournament? Do Jack Grealish and Bukayo Saka start the next game? (00:00)

Scotland are out after a 3-1 loss to Croatia at Hampden Park. What can Steve Clarke’s side take away from their first tournament in 23 years and what do they need to improve on to qualify for the World Cup? (18:36)

It’s the final day of the group stages. We look ahead to the conclusion of Groups E and F. Is Portugal vs France likely to be the standout game or will we be surprised? (29:34)

Today’s results:

Croatia 3-1 Scotland

England 1-0 Czech Republic

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EURO 2020 | Ep 11 | Will England Top The Group? Jun 22, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Matt Lawton, Henry Winter and Michael Grant.

Denmark booked their place in the knock-out stages with an impressive 4-1 win over Russia. They’ll take on Wales on Saturday in Amsterdam - but can they topple Rob Page’s side? (00:00)

Billy Gilmour has tested positive for Covid-19, ruling him out of their match tonight against Croatia and also forcing Mason Mount and Ben Chilwell into isolation. What really happened at Wembley to cause this precautionary exclusion from the squad? (13:38)

Scotland need to beat Croatia to keep their hopes alive - but without Billy Gilmour, can Steve Clarke rouse the troops to put in the performance they need? (18:30)

England take on the Czech Republic tonight, looking to win the group with victory. Who will Gareth Southgate bring into the side if Mason Mount can’t play and what other chances should he consider? (23:57)

Today’s results:

Ukraine 0-1 Austria

North Macedonia 0-3 Netherlands

Russia 1-4 Denmark

Finland 0-2 Belgium

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EURO 2020 | Ep 10 | Wales Get The Job Done Jun 20, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Matt Dickinson.

Wales are through to the knockout stages of the Euros after a 1-0 loss to Italy in Rome. Did Rob Page’s players show they can go deep into this competition and should Ethan Ampadu have seen red? (00:00)

Switzerland got the result they needed against Turkey - but why didn’t Turkey show up to this tournament? Has there ever been a more disappointing ‘dark horse’ before? (13:10)

The Times reporter Paul Hirst joins us live from Seville to discuss just what’s wrong with Spain at this tournament. It seems the grass could be against them.. (16:56)

Groups B and C play their final games on Monday. Are Denmark most people’s second team after what happened in their opener and can they do enough to qualify? (21:02)

Today’s results:

Italy 1-0 Wales

Switzerland 3-1 Turkey

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EURO 2020 | Ep 9 | Don’t Write Germany Off Jun 20, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Ian Hawkey.

Germany have turned up - but did Portugal make it way too easy for them? Is Kai Havertz finally showing why he’s a £71m player? (00:00)

France didn’t show why a lot of people have them as favourites for the tournament as they stumbled to a draw against Hungary. Do they need to give Olivier Giroud a chance up front? What do Spain need to do to turn their fortunes around after a disappointing performance against Poland? (11:28)

Wales face Italy in Rome later - but will Rob Page rest players or, given they’ll get a game at Wembley if they win the group - could they go for it? (26:38)

Today’s results:

Hungary 1-1 France

Portugal 2-4 Germany

Spain 1-1 Poland

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EURO 2020 | Ep 8 | Scotland Hold England At Wembley Jun 19, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Tom Clarke and Tom Roddy.

Scotland will go away from Wembley the happier side after holding England to a goalless draw. Who were the standout players for Steve Clarke’s side and did they make the changes Gregor longed for? (00:00)

England registered one shot on target and Harry Kane was taken off in the second half. What problems does Gareth Southgate face after this lacklustre performance? (15:54)

Is Harry Kane’s club future weighing on his mind? What do England need to do in their next game to get back on track? (24:47)

Today’s results:

Sweden 1-0 Slovakia

Croatia 1-1 Czech Republic

England 0-0 Scotland

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EURO 2020 | Ep 7 | Can Belgium Go All The Way? Jun 18, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Jonathan Northcroft, Alyson Rudd and Henry Winter.

Belgium have secured their place in the knockout stage after an emotional match against Denmark. The entire stadium stopped and applauded on 10 minutes in support of Christian Eriksen. Are the Belgians in with a chance of winning the tournament after that performance? (00:00)

England take on Scotland in a match that’s been anticipated for months - but can Scotland actually cause Gareth Southgate’s side some problems? (17:08)

Today’s results:

Ukraine 2-1 North Macedonia

Denmark 1-2 Belgium

Netherlands 2-0 Austria

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EURO 2020 | Ep 6 | Turkey Stuffed By Wales Jun 17, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Ian Hawkey and Gary Jacob.

Wales have given themselves every chance of qualifying for the knockout stages with an impressive 2-0 win over Turkey. Why were Turkey so lacklustre - especially with their president in the stadium? (00:00)

Gary Jacob was with Hugh in Baku and added his thoughts on a Wales performance that saw Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey at their very best (04:54)

Italy have won both of their opening games 3-0 and with the latest win over Switzerland, look like they could trouble most sides as the tournament go on (21:42)

Denmark play their next game tomorrow but how will the events of their opener affect the squad mentally and do they have any chance in recovering from that trauma to turn things around? (26:25)

Today’s results:

Finland 0-1 Russia

Turkey 0-2 Wales

Italy 3-0 Switzerland

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EURO 2020 | Ep 5 | Record-Breaker, Ronaldo Jun 16, 2021

Show notes

Hugh Woozencroft is joined by Gregor Robertson, Alyson Rudd and Tom Roddy.

Two of the favourites entered the tournament, but after an own-goal was all that separated France and Germany - which side looks most likely to go all the way? (00:00)

Cristiano Ronaldo broke the record for goals at European Championships on the same day he became the first player to make an appearance at five Euros. Could CR7 inspire Portugal to a repeat of 2016? (17:04)

We’ve made it til the last day of the first round of group games and VAR get it’s first mention - with the group divided on how the technology has been used so far (23:29)

Wales play a must-win game against Turkey, later. Hugh brings us the latest from a very positive Welsh camp in Baku (28:40)

Today’s results:

Hungary 0-3 Portugal

France 1-0 Germany

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