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The Game

The Game

By: The Times
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The thinking fan's football podcast, providing previews and reviews of all the action - every Monday and Thursday.


Listen to the best of The Times and The Sunday Times journalists as they cover the biggest sport on the planet; from winners to losers, who's in and out on the transfer roundabout, tactical developments, data analysis and the dreaded VAR.


Hosted by Tom Clarke and Gregor Robertson alongside special guest appearances, the team bring you the latest on the Premier League and the EFL, as well as a front-row seat to international tournaments including the Champions League, European Championships and World Cups.


We know football isn't life and death. It's much more serious than that.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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Episodes
  • Messi, Haaland and Mbappe shine - over to you, Harry

    Messi, Haaland and Mbappe shine - over to you, Harry
    Jun 17 2026

    What. A. Night.

    Kylian Mbappe and Erling Haaland showed their star quality with two goals each as France and Norway impressed but then along came Lionel Messi.


    A hat-trick for Argentina's captain as he kicked off his sixth World Cup in style - Tom Clarke spoke to Paul Hirst, James Gheerbrant and Martin Samuel who were at the grounds to witness some big performances from three of the games biggest stars.


    And now, it's England's turn. They kick off their tournament against Croatia, Jonathan Northcroft joined Tom to preview that match and wondered if Harry Kane is ready to show he deserves to be regarded in the same group as those modern greats.

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    47 mins
  • WORLD CUP DAY 5: Cape Verde joy and waiting for Messi

    WORLD CUP DAY 5: Cape Verde joy and waiting for Messi
    Jun 16 2026

    Four draws and our first 0-0 but when it's Cape Verde getting a point against Spain we don't care!

    Tom Clarke hears from Martyn Ziegler who spies some empty seats at Saudi Arabia's 1-1 draw with Uruguay and Peter Rutzler who was in Los Angeles to witness Iran's controversial start to this tournament with an entertaining 2-2 draw with New Zealand - which was followed by a remarkable press conference.

    Tom also spoke to Michael Grant to hear how Scotland are coping with being top of Group C and he chatted to Paul Hirst who is with the Argentina camp as Lionel Messi prepares to defend his World Cup crown.

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    43 mins
  • WORLD CUP DAY 4: 19 goals and teasing Tuchel

    WORLD CUP DAY 4: 19 goals and teasing Tuchel
    Jun 15 2026

    A thrilling night, loads of goals and familiar names making the headlines. Germany thrashed Curacao 7-1 but maybe the newcomers don't care - Tom Allnutt was in Curacao to watch their debut with the locals as they celebrated their first ever World Cup goal.


    Ian Whittell was at the game of the night as Japan snatched a 2-2 draw against the Netherlands before Victor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak gave Graham Potter and Sweden a big win against Tunisia.


    Tom Clarke also caught up with Matt Lawton in the England camp and pondered who Thomas Tuchel might pick to start against Croatia.


    And in part two Tom chatted to Chief Sports Reporter Martyn Ziegler about ticket prices, VAR and those controversial water breaks.


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    40 mins
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