Copa Independent

Since England won the World Cup in 1966, they have not been back to another men’s final, appearing in only two semi-finals in 1990 and 2018 in their closest attempts at repeating the feat. So, as the 2026 World Cup approaches, on the 60th anniversary of that famous Wembley win, should England have won more tournaments with the talent and resources at their disposal? And can Thomas Tuchel finally end the wait this summer? In the second episode of The Independent’s World Cup podcast, sports writers Lawrence Ostlere, Miguel Delaney and Kieran Jackson discuss which past tournaments England could have won, why they’ve underdelivered and whether the neurosis of 60 years of hurt can ever be overcome.

For the first edition of our weekly Copa Independent podcast, we are looking at the very meaning of the World Cup itself, and the two sides of the biggest cultural event in human history. But why has it got to that level? Why does it feel like nothing else in sport? Has it fulfilled the ideals of its creators? What would Jules Rimet, who envisioned a competition to bring mankind together, think of how it is now politically used?

Join Miguel Delaney and Adam Clery in the 2nd episode of a new podcast; State of Play.Also, while you're here, follow Adam's brand new YouTube channel right here: www.youtube.com/@TheAdamCleryFootballChannel

*Cough cough* Is this thing on?The Independent is resurrecting this channel with a new show; State of Play.Join Adam Clery and Miguel Delaney for a brand new podcast about the politics of the Premier League, the controversies of the modern game and, well, the state of play.This is a pilot episode, so please do get in touch to tell us what you thought!Also, while you're here, follow Adam's brand new YouTube channel right here: www.youtube.com/@TheAdamCleryFootballChannel

Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss Diego Maradona, who sadly passed away on Wednesday morning in his native Argentina.One of the great players in the history of the game Maradona won the World Cup with Argentina in 1986 as well as, and even more impressively in many ways, two Scudettos with Napoli in the eighties and early nineties. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories.

The gang are back to discuss Pep Guardiola's two-year contract extension at Manchester City. Vithushan Ehantharajah is this week joined by Miguel Delaney and Jack Rathborn to chat about the recent international break, the dramatic Euro 2020 play-offs as well as what to expect when the Premier League returns this weekend.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode.Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories.

There were wins for all four English teams in the Champions League with none more impressive than Manchester United’s statement win over RB Leipzig at Old Trafford on Wednesday night. So, was that United's best ever performance? Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delaney and Melissa Reddy to discuss that game and more. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories.

Another international break in the books, but don’t worry, only 25 more days until the next one.England beat Wales and Belgium but then succumbed to Denmark, with Harry Maguire and Reece James, after the final whistle, seeing red.Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Melissa Reddy and Jack De Menezes to discuss England and preview the upcoming Premier League fixtures, as well as talk about Project Big Picture.Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories.

One of the wildest weekends in Premier League history is in the books. 3-0, 4-0, 6-1 and 7-2... and West Ham winning another football match. Host Vithushan Ehantharajah is joined by Miguel Delany, Melissa Reddy and Mark Critchley to discuss the goals and what led to them. The team also talk transfers after the closure of the window on Monday. Subscribe to this series so you never miss an episode. Follow Indy Football on social media to keep up to date with all the latest stories.