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England are through to the World Cup Round of 16 after coming from behind to beat DR Congo, with Harry Kane's two goals securing a memorable comeback. Chris and Sam discuss England's performance, Jude Bellingham's emotional display, and why the team's biggest test now awaits against hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.
The episode looks ahead to the challenge of playing at altitude in Mexico City, the hostile atmosphere England can expect, injury concerns around Declan Rice and Reece James, and Gareth Southgate's possible tactical changes. Chris argues that England must embrace these occasions if they are serious contenders for the trophy.
Elsewhere, the pair review the dramatic Round of 16 action, including Morocco's remarkable run, Belgium's dramatic late winner, Argentina's progress, and Cape Verde's fairy tale tournament, which has turned their goalkeeper into a social media sensation.
They also discuss Manchester City's imminent signing of Elliot Anderson and why he should be viewed as Bernardo Silva's successor rather than Rodri's replacement, before rounding up the latest Premier League transfer rumours, including Tottenham's spending spree, Fulham, West Ham and Blackburn activity.
Away from football, there's chat about their weekend at Silverstone for the British Grand Prix, plans for Magic Weekend in the Super League, updates on their growing collection of sports websites and podcasts, plus news of a new Formula 1 project and an upcoming football management game being added to the It's Gone to VAR website.
Can England overcome Mexico in one of the toughest environments in world football? Chris and Sam give their predictions and debate whether staying up until 1am will be worth it.
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4. Now for the knockouts!
18:35||Season 5, Ep. 4England top the group. Kane breaks Lineker's record. And the knockout rounds are here.Chris and Sam react to the 2-0 win over Panama as Kane heads home his 11th World Cup goal to become England's all-time top scorer in the competition. We hand out player ratings, ask why England keep starting slowly, and look ahead to DR Congo in the Round of 32 on Wednesday.Then we go around the houses. Every Round of 32 matchup previewed — Brazil vs Japan, France vs Sweden, Argentina vs Cape Verde, Netherlands vs Morocco, and whether Belgium are about to go home to Senegal. Who's got the hardest path to the final? Spoiler: it might be us.The players of the tournament so far: Messi on six goals and in tears, Mbappé looking unstoppable, Dembélé's hat trick vindicating Sam's Episode 1 prediction, Vozinha going from obscurity to millions of followers, and Kane rewriting the record books. We rank the Golden Boot contenders, argue over the Golden Ball, and name our biggest disappointments.Steve Clarke resigns as Scotland manager — 30 days after signing a four-year deal. We ask whether he was the right man or whether his safety-first approach had hit its ceiling.And the transfers are flying. Elliot Anderson completes a British record £116 million move to Manchester City. Sam called it on Episode 1. Dad championed him as man of the match against Croatia before anyone else. Plus Granit Xhaka is potentially heading to Chelsea to reunite with Xabi Alonso — and Sunderland fans are furious.New episodes throughout the knockout rounds. Next up: England vs DR Congo. Come on, England.
3. Chris has done rubbish notes
22:34||Season 5, Ep. 3The World Cup group stage is heating up — and we've got a LOT to cover. Canada smash six past Qatar, the Netherlands destroy Sam's dark horse Sweden 5-1, Yamal scores on his return as Spain hammer Saudi Arabia 4-0, and Cape Verde's Vozinha continues his fairytale. Plus today's fixtures: Messi, Haaland and Mbappé all back on the pitch. We preview England vs Ghana tomorrow night, answer two listener questions about Man City's Premier League chances, and pick through the newly released 2026/27 fixtures — including the Manchester derby in September and Liverpool vs City in October. Come on, England.
2. Kane at the double
19:05||Season 5, Ep. 2ENGLAND WIN! Kane brace, Bellingham banger, Rashford off the bench — 4-2 against Croatia in a thriller that had everything. Chris and Sam react to the game, hand out player ratings, and check in on their predictions. Plus the best of the week: Messi's hat trick and tears in Kansas City, Haaland's dream World Cup debut, Mbappé scoring twice, Spain held by Cape Verde's superhero goalkeeper, Sweden smashing five, and Germany putting seven past Curacao. The World Cup is delivering. Next up: Ghana on Tuesday. Come on, England.
1. The World Cup is Here!
28:06||Season 5, Ep. 1The World Cup is three days old and it's already completely lost its mind. Mexico's opener produced a record THREE red cards. The USA tore Paraguay apart 4-1 in the best 45 minutes American football has ever seen — then lost Pulisic to a calf injury at half-time. Vinícius Jr pulled off a wonder goal to rescue Brazil against a Morocco side who looked every bit as dangerous as they did in 2022. Scotland scored their first World Cup goal in 28 years. And Australia delivered the shock of the tournament with a 2-0 dismantling of Türkiye that nobody saw coming.Chris and Sam react to all eight matches, pick apart the weekend's standout fixtures — including Netherlands vs Japan and Ivory Coast vs Ecuador — and then lock in their official tournament predictions on the scoreboard. Winner, Golden Boot, dark horse, biggest flop, player of the tournament, England's finish and more. All on the record. No take-backs. No VAR reviews.Plus: England have landed in Kansas City, Tuchel says they're "in the tunnel" now, and Croatia are three days away. The summer starts here.New episodes throughout the World Cup. Next up: England vs Croatia Reaction Pod, dropping after Wednesday's opener.
1. We are back!
18:17||Season 4, Ep. 1A fresh year and a fresh microphone disaster. After losing the first twenty minutes of recording, Chris and Sam go again with a packed roundup. They break down Michael Carrick’s arrival at Manchester United, what Steve Holland brings to the set up, and how the Manchester derby could shape the week ahead. There’s chat on City’s new signing Semenyo, transfer rumours, England left back debates, and a no holding back look at Blackburn and Blackpool’s recent form. The lads wrap up with what’s next on the fixture list and a bit of family football chaos from over Christmas.
5. Is it coming home?
25:04||Season 3, Ep. 5Elite Squad falters but secures win against Slovakia. Was it all Southgate's fault? We dissect a worrying performance and propose bold solutions for the upcoming clash against Switzerland.In this episode:Dissecting England's unconvincing winSouthgate under fire: Time for a shake-up?The youngsters knocking on the door: Foden, Palmer, Toney - should they start?Looking ahead: Can England bounce back against Switzerland?Join the conversation! Share your thoughts on England's performance and your picks for the starting line-up against SwitzerlandPlus we talk Transfers!Is Ederson on his way out of City?Where will Nico Williams go?Who will Barcelona sign?Miedema in at City
4. Bench Bellingham?
16:01||Season 3, Ep. 4England in need of a shakeup? Plus, Kimmich transfer frenzy!Calling for Bellingham to be benched! Our hosts dissect England's recent performance and propose changing the starting lineup.Foden the father? We celebrate Phil Foden's return to form after welcoming a newborn.Looking ahead: England vs Netherlands prediction! Can the Three Lions secure a victory?Transfer window heats up! We discuss the rumour mill swirling around Joshua Kimmich, with top clubs vying for his signature.Real Madrid legend on the move!
3. Transfer Rumour Madness!
17:38||Season 3, Ep. 3More transfer rumours than we know what to do with!