The Game

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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

It wasn't pretty and it was mighty tense but England are through - just - thanks to a late brace from Harry Kane.A performance lacking fluidity in attack and a defense that looked porous at times leaves Thomas Tuchel with far more questions than answers.The talking points: Kane is world class, England's right side and how does Tuchel fix the defense?Matt Lawton gives reaction live from the Atlanta stadium, before Tom Clarke joins Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant to dissect an England win and ask how can England beat Mexico at the Azteca ? 

Is there a more iconic or productive World Cup duo than Kylian Mbappe and Michael Olise? Gregor Robertson joins Tom Clarke to discuss another brilliant performance by France as they swat Sweden aside to reach the Round of 16. James Gheerbrant sends his thoughts on Norway's win against Ivory Coast and another goal for Erling Haaland. And Jonathan Northcroft joins Tom to preview England's clash with DR Congo - will it be another Jude Bellingham masterclass for Thomas Tuchel's side?

Germany have lost a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time in their history as Paraguay produced one of the stories of this tournament so far. Tom Clarke hears from Michael Grant at the ground and is joined by Gregor Robertson to dissect that momentous win and also discuss Brazil's comeback against Japan. In part two Tom Allnutt reports from Monterrey and an astonishing penalty shootout between Netherlands and Morocco and Tom and Paul Hirst discuss Argentina's World Cup title defence so far.

From now on it's knockout football. Who goes through, who goes home?Tom, Gregor and Tony attempt to predict all of the remaining round of 32 ties...and work out who makes it to the final. Spoiler alert is isn't Australia.We take a more detailed look at England and their next opponents DR Congo, take some listeners questions "What is Thomas Tuchel's beef with Trent Alexander Arnold?" And a quick look back at Argentina, Portugal and Canada beating South Africa.Gregor Robertson and Tony Cascarino join Tom Clarke back in the studio - find us on YouTube @thetimessport

England top their group and progress to the round of 32. It was better than Ghana, there were some reasons to be cheerful, but let's be honest...it was a bit laboured. How far can England go playing like that? Is there more to come or is this the limit of England's ability?Immediate reaction from Matt Lawton at the ground before Tom Clarke, Gregor Robertson and Alyson Rudd take a closer look at the performance.Just as we pressed stop, Steve Clarke resigned as Scotland coach. So Gregor and Tom put the headphones back on to assess Steve Clarke's reign and where next for the Scottish national team....