The Game

Two camps, two journalists, both predicting England wins. What could possibly go wrong? Tom Clarke is joined by Jonny Northcroft in the England camp and Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp to discuss the second big semi-final and gets the latest news and predictions. In part two Tom is joined by Gregor Robertson to discuss Spain's impressive win against a disappointing France and ask what went wrong for the favourites? And can anyone stop Spain in this form? 

He's a World Cup star and one of the best in the world but Kylian Mbappe's leadership has shone at this World Cup, on and off the pitch. Martin Samuel joins Tom Clarke to discuss the France forward and preview their semi-final with Spain. Martin also offers his thoughts on Jude Bellingham, Thomas Tuchel and why he believes England can beat Argentina.

How do England beat Argentina? Both teams looked exhausted after their quarter final wins, will recovery be the key? Gregor Robertson thinks the battle is out wide, Tom allnutt thinks Argentina have more in the tank. Does the post game spat between Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham really matter, Tony Cascarino thinks it is a sign of a healthy dressing room?In the first semi-final France play Spain. France are the dominate team of the last decade but are Spain the team best placed to beat them?Tom Allnutt explains how the unique mix of cultural diversity, street football and french football academies have laid the ground to create this outstanding French team.Plus, is this the best World Cup ever? Who is your cult hero of the tournament and score predictions for the semi finals.Tom Clarke is in the chair.

That was tense! England beat Norway thanks to another brace from Jude Bellingham and possibly a bit of help from a spider cam. Tom clarke is joined by The Times head of Sport James Restall and Gregor Robertson for immediate reaction to England reaching a World Cup semi final.In part two Paul Hirst was there on another tough night for Argentina. They're through to face England but they made hard work of beating Switzerland. 

Four Times journalists, four assertions that England are favourites. But can Thomas Tuchel's side deliver? Tom Clarke talks to Matt Lawton and Tom Allnutt about England v Norway and also hears from Alyson Rudd - the writer who backed the Norwegians to win the tournament - about any conflict she may feel for this one. The Tom Tom Club also analyse Spain's win against Belgium and debate whether they need to improve to beat France and if it is time Mikel Merino got a start. 

The hype and excitement is building for England's quarter-final with Norway and our Chief Football Correspondent Jonathan Northcroft can see a route to the final for Thomas Tuchel's side. In part two he joins Tom Clarke to discuss the latest news from the England camp and the emergence of Anthony Gordon as a vital player. Tom also shares his worries about the England stars who are one booking away from missing a potential semi-final.In part one Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant chat to Tom about France's 2-0 win in the quarter-final against Morocco. 

We've reached the business end of the tournament. Some big names have fallen by the wayside but no really big shocks. We have six European teams, Morocco from Africa and Argentina from South America. Belgium have been 'deeply average' at times; Spain haven't really got going.England, a dramatic result in Mexico aside haven't looked convincing. Norway have proved them selves legitimate dark horses.Argentina are street wise, the swiss are experienced. Morocco pur in midfield and France, has there ever been a better forward line?Who progresses, who goes home?Tom Allnutt, Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke do their best to predict each of the quarter finals.

Lionel Messi delivers again, dragging Argentina past Egypt in a thrilling game packed with great goals and yet more VAR controversy. Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson and Paul Hirst to discuss that amazing match and debate, once more, the refereeing decisions at this World Cup. In part two Martin Samuel joins Tom to reflect on his memories of the Azteca and England's potential route to the final, first having to get passed Norway and Erling Haaland

So, it turns out Folarin Balogun didn't make a difference anyway. USA produced a dismal - and maybe distracted - display against a brilliant Belgium side, losing 4-1 to crash out of the tournament and mean that we have no co-hosts left. Peter Rutzler and James Gheerbrant join Tom Clarke to discuss that match and also Spain's win against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo bowing out of the World Cup but does the blame for Portugal's failings actually lay at the feet of manager Roberto Martinez? Has he wasted another golden generation? In part two Tom catches up with Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp to hear about their preparation for Egypt and asks if there is a scenario where Messi might be rested? All the guests also reveal where they were to watch England's remarkable win against Mexico.