The last time the World Cup was on North American soil in 1994, many football fans were sceptical. But it planted the seed of America’s soccer culture today, and it has lived long in the memory of two nations in particular. Rick Edwards is joined by Brazil fan Edson and two Ireland fans - Rodney and Phelim - who all travelled to the United States. They describe a sometimes underwhelming atmosphere gripped by the stifling heat, but punctuated with unforgettable moments for their teams. 02:20 - Ex...
Jun 07, 2026•36 min
England and Scotland acclimatise to conditions in the US ahead of the World Cup. Gordon Smart is joined by Ian Dennis and Stephen Warnock in Tampa and Kenny Crawford and Kris Boyd, who watched Scotland beat Bolivia. TIME CODES: 0:24 England win, but it was more like a training session 3:20 How long will it take to adapt to the heat? 6:51 Scotland's 4 goal first half 8:27 Former Scotland striker Kris Boyd praises the individual performances for Scotland 11:19 Harry Kane reacts after his 79th Engl...
Jun 06, 2026•28 min
Russia 2018 was the World Cup that changed everything for England. In one summer alone, the mood changed, the pressure lifted, and arguably for the first time since Euro 1996, the fans fell in love with the England men’s national team once more. To look back on that time, Rick Edwards is joined by Ceylon, Seb and Dan, who were swept along by it – so much so, that two of them ended up in Moscow for that fateful semi-final. They share their stories and emotions from a truly special summer. 01:46 -...
Jun 06, 2026•45 min
Katie Smith is joined by former England midfielder Fran Kirby and, Vicki Sparks as they react to England’s Lionesses' 4-0 World Cup Qualifying defeat to Spain in Mallorca. Sarina Wiegman’s side did have the chance to qualify for next summer’s World Cup in Brazil this evening, but a poor performance means they have a mountain to climb against Ukraine on Tuesday. TIME CODES 00:00 Intro 00:25 How England can now qualify. 02:00 A dismal performance 06:00 Spain shine 08:30 What next for England? 10:0...
Jun 05, 2026•15 min
John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball answer listener questions ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. From preparing for foreign player pronunciations, to the matches they’re most looking forward to. And from logistical travel arrangements to their favourite national anthems. Messages, questions and voicenotes welcome throughout the tournament on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk 00:30 John prepares for Mexico, 03:00 International commentary styles, 07:25 Preparing for p...
Jun 05, 2026•54 min
We’ve got together with Americast and Newscast for three special episodes on what could be the most political World Cup ever. How much will Donald Trump make it about him? Will the US-Iran war affect the tournament? And why are tickets so expensive? Our own John Murray, Newscast's Adam Fleming, and Americast's Marianna Spring and Anthony Zurcher tell you everything you need to know about what’s going on off the pitch. In this episode we look at why the US, Canada, and Mexico were picked as hosts...
Jun 05, 2026•29 min
Kelly Cates, Pat Nevin and Roddy Forsyth take a trip down memory lane to reflect on Scotland’s World Cup tournaments of the past and look at what it means to be a Scottish football fan, and the cultural significance of the tournament. Former players Willie Miller, Alan Rough and Kevin Gallacher join the pod to chat about their experiences at a World Cup, and we can’t talk about the finals without mentioning a World Cup song – and Scotland have had a fair few bangers over the years! So, Belle and...
Jun 04, 2026•1 hr
When England flew to Germany for the 2006 World Cup, expectations were at fever pitch for a star-studded team led by David Beckham. The so-called Golden Generation was ready to deliver. But it never happened – instead came a series of heartbreaks and disappointments that left the fanbase in despair. Rick Edwards is joined by Sharon, Billy and Gary, three fans who probably suffered through more games than anyone else during the Golden Generation. They reflect on their incredible experiences at di...
Jun 03, 2026•37 min
Ian Dennis is joined by former England defender Stephen Warnock, as well as BBC Sport Senior Football Correspondent Sami Mokbel, as England land in Florida ahead of the World Cup. The team discuss the hot Florida conditions within England's camp at West Palm Beach, and how the heat might affect the squad. Then, we hear from players Ollie Watkins, Jordan Henderson and Kobbie Mainoo on everything from motivation, manifestation and how it feels to finally be in America ahead of the World Cup. Timec...
Jun 02, 2026•31 min
In June 1998, Scotland kicked off the World Cup in Paris against the defending champions, Brazil. For the fans that were there, it was a day that they would never forget - and one that’s become Scottish football folklore after years of heartbreak. Rick Edwards is joined by Gordon, Paul and Iain to hear about that halcyon summer following their team across France and what marked the end of an era. 02:18 - Remembering the Scotland squad that qualified for the 1998 World Cup 05:10 - Being in the Ta...
Jun 02, 2026•39 min
Mark Chapman is joined by Conor Coady, Chris Sutton and, Adam Crafton as they react to Arsenal’s Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint Germain. PSG won their second consecutive Champions League title after beating Arsenal on penalties. The panel dissect Arsenal’s setup throughout the game and, whether Arsenal need to change their approach. Why do people get so frustrated watching Arsenal? How will Gabriel missing the deciding penalty impact him? Does Luis Enrique’s PSG need to be in the c...
Jun 01, 2026•58 min
Meet your Football Daily World Cup team. Rick Edwards and comedian Lloyd Griffith will be with you every day throughout the tournament from their base in Los Angeles, taking you along for the journey and bringing you closer to the biggest stories from this year's World Cup. Before they head off, the pair are joined by commentator Ian Dennis to find out what tournament life is really like. How do you live and work together for six weeks? How do you cope with the heat, time zones and changing rout...
Jun 01, 2026•38 min
No World Cup has left us with more iconic images than Italia ‘90. For England fans, it remains the tournament that truly got away, encapsulated by Paul Gascoigne’s tears in the semi-final against West Germany. Rick Edwards is joined by Mark and Andy - two England fans who went to 1990 and never looked back, attending hundreds of England games ever since - and Neal, a Welshman who was swept up with the Tartan Army after arriving in Italy with no money and no plan. Together, they look back on the ...
May 31, 2026•43 min
Reaction from Budapest as Premier League champions Arsenal are beaten by French title winners PSG, who become the first side to go back-to-back in the UEFA Champions League since Real Madrid. How remarkable is the job done by PSG boss Luis Enrique? Did Mikel Arteta get the gameplan right? What can Arsenal learn from this defeat? Analysis and discussion with former Arsenal defender Matt Upson, Premier League winner Chris Sutton, chief football correspondent John Murray, French football journalist...
May 30, 2026•22 min
Matt Upson, Chris Sutton, John Murray and Julien Laurens join Steve Crossman to react to Arne Slot being sacked by Liverpool. The panel discusses whether the decision is harsh after Slot won the club's 20th Premier League title in his first season, before performances on the pitch declined the next season, before discussing how the passing of Diogo Jota impacted the season, and whether current PSG manager Luis Enrique could take over.
May 30, 2026•12 min
John Murray, Ian Dennis & Ali Bruce-Ball look ahead to the UEFA Champions League Final. Also hear John’s sit-down interview with Gareth Southgate actor, Joseph Fiennes, from new BBC drama Dear England. And who will win the Clash of the Commentators title decider? Messages, questions and voicenotes welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@bbc.co.uk 01:00 John in Budapest ahead of UCL Final, 03:20 Ali back from Leipzig after Palace win Conference League, 10:30 Ian prepares to c...
May 29, 2026•1 hr 1 min
Steve Crossman is joined by Guillem Balague and Julien Laurens as the panel look ahead to PSG against Arsenal in the Champions League final. There's an in-depth analysis of both managers, Luis Enrique and Mikel Arteta. Plus, a closer look at two Ecuador international team mates who could play against each other in the final. Enrique's former assistant Jesus Casas is a special guest. 00:33 Steve Crossman sets the scene in Budapest 02:30 PSG are favourites according to Guillem Balague 05:07 Are Ar...
May 28, 2026•1 hr 3 min
Mark Chapman is with a jubilant Clinton Morrison as Crystal Palace win their third trophy in twelve months. Jean-Philippe Mateta scored the decisive goal as The Eagles beat Rayo Vallecano 1-0 in Leipzig to win the tournament. Ex-England goalkeeper Paul Robinson and Alistair Bruce-Ball are in the stadium and describe the moment Dean Henderson lifts the trophy. The panel discuss what's next for Palace, will Oliver Glasner decide to stay? Who will take over as manager? Plus, we hear from Oliver Gla...
May 27, 2026•30 min
Hull City assistant Dean Holden joins Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff & Bromley boss Andy Woodman as they react to the EFL play-off finals. Plus hear from Steven Schumacher, Dave Challinor, Martin Paterson and Karl Robinson. Messages and voicenotes always welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369. 01:15 How’s Bromley prep for League One going? 02:15 Hull City assistant Dean Holden joins the pod, 08:25 How Hull did it even with a transfer embargo, 10:35 Coming through Spygate & late change in opponen...
May 26, 2026•51 min
Mark Chapman, Andros Townsend, Joe Hart and Rory Smith look at the fallout from West Ham’s relegation in the Premier League, and ask what is behind the club’s struggles. Football finance expert Rob Wilson discusses the potential financial impact on the club. The panel also looks at what comes next for Tottenham after successive 17th-placed finishes in the Premier League. 05:30 – West Ham’s lack of a strategy 13:00 – The atmosphere at the London Stadium 19:00 – The financial impact of relegation ...
May 25, 2026•58 min
Was it a case of too little too late for West Ham? Can Tottenham break the cycle of consecutive 17th place finishes next season under Roberto De Zerbi? And are we set for a period of Arsenal dominance at the top of the Premier League? The Telegraph’s Luke Edwards joins Rick Edwards to discuss all of that and Sunderland’s remarkable return to the topflight, securing Europa League football next season. Matt Jarvis joins us to talk about West Ham’s relegation to the Championship and we hear from th...
May 24, 2026•52 min
Championship play-off final reaction as Hull City beat Middlesbrough with a 95th minute winner at Wembley to be promoted to the Premier League. Aaron Paul and Jobi McAnuff are joined by former Hull City Manager Phil Brown as they dissect the final and all the drama with Spygate leading up to the match. Timecodes: 1’17 - Jobi & Phil reaction to Hull winning 2’23 - Did Boro go too early with the substitutes? 7’08 - Impact of Hull City owner saying he’d take legal action if they lost 9’29 - Int...
May 23, 2026•44 min
Aaron Paul is joined by correspondent John Murray, Paul Robinson, Clinton Morrison and Don Hutchison as Pep Guardiola says goodbye to Manchester City and the Premier League. The team react to Pep's emotional goodbye statement, they reflect on his era-defining decade in English football, and Manchester City fan Emily Brobyn joins to give the fans' perspective on his departure. Spanish Football expert Guillem Balague also joins the pod to look at what could be next for Pep, and to discuss his repl...
May 22, 2026•51 min
John Murray, Ian Dennis & Sami Mokbel react to Thomas Tuchel’s England squad ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. They also have their say on Arsenal winning the Premier League, Manchester City confirming Pep Guardiola’s departure and Manchester United confirming Michael Carrick as head coach. Plus there are additions to the TCV Dog XI and more suggestions for the Great Glossary of Football Commentary. Messages, questions and voicenotes welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369 & emails to TCV@b...
May 22, 2026•49 min
Steve Crossman is joined by Rafa Honegstein, Julien Laurens and, James Horncastle. The panel give a continental view on ‘spygate’ and how Southampton’s actions have been viewed around the rest of Europe. It’s something that occurs regularly in Europe, but has anything to this scale ever occurred before? Manuel Neuer has come out of international retirement to be named in Julian Nagelsmann’s Germany squad for the World Cup. Is this shocking given how insistent both Neuer & Nagelsmann were tha...
May 21, 2026•52 min
Mark Chapman is joined by Ian Dennis in the stadium in Istanbul, along with Marc Albrighton and Ashley Young, as Aston Villa defeat Freiburg 3-0 to win the Europa League final - their first major European trophy since 1982. Unai Emery delivers another European masterclass to bring silverware back to Villa Park after 44 years. Plus, we bring you the latest on the Spygate scandal as Southampton’s appeal is rejected and they are officially expelled from the Championship play-off final. Timecodes: 0...
May 20, 2026•35 min
Aaron Paul, Jobi McAnuff & FA Cup top scorer Lyle Taylor chat Spygate. BBC football issues correspondent Dale Johnson drops in to break down what it means for Southampton, Middlesbrough and Hull City. Hear from Hull assistant Dean Holden in their disrupted week of preparation. Lyle reflects on picking up the FA Cup Golden Ball Award. And the guys look ahead to the play-off finals for League One and League Two. Messages and voicenotes always welcome on WhatsApp to 08000 289 369. 00:20 Southam...
May 20, 2026•47 min
Mark Chapman is joined by correspondent John Murray and former Arsenal defender Matt Upson from the Vitality as Manchester City drop points, crowning Arsenal Premier League champions! On the other side of North London, Spurs' troubles continue as they lose to Chelsea, taking the relegation battle to the final day. Jonathan Pearce and former Spurs goalkeeper Paul Robinson reflect on another loss for Tottenham. And finally, Southampton have been expelled from the EFL playoff final for spying on Mi...
May 19, 2026•35 min
Mark Chapman is joined by Chris Sutton, Rory Smith and Andros Townsend on this week's Monday Night Club. The team start at the Emirates with John Murray and Rob Green, as Arsenal beat Burnley 1-0 to take a step closer to the Premier League title. Hear from Mikel Arteta on whether he will be watching Man City's trip to Bournemouth on Tuesday and whether goalscorer Kai Havertz was lucky not to be sent off. Meanwhile, reports that Pep Guardiola is set to step down from Manchester City after the fin...
May 18, 2026•58 min
Former Premier League midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker and the BBC’s senior football correspondent Sami Mokbel join Pien Meulensteen to analyse and debate the key talking points from the weekend. Is it surprising that Xabi Alonso has joined Chelsea as their next manager? Can Arne Slot really weather the frustration of Liverpool supporters after yet another chastening defeat, this time at Aston Villa AND comments against him on social media by the legendary Mo Salah? What are the expectations for Manch...
May 17, 2026•47 min
