Football Ramble

May we keep playing well and dancing: Netherlands prepare for Messi and the Croatians are coming!

09 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s the business end of the World Cup, people! Marcus, Jim and David look ahead to two crunch quarter finals today.Louis van Gaal has been dishing ...

Older than time itself: Parties on the streets of Morocco and Portugal have a new star!

07 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Luke and Pete pile into the studio after Morocco only bloomin’ went and did the Spanish! How’s Luis Enrique going to Twitch about this one...

On The Continent: France’s weak spots, how the Dutch stop Messi, and spicy Swiss casseroles

06 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy, David and Lars bring you the scouting report on Les Bleus! What’s their main weakness? Can England win if Kylian Mbappé is on song? And who’...

Handbrakes off: England march into the quarters, where they’ll face Storm Kylian

05 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s another easay win for England! Marcus, Luke and Jim recap their impressive performance, as Jordan Henderson reminded us of the past and the rid...

Wanda around: Australia heartbreak, Denzel downs the USA, and England’s good luck charm

04 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

So close and yet so far: Jules, Pete and Andy discuss the big news. Mauro and Wanda Icardi are indeed back together.It was a huge night for Argentinia...

Let the knockouts commence: South Korean scenes and Aboubakar’s blaze of glory!

03 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Lars and Jim convene at Ramble HQ After one final portion of the World Cup group stage banquet.We discuss an incredible night for South Korea ...

The Maoam Monster: Bloody hell Japan, Germany crash out, and misshapen balls

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jules, Pete and Andy chat about a truly epic night of football! Not for Japanese policemen, mind.Japan top the Group of Death™ against all odds whil...

At The Match: Andy and Jules watch Portugal vs Uruguay!

02 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Journey with Andy and Jules to the Lusail Stadium for Portugal’s second group stage game against Uruguay at the 2022 World Cup.They discuss the stra...

On The Continent: Is this finally Lionel Messi’s World Cup and what happened to Denmark?!

01 Dec 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dotun and Andy are joined by French football expert Jonathan Johnson after a dramatic day for World Cup giants and unfancied hopefuls alike!Amidst a b...

Best thing since sliced veg: England put Wales to the sword and Louis van Gaal sharpens his knife

30 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Definitive proof last night: it’s always good to have a Marcus in there!Marcus, Jim and David discuss England’s 3-0 victory over Wales and just ho...

Jordan Ayew’s whip party: A true World Cup barn-burner, Ghana set up Uruguay shootout, and the hair of god

29 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Whew, what a day of World Cup football! Marcus, Lars and Pete bounce into the studio after Vincent Aboubakar and Serbia’s mad defensive line make a ...

On The Continent: Spain lack the knockout punch, Belgium’s ageing greats look ordinary, and Portugal’s bizarre approach

28 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney to recap more Qatar clashes, as Spain and Germany both rope-a-doped their way to honours even in last nigh...

I don't trust 'em: Lionel Messi saves the day, the Aussies have a chance, and France advance

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Andy and Pete are here to answer this World Cup's definitive question: after last night's heroics, have Robert Lewandowski and Lionel Messi se...

Patreon Teaser: Pete’s Film Club returns!

27 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What happens when Sepp Blatter and FIFA make a film? Today, Pete and Luke find out...We’re releasing bonus weekly editions of Pete's Film Club on ou...

Just like old times: England disappoint, Wales get undone and Qatar make history

26 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Jim and David trudge into the studio after a turgid night for England, who reminded us just how bad we used to have it. It’s okay though: Ur...

Respect the elderly: Penaldo strikes again and England take on USA!

25 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

In a moment reminiscent of watching Hot Fuzz on ITV2, Penaldo struck again on another jam-packed day of World Cup action!Marcus, Jim and Andy are on h...

On The Continent: Germany falter, Spain can win everything with kids, and are France favourites again?

24 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Bundesliga beat Germany! The league’s Japanese contingent felled Hansi Flicke’s men yesterday in another huge upset, while Spain crush Co...

Giroud is my boo boo: Saudi scenes, France redeemed, and Ronaldo peeved

23 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Wow. Saudi Arabia only went and beat Argentina – and Hervé Renard has impregnated Pete.Jules, Pete and David take in a seismic Day 3 of the World C...

The Football Ramble's Guide To... Unforgettable World Cup Moments

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're back with another trip into the archives as Marcus, Luke and Andy recount some truly iconic moments from World Cups past - we also mention Jogi ...

Just for boys: Old man Bale strikes again and anyone for some stoppage time?

22 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Live from the Scotch egg bar: Jules, Pete and Andy!They chew over Wales’ battling draw with the USA, learn that bucket hats are just for boys and th...

Legitimately easay: England hit six!

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Aunts, uncles, parents – the whole family are giddy! Marcus, Jim and David react to England’s thrashing of Iran – which leaves one of the presen...

Why Morgan, why: Qatar implode, Infantino goes off the rails, and Iran beckons for England!

21 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're off! And Morgan Freeman is off too, crawling down a sewage pipe out of the stadium...Marcus, Jim, Pete and David Cartlidge relive last night's p...

Inside the Qatar World Cup: Episode 3

20 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does the future look like for Qatar, football, and the people we’ve spoken to?Kate finds out more about the precarious situation of the LGBTQ+ ...

Lions Watch: How far will England progress at the World Cup?

19 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

England have a super coach boom, boom boom! On this final edition of Lions Watch, Marcus and Luke are on hand to predict how far England – and their...

The Preview Show: Break glass for Robbie Williams

18 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

**We’re bringing you daily episodes of the Ramble and On The Continent throughout the tournament! Subscribe now to never miss a moment.**Two more sl...

On The Continent: The most open World Cup since 2006

17 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On the pitch, this might be the best World Cup for a generation. But off the pitch, it couldn’t be worse.Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney...

The Football Ramble’s Guide To… World Cup One-Hit Wonders

16 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The World Cup has a funny habit of throwing up the most surprising heroes who write themselves into folklore, stay with us for decades – and then, i...

Inside the Qatar World Cup: Episode 2

15 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

What does this World Cup mean for Qatar? Kate goes inside the Qatar club game and finds signs of a very deliberate footballing project.But are Qatar’...

The Ramble: Sorry, Not U

14 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Premier League has packed up for Christmas! Marcus, Vish, Pete and Andy are here to pore over all the weekend’s final fizzles.Arsenal are offici...

Lions Watch: England’s squad announcement and don’t underestimate Iran

12 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The England squad has finally been unveiled!! Luke and Marcus are on hand to answer the big questions surrounding Gareth Southgate’s selection, incl...

The Preview Show: Nasty little man

11 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Gareth’s Gang has been selected! James Maddison is officially declared a nice man after his call up, while Callum Wilson prepares to clean Harry Kan...

On The Continent: El Gran Derbi delivers again

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dotun and Andy are joined by Lars Sivertsen for another roundup of continental capers, with the Sevilla derby a traditionally fiery affair - three red...

World Cup Classic Combinations: Brazil & Germany

10 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We're back with another Classic Combinations episode! Today, Marcus, Vish and Jim discuss the two meetings between the World Cup's greatest sides: Bra...

The Football Ramble’s Guide To… How not to sack a manager

09 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It doesn’t matter if it's your birthday. It doesn’t matter if you’ve won the league days previously. It doesn’t matter if you’ve survived 10...

Inside the Qatar World Cup: Episode 1

08 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

How did we get here? Kate travels back to 2010 and finds out how Qatar’s migrant worker crisis unfolded – and continues to endure to this day.&nbs...

The Ramble: The Combine Harvester of Doom

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

A crackers weekend of Premier League football can only mean one thing: fire up the managerial merry-go-round!Marcus, Vish, Jim and Lars chew over it a...

Strength in Numbers, with Rio Ferdinand

07 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, Luke sits down for an open conversation about men's mental health with a Premier League icon.Rio Ferdinand once said he was the last person who...

Lions Watch: Jordan Pickford feels calm, the USA feel confident and Sam Allardyce thinks he could win the World Cup

05 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's the day we hoped would never come, as Sam Allardyce and Sammy Lee infiltrate Lions Watch! On today's episode, Marcus and Luke pick apart a disapp...

The Preview Show: Brave hearts, run free

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Jim, Vish and Andy look ahead to Scotland’s inevitable takeover of the Premier League, as their valiant soldiers fly into tackles with all t...

At The Match: West Ham’s next European adventure

04 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy heads to East London’s blend of hipsters and Hammers to check in with West Ham’s latest continental capers.He’s joined by broadcaster and l...

On The Continent: A Giroud Awakening

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy's joined by Nicky Bandini and French football expert Jonathan Johnson for today's continental capers, as we tie up all those Champions League loo...

World Cup Classic Combinations: Wayne Rooney & Cristiano Ronaldo, 2006

03 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On today's bonus episode, Marcus, Jim and Andy look back at a classic combo from World Cups past. We return to 2006, where England's hopes of glory hi...

Ramble Reacts: Fathers against VAR

02 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Vish and Pete jump on the mic straight after Tottenham’s chaotic stumble into the next round, thanks to Charlie Kane revving his motorbike a...

The Drop In: Ben Mee

01 Nov 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kate heads to Brentford to talk to one of the Premier League’s most eloquent characters. Ben Mee has a fascinating story: from starting out at ...

The Ramble: Jesse G

31 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The wheels are officially falling off at Liverpool as Jesse G’s Leeds #playliketheworldiswatching. But what’s going on at Anfield!?Marcus, Jim and...

Lions Watch: Jude Bellingham keeps delivering, Iwan Roberts talks Wales and a Carolina Reaper from Jamie Carragher

29 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus is joined by two very special guests on today's episode. Andy Brassell is here to give us an update on how our continental Lions are getting on...

The Preview Show: Let’s dehydrate ‘em, lads

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Jim and Andy up the shithousing stakes on today’s jam-packed Preview Show!We’re delighted to see Unai Emery back in the Prem, even if it s...

At The Match: Steven Gerrard's last game (feat. Marcus Speller)

28 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy's joined by resident Fulham fanatic and Ramble legend Marcus Speller for another episode of At The Match, the series that takes you to the very h...

On The Continent: Inside Number Nine

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dotun, Andy and Nicky Bandini rule over some more Europa Mopers after the Champions League claimed its biggest victims so far. Barcelona, Juventus and...

Introducing... The Joe Marler Show

27 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Here's an episode from our friends at Crowd Network that we think you'll love! Join English rugby legend Joe Marler and Tom Fordyce for a show that's ...

Ramble Reacts: Jack Green-ish

26 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete, Luke and Jim dig behind the headlines for the Champions League’s most important stories, as Chelsea’s worldies disguise an otherwise dull ni...

The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Footballers’ Hair

25 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If you think hair is merely something to protect your bonce from sunburn, you'd be wrong. Dead wrong. Especially if you're a brand-building footballer...

The Ramble: The Sport is Direct

24 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Another win for The Miguel Almirón Experience puts Newcastle in fourth. Once again, big thanks to Mike Ashley for his support. Marcus, Vish, Pet...

Lions Watch: Kane's best understudy, listener Take Thermometer, and what would YOU do for Chris Smalling?

22 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There are few footballers that treat the ball with such intimate respect as Ivan Toney. Marcus and Luke discuss his sparkling form and Tammy Abraham’...

The Preview Show: Another Stevie Slip

21 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Luke, Pete and Andy pick through some post-Craven Cottage chaos, with Villa showing Stevie G the door after a turgid performance. At least the...

On The Continent: The Karim Dream

20 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen don their tuxedos for another episode of your one-stop shop for all things European football.Karim Benzema secures yet ...

The Ramble: We owe Kepa an apology

19 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We’re back with a bonus Ramble! Marcus, Luke and Jim are here to do forty minutes on Inter Miami’s playoff loss. Poor Fizzer. We just about g...

The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Footballers in adverts

18 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After our deep dive into footballers’ good/awful acting careers a few weeks back, there was only one place we could go next. Because if a footballer...

The Ramble: Tactical foul mouth

17 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There were scraps galore in another regular weekend of the Barclays. Jules, Jim, Pete and Vish are here with the tale of the tape - let’s get ready ...

Lions Watch: Mount's sparkle, defensive mistakes, and Pickford hype

15 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Doesn't it just make you fizz when you see one of Gareth's gang having a lovely time? Doubts might have emerged about Mason Mount's fitness on Friday ...

The Preview Show: A fan of razz and matazz

14 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

We check in with some of football’s most important Steves: Steven Gerrard, Steve Cooper, and... Steve Bruce. Oh no, there’s more.Marcus, Jim and A...

On The Continent: Shakhtar Donetsk’s story

13 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Andy was in Warsaw on Tuesday to witness Shakhtar Donetsk – a team playing thousands of miles from their home and made up of mainly Ukrainian player...

The Football Ramble's Guide To... Alan Pardew

12 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Some men graft their way to the top thanks to the fruits of their relentless labour, a graceful demeanour and a healthy slice of acknowledged luck. An...

The Drop In: David Dein

11 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After the release of his new book, today we're picking the brains of one of the most influential figures of the modern English game.David Dein was a d...

The Ramble: You’re a wizard, Marcus

10 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Luke, Vish and Jim are here after a quadruple extravaganza on Sunday, with Cristiano Ronaldo bringing up 700 and Arsenal’s youngers brushing...

Patreon Bonus: Shithouse XI

09 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

If there was ever an XI you wouldn't want to play against, it's this one...On last week's Patreon bonus episode, we had Marcus, Jim and Vish chose the...

Lions Watch: Is Jack Grealish back?

08 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There's good and bad news coming out of Manchester City on this week's Lions Watch.Marcus and Luke discuss what role Jack Grealish can play at the Wor...

The Preview Show: Brother Brendy’s Envelopes

07 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Luke, Vish and Jim settle in for another blockbuster Barclays weekend off the back of more midweek madness.We’ve realised that Pep Guardiola...

On The Continent: Is the Super League back in business?

06 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Florentino Pérez put the European Super League front and centre of his address to Real Madrid’s General Assembly last weekend. Ahead of December’...

Ramble Reacts: Liverpool prove… something

05 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Trent Alexander-Arnold answered all the critics who have lambasted his defending in recent weeks by bagging a free-kick and watching Rangers huff n’...

The Football Ramble's Guide To... Footballers Acting

04 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Becoming a famous professional in one demanding field is hard enough - but what if you’re just as talented doing a cockney impression as you were wi...

The Ramble: Tom Cairney's magic wand

03 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

When Roy Keane tried to end Alf Inge Haaland's career all those years ago, who'd have thought that Liam Gallagher would eventually have the last laugh...

Lions Watch: Hey Jude, Harry Maguire's struggles, and The Take Thermometer

01 Oct 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus and Luke are back with Lions Watch as we look ahead to the World Cup in just seven weeks' time! Join us every Saturday as we recap the big...

The Preview Show: Keggy the truck driver

30 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Don’t worry, gang - the Premier League is back! Marcus, Vish, Jim and Andy tuck in to all the latest after waving goodbye to our beloved Nations Lea...

On The Continent: Less Ronaldo, More Portugal?

29 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge are here with a state of play after the final international break before the World Cup. We wonder if Germany might pro...

The Football Ramble's Guide To... Football Fights

28 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Brace yourselves, 'cos it's time for the big one. Marcus, Luke, Pete and Andy are on hand to talk you through the highs and lows of soccer's sauciest ...

Ramble Reacts: England steady the ship

27 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

After their final game ahead of the World Cup, Marcus, Luke and Andy check on England’s progress after an entertaining - if chaotic - draw against G...

The Ramble: Scotland's best backside

26 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Oof, that was a poor weekend for England players and fans alike. However, there is at least some consolation in knowing that our weekend wasn't as bad...

Introducing: Sports Horn!

24 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Pete here from The Football Ramble. I've been working on a show I think you're going to very much enjoy, so I thought I'd stick an episode in here as ...

The Preview Show: Free Charlie Adam

23 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Luke, Pete and Andy revel in more Nations League nonsense, as Kevin de Bruyne remains bored out of his mind and John McGinn’s memory foam ma...

On The Continent: Good Neapolitan Vibes

22 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

More continental capers for Dotun, Andy and Lars Sivertsen as the international break gives us a chance for various domestic debriefs. The Serie A tit...

The Football Ramble's Guide To... Goal Celebrations

21 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It's back! Jim, Vish and Lars knee slide into today’s edition of our handy footballing handbook. Today, we focus on the icing on top of football’s...

The Drop In: Les Ferdinand

20 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Kate's off to west London for today's episode of The Drop In, where she's shown around QPR's training facilities by a Premier League icon. It's only b...

The Ramble: Let 'em know you're there

19 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jules, Vish, Pete and Andy recap more bonkers Barclays from the weekend, as Leicester valiantly conceded six and Arsenal's U8's beat Brentford. W...

The Preview Show: Ivan Toney's having a party

16 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

For too long we've all been asking the same question - when will England replace the irreplaceable menace to opposition fans that is Jamie Vardy? Is I...

On The Continent: Is time up for Allegri at Juventus?

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

It’s an Italian feast this week! Dotun and Andy – live from Warsaw – are joined by Nicky Bandini to discuss Juventus’ woes after a shock defea...

At The Match: European football returns to Berlin

15 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Union Berlin sit top of the Bundesliga and last week, Andy travelled there to witness European football history in their first Europa League game agai...

Ramble Reacts: Conte’s Curse Continues

14 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Jim and Vish convene after Liverpool battle past Ajax (and our favourite-named player) to snatch three points and Spurs collapse in the Eric D...

The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Special Moves

13 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

There can be no greater honour in sport than having a distinct move, technique or skill named after you. Like when you do a ‘Pardew’ on the sideli...

The Ramble: Diego Costa walks among us

12 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today’s Ramble has an international flavour!Lars returns to join Marcus and Jim after a weekend for football in the UK like no other. They discuss t...

The Preview Show: Nathan Redmond finally escapes

09 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Marcus, Luke, Andy and Jim are here after a mixed bag of European results, as West Ham finally cast off their Romanian hoodoo, Man United's renaissanc...

On The Continent: Who is Napoli’s ‘new Maradona’?

08 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Napoli stole the headlines, but who is their ‘new Maradona’ Khvicha Kvaratskhelia? Dotun, Andy and David Cartlidge chew over a dramatic first...

BONUS: THE TUCHEL MELTDOWN ENDS

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The Ramble curse strikes again! Thomas Tuchel is out of the door. Marcus and Andy bring you an emergency Ramble Reacts to discuss what went wrong, whe...

Ramble Reacts: Is the Tuchel meltdown upon us?!

07 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Dinamo Zagrabbed all three points from Chelsea! After the first Champions League tango of the season, Marcus, Jim and Andy discuss an evening to forge...

The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Hard Men

06 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Today, we’re discussing football’s most fabled breed. They are the enforcers, the tough guys, the bouncers of the football pitch that everyone lov...

The Ramble: Captain PGMOL

05 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Glorious goals, calamitous errors and a goalkeeper getting sent off for pissing in a hedge? Our resident experts on all those things - Marcus, Pete, J...

The Preview Show: Doorstepped by Gary Cotterill, again

02 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Deadline day is over! Aubameyang returned, Nottingham Forest dug up some grubs, and Louis van Gaal got involved for some reason. And don’t mind Gary...

On The Continent: Has football’s financial inequality ever been worse?

01 Sep 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On this deadline day edition, Dotun and Andy are joined by Miguel Delaney to discuss the bigger picture of this summer transfer window: Nottingham For...

The Football Ramble’s Guide To… Deadline Day

31 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

On Deadline Day eve - otherwise known as the day Jim White was born - Marcus, Pete, Andy and Jim are here with your definitive guide to all the odd st...

The Ramble: In the (dishwash)air tonight

30 Aug 2022

Contributed by Lukas

The weekend may now be closed but Marcus, Luke, Jim and Pete are on hand to preview a plethora of blockbuster mid-week action. Once they have finished...