The Game

Seamless City unstoppable as Pogba plants seeds with Mourinho

13 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti and Natalie Sawyer are joined by Matt Dickinson and Oliver Kay after the opening weekend of the Premier League season. And it’s clear t...

The Game’s Premier League Preview 18/19

06 Aug 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The Game is back for the new Premier League season and it's double trouble. Gab Marcotti is joined by new co-host Natalie Sawyer. We’ll be bringing ...

Pogba peaks and Mbappe mesmerises as France are crowned world champions

15 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After 32 days and 64 games, it is France who take home the World Cup after a pulsating 4-2 win over Croatia in Moscow. For our final episode, Natalie ...

England are a mid-table international side

14 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Natalie Sawyer presents the penultimate podcast of this World Cup. England are well beaten by Belgium in a slightly sobering third place play-off. Mat...

The future's bright…and football could still come home

12 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

England’s World Cup adventure ends at the penultimate hurdle as Croatia come from behind to defeat the Three Lions in the semi-finals of the World C...

England free from the past to make their own history

10 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Natalie Sawyer brings you The Game World Cup Daily with less than 24 hours to go until England take on Croatia for a place in the World Cup Final.Henr...

Saluting the most unified England team in 20 years

08 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The World Cup in Russia continues to give and give to England fans. The Three Lions are through to the last 4 for the first time since 1990 after seei...

England empathise with Southgate's squad as players and people

06 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Can Southgate’s side see off Sweden in Samara and soar to the semi-finals? Natalie Sawyer is joined by Henry Winter and Alan Smith to analyse Englan...

England's unbelievable opportunity to reach the World Cup Final

03 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Another historic night in Russia. At the World Cup where seemingly anything can happen, England win a World Cup penalty shootout for the first time ev...

England need to end embarrassing knock-out record

02 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It’s time. England take on Colombia in the round of 16 in Moscow with the winner facing an appetising route to a return to the Russian capital in ju...

Stupid Spain slip out as changing of the guard continues

01 Jul 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Natalie Sawyer looks back at the second day of last 16 ties at the World Cup. Two matches, two 1-1 draws, two penalty shootouts and a whole lot of dra...

Modest Mbappe steals the show as Messi & Ronaldo exit the stage

30 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The knockout stage of the World Cup in Russia begins with a bang. Natalie Sawyer reviews the progression of Uruguay and France to the last 8. A stunni...

England's B team beaten to create Colombia clash

28 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After all the speculation over England's Group G decider with Belgium, two reserve sides face off in Kaliningrad with Gareth Southgate's side losing 1...

Entitled Germany out as the World Cup continues to shock

27 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

For the third World Cup in a row, the holders are knocked out at the group stage. Defeat for Germany against South Korea spelled the end of their reig...

Messi moves Argentina towards fixture with France…and then Ronaldo?

26 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

With the score at 1-1 against the Super Eagles in St Petersburg, Argentina were 4 minutes away from being eliminated from the World Cup. But a Marcos ...

VAR rescues Spain to set up Moscow meeting with Russia

25 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Spain lose and then regain top spot in Group B as VAR allows a disallowed Iago Aspas equaliser while simultaneously awarding Iran a penalty to push Po...

England are better off beating Belgium

24 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After pummelling Panama in record-breaking fashion, England’s attention now turns to the knock-out stages of the World Cup. But with a game to come ...

Kroos takes control but can Loftus-Cheek take his chance?

23 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

A sensational finish in Sochi as a 95th minute winner from Toni Kroos keeps Germany’s World Cup hopes alive with a 2-1 victory over Sweden.Natalie S...

Nervy Neymar sheds tears as Southgate sours on the media

22 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Natalie Sawyer reports on another historic day at the World Cup as Neymar sees a penalty given, then rescinded by VAR. Gab Marcotti discusses the worl...

Abysmal Argentina and a scarcity of scoring for Sterling

21 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

One of the biggest stories of this World Cup in Russia continues to unfold as Argentina stand on the brink of elimination after their 3-0 drubbing by ...

Southgate's shoulder separation and BBC versus ITV

20 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Another day, another England story as a wander into the woods ends with manager Gareth Southgate in a sling. Natalie Sawyer gets an update from the En...

Dele's diagnosis and the joy of watching Russia

19 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Host nation Russia are as good as qualified for the last 16 of the World Cup, for the first time ever. Natalie Sawyer is joined by Alyson Rudd and Jam...

Captain Kane wrestles back victory for England

18 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The rollercoaster ride of following the Three Lions continues as England leave it late to secure 3 points in their World Cup opener against Tunisia.Na...

England set for centre stage as the world champions suffer Mexico mauling in Moscow

17 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

With Gareth Southgate’s men 24 hours from Tunisia, Natalie Sawyer, Jonathan Northcroft and James Gheerbrant ask will we see the real Harry Kane? And...

Iceland upset the odds again while VAR makes its mark

17 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Matchday 3 was historic for the World Cup as not one but two penalties were awarded with the help of the Video Assistant Referee.Natalie Sawyer breaks...

Ronaldo steals the show in Sochi on a day of a late drama

15 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Natalie Sawyer reviews a breathless Matchday 2 at the World Cup. Three games all decided by last minute goals, as the panel react to the greatest Worl...

Russia romp home while England bowl the media over

14 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

The World Cup is underway! Natalie Sawyer brings you the first of our daily matchday podcasts from The Times, alongside Matt Hughes in a studio that c...

The Game World Cup Preview 2018

06 Jun 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Natalie Sawyer fronts the new World Cup podcast from The Times, publishing every night after the final whistle on every matchday. In our opening episo...

Klopp created an insecure goalkeeping situation

28 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

In the last regular season episode before the start of our World Cup podcasts, Gab Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft and Jonathan Northcroft to di...

FA Cup Final showcases unappealing Manchester United

21 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss Chelsea's FA Cup final victory over Manchester United and the aftermath at Wembley...

The Game Live with former England manager Roy Hodgson

19 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Alyson Rudd hosts a special Times Plus event in the company of Matt Dickinson, former Republic of Ireland striker Tony Cascarino and Crystal Palace ma...

100 points is a greater achievement than the Invincibles

14 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

As the Premier League campaign draws to a close, Gab Marcotti, Oli Kay and James Scowcroft discuss the Manchester City Centurions and whether their fe...

Kane carries the can for average Alli

07 May 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens and James Gheerbrant to discuss the pulsating Premier League action that saw West Brom somehow survive anothe...

Liverpool lacking stability as Klopp loses the brain

30 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Jonathan Northcroft and James Scowcroft who run the rule over the relegation run-in in the Premier League. Plus Paul Joyce h...

Wenger pushed towards messy departure from Arsenal

23 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Henry Winter, Stewart Robson (who’s forced to say some nice things about Arsene Wenger) and Bill Edgar (who relives his pi...

Could Sterling have a Salah season?

16 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Alyson Rudd, Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens salute the magnificent Manchester City, the new champions of England as Pep overcomes the power of the ...

Perfectionist Pep unprepared for failure and Friday night fights with Neil and Nuno

09 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens to discuss a jaw-dropping weekend, not just in the Premier League but at the top of the Champ...

Rooney mauled by Man City's midfield plus the Pardew post-mortem

02 Apr 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It’s Easter weekend and Gab Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft and Julien Laurens to feast on all the big footballing issues. Will Chelsea hire a...

Maguire is a must for England - but does Dele deserve to play?

26 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

This week, it's The Game Podcast Book Club! Grant Wahl from Sports Illustrated joins us to discuss his new book Football 2.0: How The World's Bes...

Mourinho can't work with the players anymore

19 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Since our last podcast, Jose Mourinho has been talking. A lot. Gab Marcotti, Oli Kay and Stewart Robson attempt to dissect Mourinho’s words, includi...

Worn down West Ham and the curious case of Carragher

12 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is in the company of Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens to discuss Manchester United’s victory over Liverpool and the shocking aftermath...

Conte is talking himself out of the Chelsea job

05 Mar 2018

Contributed by Lukas

England World Cup goalscorer Matthew Upson makes his debut on The Game podcast alongside Gab Marcotti and Matt Hughes to discuss the Premier League we...

Pep's politics and Pogba on the naughty step

26 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After a fabulous footballing Sunday, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst to review Manchester City’s League Cup Final win over Arse...

VAR lies, PFA pay and Barry behaving badly

19 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Political behemoth Alastair Campbell is in the studio this week to discuss his new football-based crime novel Saturday Bloody Saturday, out now, as we...

Pogba needs love while Smalling and Jones need replacing

12 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

It’s a grand old Game this week as Gab Marcotti is joined by Jonathan Northcroft, Julien Laurens and Henry Winter to discuss a massive win for the M...

The Game Live in Newcastle with Rafa Benitez

09 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Alyson Rudd hosts a special Times Plus event in Newcastle in the company of George Caulkin, Oliver Kay and Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez.In fr...

Everton's capital car crash and VAR on the sly

05 Feb 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is the voice of the voiceless after the Philadelphia Eagles triumph in the Super Bowl. But there’s plenty to talk about with Oliver Kay...

A conversation on Cardiff's conduct and reminiscing about reducers

29 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

After an eventful FA Cup 4th round weekend, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Stewart Robson to discuss the furore over the foul by Joe Bennet...

No sympathy for Silva as Arsenal get shafted by Sanchez swap

22 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes and Bill Edgar to discuss the inevitable Alexis Sanchez - Henrikh Mkhitaryan swap deal and yet another manager b...

Sanchez on strike, the Anfield effect and failure to sell VAR

15 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Mark Clattenburg joins Gab Marcotti this week to react to the Premier League action and give a referee's insight into English football's first foray i...

The Coutinho conundrum, misbehaving managers and Arsenal’s baffling bench

08 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Oliver Kay and Stewart Robson for a bumper podcast that takes in the FA Cup third round, the ins and outs at Liverpool &...

The Game's Premier League half-term reports - Part Two

01 Jan 2018

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter and Alyson Rudd pick their manager and player of 2017, while also issuing their grades for the Premier League season so far...

The Game's Premier League half-term reports - Part One

25 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter and Alyson Rudd issue their grades for the Premier League season so far. Which team is teacher's pet and which side are sit...

Who can build a blueprint for beating Manchester City?

18 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss a dominant display from the champions elect (and a poor performance from Pawson). ...

Klopp can't bring morality into refereeing decisions

11 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

It's a packed Game podcast as Gab Marcotti, Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens dissect a massive Manchester derby - and the milky melee that followed. Plu...

The Game previews the Manchester derby

07 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti and Henry Winter discuss what's being billed as the biggest game of the Premier League season so far. This Sunday, the top two meet at Ol...

Summer is the time to gamble on a Championship manager

04 Dec 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti returns to the hot seat alongside James Scowcroft and James Gheerbrant to answer some questions posed by the Premier League weekend. Has ...

Firefighter needed as Everton exit the elite

27 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Matt Dickinson steps into the podcasting shoes of Gab Marcotti this week. He’s joined by Oliver Kay and Bill Edgar to discuss embarrassment at Evert...

Pulis pays the price for poor product and professionalism

20 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens and Bill Edgar to discuss a jam-packed Premier League weekend. Did Tottenham take Arsenal too lightly? Should...

Good cop Moyes walks in to West Ham’s holiday camp

13 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by James Gheerbrant and Stewart Robson to unlock the Ruben Loftus-Cheek conundrum for England and study how David Moyes can cha...

Beleaguered Bilic worn down by dysfunctional directors

06 Nov 2017

Contributed by Lukas

After a truly Super Sunday, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, Matt Dickinson and Henry Winter to debate Mkhitaryan going missing and Arsene's ine...

Distracted Dele not yet in Kane’s league

30 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti, Jonathan Northcroft and Alex Kay-Jelski discuss all the fall-out from another big weekend of football, as The Game looks at the hype sur...

The Game speaks to Graeme Souness

26 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

In a special podcast, Alyson Rudd speaks to one of the most decorated players in football – Graeme Souness – about his autobiography ‘Football: ...

With or without Koeman, Everton are easy opposition

23 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti, Matt Dickinson, Paul Joyce and Julien Laurens discuss a hugely eventful Premier League weekend as Everton ditch their Dutch manager. Plu...

Arsenal don’t like it up ‘em

16 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alyson Rudd is joined by James Scowcroft and Bill Edgar as they discuss Palace picking up their first points of the season, Chelsea’s lack of firepo...

Scotland are missing the wee man of the past

09 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti, Alyson Rudd and James Scowcroft react to a weekend of international football on The Game podcast. Henry Winter joins us to debate Southg...

Were Chelsea wrong and was Mike Ashley right?

02 Oct 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Bill Edgar to dissect the Premier League weekend. Find out how Manchester City channelled 2010 Barcelona and...

What is Mark Sampson’s future in football?

25 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes and Julien Laurens to discuss the big questions posed by the Premier League weekend. Are the media too kind to K...

Can Rooney repay massive debt to embarrassed Everton?

18 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Dickinson and Julien Laurens to discuss another huge weekend of football, with issues including the sacrifice of Sanche...

De Boer was on borrowed time from Day One

11 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The first managerial casualty of the Premier League season occurs during The Game podcast, with Gab Marcotti, James Gheerbrant and former Crystal Pala...

England's identity & judging patriotism on performance

04 Sep 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd and Oli Kay to get to the bottom of all the interest in England and the attitude of supporters towards the natio...

Building around De Bruyne & Arsenal's cultural reset

28 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant to discuss terrible Arsenal, scary Eddie Howe and why Kevin De Bruyne should be treate...

Ozil doesn't play with any joy

21 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, Stewart Robson and James Gheerbrant to dissect the Premier League weekend. Did Arsenal get screwed? When should...

Conte's Costa blunder puts a downer on Chelsea

14 Aug 2017

Contributed by Lukas

The Game is back for the new Premier League season as Gab Marcotti, Henry Winter, Stewart Robson and James Scowcroft run the rule over the runners and...

43 - Is Zidane a great manager?

05 Jun 2017

Contributed by Lukas

For the final time this season, Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and Matt Hughes to discuss Real Madrid's legacy and construct ...

42 - Picking two Premier League teams of the season

29 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Henry Winter, Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens to pick not one but TWO Premier League teams of the season. Plus Matt Hughes he...

41 - Is it time for Premier League play-offs?

22 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, James Gheerbrant and James Scowcroft to issue the end of term reports for each Premier League side. Plus we dis...

40 - Old Conte versus New Conte

15 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti, Julien Laurens, Alyson Rudd and James Gheerbrant discuss the remarkable transformation of angry Antonio, the pressure piled on by Mourin...

39 - United’s goal return under Mourinho is unacceptable

08 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti, Julien Laurens, Oliver Kay & James Scowcroft get stuck into Mourinho and whether La Liga really is better than the Premier League. Plus ...

38 - Should there be sympathy for Joey Barton?

01 May 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Hughes, James Gheerbrant and Alyson Rudd to discuss the rise and rise of Tottenham, the Joey Barton ban and Leyton Orie...

37 - Perverse planning from Pep & Poch

24 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Matt Dickinson, James Gheerbrant and Alyson Rudd to discuss how the FA Cup semi-finals were won and lost. Plus there's the P...

36 - With that Diego Costa, Chelsea play with 10 men

17 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens, James Gheerbrant and George Caulkin to dissect Mourinho's tactical dismantling of Chelsea, the highs and low...

35 - Who needs a top 4 finish the most?

10 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alyson Rudd is joined by James Scowcroft, Julien Laurens and James Gheerbrant to discuss another scintillating showing from Spurs and who in the top 6...

34 - What kind of player does Barkley want to be?

03 Apr 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Gary Jacob and James Scowcroft to discuss the future of Alexis Sanchez, the resurgence of Zaha & Sakho and the indiscipline ...

33 - England under-21s must learn from dreadful Kane experience

27 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

FIFA's Alex Stone gives us a fascinating insight into the daily workings of the global governing body. Plus Gab Marcotti is joined by Alyson Rudd, Jam...

32 - Arsenal suffering because nobody can challenge Wenger

20 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is joined by Paul Hirst, James Gheerbrant and Stewart Robson to discuss Manchester City's riveting draw with Liverpool and the lates...

31 - Losing Kane will cost Tottenham the top 4

13 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft, Alyson Rudd and Julien Laurens to talk about the mystery of Moussa Sissoko and whether Liverpool playi...

30 - Who is to blame? Arsene or Alexis?

06 Mar 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft, Tony Cascarino and Julien Laurens to discuss the ongoing Alexis Sanchez saga, if Tyrone Mings meant th...

29 - Leicester have struggled to deal with the world’s expectations

27 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is joined by James Scowcroft, Alyson Rudd and Matt Dickinson to discuss outstanding performances from Ibrahimovic, Gabbiadini and Fa...

28 - Why can't the World Cup have 3 or 4 co-hosts?

20 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is back to debate the major talking points in football alongside Stewart Robson who wonders if Aguero is training well enough, Julie...

27 - Getting rid of Ranieri is the only answer

13 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Alyson Rudd is joined by James Scowcroft, Julien Laurens and Bill Edgar to discuss the futures of Claudio Ranieri at Leicester and Arsene Wenger at Ar...

26 - Arsenal are a comfort zone club

06 Feb 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti returns to discuss the weekend's major talking points, with the aid of Tony Cascarino, Alyson Rudd and Paul Hirst. Plus Matthew Syed deba...

25 - Did the FA Cup hit an all-time low?

30 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Max Rushden sits in for Gab Marcotti, in the company of Julien Laurens, James Scowcroft and Oliver Kay. On the agenda, the FA Cup's lack of lustre, a ...

24 - Is Wayne Rooney a genius?

23 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens, Matt Dickinson and Stewart Robson, plus Matthew Syed discusses his article on why people are wrong to m...

23 - Pep has overrated his ability to improve players

16 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is back, alongside Alyson Rudd, Julien Laurens and Matt Hughes. Plus James Scowcroft joins us live from Old Trafford and find out wh...

22 - More FA Cup Magic...

09 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

This week Alyson Rudd is joined by Julien Laurens, James Scowcroft and Oliver Kay to discuss too many FA cup changes, Hull's new manager, whether Dele...

21 - Pep & City have anxiety problems

04 Jan 2017

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Tony Cascarino, Stewart Robson and James Scowcroft to discuss City's angry manager, Bournemouth's talented manager and Hull'...

19 - Wenger is in awe of Ozil

19 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Gab Marcotti is joined by Oliver Kay, Julien Laurens and James Scrowcroft to discuss the same old Arsenal, Mourinho's new United and the thrall of Chi...

18 - Pep may want to work on defending

12 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Gab is joined by Julien Laurens, James Scowcroft and Alyson Rudd.Find out more information, visit www.thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr...

17 - Liverpool lack decisiveness at the back

05 Dec 2016

Contributed by Lukas

Gabriele Marcotti is joined by Julien Laurens, Tony Cascarino, Stewart Robson and Gregor Robertson. Discover more at www.thetimes.co.uk Hosted on Acas...