The Rest Is Football

Manchester City edge Manchester United in the Community Shield, Micah give his report from the Parc de Princes as Spain beat France in thrilling Gold Medal Match…. And Is Pep Guardiola interested in the England job?

Gary, Alan and Micah are finally back together to get ready for the new Premier League Season!

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What have been Gary and Micah’s favourite Olympic moments so far? Is Conor Gallagher’s move to Atlético Madrid good for Chelsea? Why did Micah hate pre-season training and games so much?

Micah is back from holiday to tell us all about his time in Barbados and joins Gary to go through the best of your questions. The boys also discuss who would have come out on top if they had been part of the ‘Superstars’ TV programme.

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How did Thierry Henry utterly embarrass Micah the first time they played against each other? Who is the most difficult player van Dijk has ever played against? Why did Gazza turn down Man Utd?

In today’s episode we look back at the best moments from some of our special guest interviews over the last year.

We hear from Thierry Henry, Virgil van Dijk, Paul Gascoigne, Andriy Shevchenko, Peter Beardsley, Fabrizio Romano, Howard Webb and Sid Lowe. Don’t forget if you want to listen to any of these interviews in full you can find them all in our full episode list.

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What exactly was going on with the rush of big money transfers we saw at the end of June? Which clubs are in real danger of being punished for breaking PSR rules next season? Why is the multi-club ownership model such a problem?

Gary is joined by journalist Nick Harris to discuss the murky world of football and money and how that is affecting clubs in this summer’s transfer window.

Nick has been a journalist for 30 years and specialises in the business and finance of sport, especially football. You can find him on Twitter @sportingintel and read his work on his website at: https://sportingintelligence832.substack.com

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As we build up to a new domestic season starting in a few weeks we’re taking the chance to look back at the highlights from the first year of The Rest Is Football.

From stories of dressing room bust-ups to anecdotes of playing with the likes of Paul Gascoigne and Mario Balotelli.

Gary, Alan and Micah reveal what life is really like playing at the elite level of the game we all love.

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Trouble in Paris as Argentinians defend Enzo Fernández’s remarks after The Copa America, Football at The Olympics and how Hollywood and Wales became a football match made in heaven.

Gary is joined by Journalist and Author Ian Herbert to talk about his book, Tinseltown: Hollywood and the Beautiful Game - A Match Made in Wrexham

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We’re a week on now from the end of Euro 2024 and England falling at the very final hurdle against a brilliant Spanish side.

We had an incredible time on The Rest Is Football and loved trying to bring you inside the tournament with us.

On today’s episode we’re looking back at that amazing month or so with our ‘Best Moments From Euro 2024’.

Plenty of laughs, some cracking interviews and wonderful stories.

Alongside Gary, Alan and Micah we also hear from Eric Cantona, Rio Ferdinand, David Moyes & Alastair Campbell.

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Who should be the next England manager? Does it matter if they are English or not? What will Gareth Southgate’s legacy be?

Gary and Micah react to the news that Southgate is stepping down as England boss after 8 years and discuss what that means for the future.

This summer join EE the lead sponsor of the England teams and stand against hate. Find out more at bit.ly/EETRIFPodcast

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Will England be disappointed with their performance in the final? Did they get the tactics wrong? What next for England and Gareth Southgate?

Gary, Alan and Micah reflect on the Three Lions defeat to Spain in the final of Euro 2024 and what the future holds for the national side.

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Does Gareth Southgate introduce Luke Shaw into the starting XI? How do England deal with Spain’s electric wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams? Can England make use of the the extra man in midfield?

Gary, Alan & Micah preview The Final of the European Championships between England and Spain 

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Gary Lineker is joined by Spanish football expert Sid Lowe to give us the inside track on players such as Dani Olmo, Nico Williams, Rodri and Lamine Yamal.

In particular Sid tells us the extraordinary family story of Nico Williams, whose brother Iñaki plays for Ghana.

Plus how has national coach Luis de la Fuente changed Spain from a team obsessed with possession to a team with flying wingers?

Sid Lowe is co-host of The Spanish Football Podcast.

https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-spanish-football-podcast/id687671367

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Did club rivalries destroy England’s Golden Generation?

Rio Ferdinand joins Gary Lineker and Alan Shearer to explain why his England team of Gerrard, Lampard, Scholes and Rooney could never work together.

And if a teenager wins the Euros final for his country will it be Kobbie Mainoo or Lamine Yamal?

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Was the first half against The Netherlands the best England have played all tournament? How Kobbie Mainoo has turned himself into one of England’s key players? Plus that Ollie Watkins goal that will live long in the memory

Gary and Micah get Alan’s report on an unforgettable night for England.

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Are England now hitting form at just the right time? Have they finally had the lucky break they’ve been waiting for at a major tournament? Dare we dream?

Gary and Micah are in a jubilant mood as they react to England making it through to successive European Championship finals.

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Is Lamine Yamal even better than Wayne Rooney was at the age of 16? Has Dani Olmo been Spain’s surprise package at this tournament? Is that the end for Didier Deschamps as France’s manager?

Gary, Alan and Micah reflect on the first semi-final which saw Spain dump France out and march into the final.

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What starting XI should England pick for the match against the Netherlands? What are the big threats the Dutch can pose England? Is Lamine Yamal v Theo Hernández the key battle in the Spain v France game?

Gary, Alan and Micah make their predictions for the Euro 2024 semi-finals and Micah gives the boys all the gossip from the BBC v ITV ‘friendly’ match in Berlin.

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How do England improve again after a more encouraging performance against Switzerland? Do they bring Marc Guéhi back in or stick with Ezri Konsa for the semi-final? Are we still leaving substitutions too late to have a proactive impact on the game?

Gary, Alan and Micah discuss Big Al’s trip to Düsseldorf and Cologne and how England are shaping up for the business end of the tournament.

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How crucial is Bukayo Saka to England’s chances of success? Have they finally broken the mental pressures of a penalty shootout? Should England stick with the change in formation for the semi-final against the Netherlands?

Gary and Micah reflect on England’s performance that saw them beat Switzerland on penalties in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024.

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What is the one key thing that will make England’s switch to a back three a success? How difficult is it to change formation and tactics mid-tournament? Are Spain now clear favourites to win the tournament?

Gary and Micah catch up to look at England’s tactical changes for their quarter-final against Switzerland and discuss Spain and France making it through to the semi-finals.

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How do England beat this strong Switzerland side? Will Mbappé or Ronaldo shine brightest in their quarter-final? Is Germany v Spain the most evenly matched game?

Gary, Alan and Micah look at all four upcoming quarter-finals and discuss where the key battles will be and who will come out victorious from each.

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What was going through Eric Cantona’s head when he jumped into the crowd at Selhurst Park? Why does he support England at international tournaments? What was the reason behind his iconic celebration against Sunderland?

Gary, Alan and Micah are joined by the legendary Eric Cantona to talk about his life growing up in Marseille and how he became one of the best players in the world.

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Is Ronaldo holding Portugal back? Was Mert Günok’s last minute save for Turkey against Austria the best ever at a Europeans Championships? Have the Netherlands finally started to show glimpses of what they’re capable of?

Gary, Alan and Micah look back at the Round of 16 matches and see who came out on top in their predictions for this round.

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How hard is it switching from playing for your club to playing for your country? Why is Jude Bellingham’s ego so integral to him being such a fantastic player? Who are the top three bald players of all-time?

Gary, Alan and Micah answer your questions on today’s episode, which also sees the boys discuss fighting off bugs in the BBC studio.

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Can you look past such a poor England performance because they did ultimately get through? What tactical changes would the boys like to see for England’s next game? Will the late, dramatic turnaround be the spark they need to finally find some form?

Gary, Alan and Micah discuss England’s performance against Slovakia, where they were 30 seconds away from one of the most miserable and humiliating defeats in English football history.

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Are the Swiss now favourites to reach the final from their half of the draw? Is the Germans ability to adapt one of their big strengths? If Kobbie Mainoo is the only change to the England starting XI, is that enough?

Gary, Alan & Micah also discuss the role VAR played in the Germany v Denmark game and why the handball law is so flawed.

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Would anything other than reaching the final be a failure for England? Where are we most likely to see a surprise in the Round of 16? Can Kevin De Bruyne produce a masterclass to upset the French?

Gary, Alan and Micah look through all 8 games to kick off the knockout rounds to see where they will be won or lost and give their predictions on who will make the quarter-finals.

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Is Ronaldo causing a problem for Portugal? Are France having similar difficulties to England? Who has been the most impressive team so far?

Gary, Alan and Micah go through all six groups to discuss how each team performed, the stand out players and what we should be looking out for as we head into the knockout rounds.

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How much do players talk about the tactics amongst themselves in an international camp? Why is the format with 24 teams at the Euros not working? What has Micah been wearing that has left Gary and Alan in stitches?

Gary, Alan and Micah are answering your questions on today’s episode as they also look at the dangers of live television, the role for Saka in the England team going forward and which type of bird they would each be.

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Is there a simple fix to England’s disappointing performances at Euro 2024? Why are they struggling to score goals? What positives can England take from the group stage?

Gary, Alan and Micah react to another underwhelming performance from England, as they draw 0-0 with Slovenia.

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Who should England start with for their final group game against Slovenia? How much do the ITV and BBC pundits mix at an international tournament?Who did Micah bump into at the end of an all-nighter in Berlin?

Alan and Micah answer your questions on all things Euro 2024.

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Should Scotland have had a late penalty against Hungary? Was there any more Steve Clarke and the team could have done to reach the knockout stages? What did Gary and Alan make of Harry Kane’s response to the media criticism of the England team after their first two games?

Gary and Alan reflect on the latest headlines from Euro 2024, as well as the seriously worrying situation developing at Southend United.

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What changes do England have to make for the Slovenia game? How exactly do you bounce back from a poor start to an international tournament? How did a fire alarm, a stag do and a gimp suit ensure Alan had a lively trip to Frankfurt?

Alan reports back about his time at the Waldstadion and his thoughts on England’s performance against Denmark.

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How concerning was the England performance against Denmark? Why are things not clicking with such a talented forward line? How has Marc Guéhi stepped up to be England’s most impressive player across the first two games?

Gary and Micah review England’s draw with Denmark with our first ever live audience. Sat on the sofas in the background after an enjoyable dinner are David Moyes and Thomas Frank, who aren’t shy to chip in with advice for the boys where needed.

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Will the Scots progress to the knockout stages after a hard fought point against Switzerland? Have Germany found Kai Havertz’s best position? What changes should Gareth Southgate make to get the best out of his England team against Denmark?

Gary and Micah reflect on Wednesday’s matches and also tell us what they’ve been getting up to in Berlin away from the football.

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How did David Moyes find out he was taking over from Sir Alex Ferguson at Man Utd? Does he regret taking over from Fergie?

What was it like managing Wayne Rooney as he burst into professional football? How did things end at West Ham and how does he reflect on his time there?

Gary, Alan and Micah are joined by David Moyes out in Berlin to discuss the ongoing tournament and the best stories from his time managing the likes of Everton, Manchester United and West Ham.

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Should Southgate change anything for England’s next game against Denmark? Were Erik ten Hag’s comments about the England performance fair? Why is co-commentary harder than being a studio pundit?

Gary and Micah welcome Alan back to Berlin to reflect on his experience at England’s opening game.

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Are England still struggling with the same old problems? Do they have a problem down the left-hand side of the team? Should Cole Palmer have been brought on from the bench?

Gary and Micah also discuss Erik Ten Hag’s comments on Dutch TV about his recent treatment by Manchester United.

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Should England be seen as underdogs at the Euros? How did a game of head tennis with Kevin Keegan leave its mark on UK politics? What's it like to play with Diego Armando Maradona?

On today's episode of The Rest Is Football, Gary, Alan and Micah are joined by The Rest Is Politics co-host Alastair Campbell to answer all these questions and more.

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What could Scotland have done differently in their dismal opening display? Are Germany now one of the favourites to lift the trophy? How do you recover from a poor start to a tournament?

Gary, Alan and Micah bring you our first show from Berlin as they review the opening game of Euro 2024 and how it sets the tone for the championships.

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Will Ronaldo help lead Portugal back to European glory? Is it better to play the big teams earlier on in the tournament? Can anyone beat France?

Gary, Alan and Micah are back for the second part of our full tournament preview as they go through all of the 24 nations competing in Germany to see what we can expect from each side and the star players to keep an eye out for.

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Who will be the biggest danger to England in Group C? How far will the hosts Germany go? Will the reigning champions Italy crash out at the group stage?

Gary, Alan and Micah begin our full tournament preview as they go through each of the 24 nations competing in Germany to see what we can expect from each side and the star players to keep an eye out for.

The second part of our tournament preview will be out on Friday.

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Who would our three hosts each pick to start for England in their opening game against Serbia on Sunday? Where is the best position for Phil Foden to play in the England side? Does Cole Palmer get into the starting team?

In our special England preview episode ahead of Euro 2024 Gary, Alan and Micah look back at the 2020 tournament and how the side have developed since then.

This summer join EE the lead sponsor of the England teams and stand against hate. Find out more at https://bit.ly/EETRIFPodcast

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Why did missing out on the 1998 World Cup squad have such a big impact on Gazza? How did he end up in a zoo in China with a tiger and a horse’s head? Who is Gazza’s favourite England player from the squad going to Germany this summer?

Paul Gascoigne is back for the second part of his wide-ranging interview with Gary, Alan and Micah.

Win a trip to watch the football in Germany this summer for free! goodlifeplus.co.uk/trif

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Why would Fergie definitely NOT have been able to tame Gazza? What did the Pope have to call Gazza about? How did a runaway tractor land him with his first fine as a footballer?

Gary, Alan and Micah are joined by the legendary Paul Gascoigne to talk about his incredible love for football and which club he was the happiest at.

Part 2 of this interview with Gazza will be out on Friday.

Win a trip to watch the football in Germany this summer for free! goodlifeplus.co.uk/trif

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How exactly do you develop the mentality that Real Madrid have that makes them so special? Will Jude Bellingham winning the Champions League be a benefit for England this summer? Where will Kylian Mbappé play in the Real Madrid team and who drops out to accommodate him?

Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss Carlo Ancelotti’s management style and how he gets the best from his players.

Win a trip to watch the football in Germany this summer for free! goodlifeplus.co.uk/trif

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How did each Premier League team do this season? Top marks? Or must do better?

Gary, Alan and Micah sit in judgement on the season as they review the performance of all 20 clubs.

They also look back at their own pre-season predictions to see who really does know their football.

So who did the best, and who had a howler? Find out on this special episode of The Rest Is Football

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Is there a new offside rule coming and what do Gary and Alan make of Arsene Wenger’s proposals to improve the game?

Plus, what are the funniest nicknames in football?

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Manchester United beat rivals Manchester City in the FA Cup Final, Gary and Alan respond to criticism they received over the interview with Erik Ten Hag and the guys review Southampton’s Playoff Final win against Leeds.

Gary, Micah and Alan also discuss Chelsea’s sacking of Mauricio Pochettino and Vincent Kompany’s move to Bayern Munich 

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Why was Kasper not at Jamie Vardy’s house to watch Leicester win the Premier League? What impact did being one of the first on the scene at the helicopter crash that killed Leicester owner Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha have on his life? How did growing up with the likes of Eric Cantona, Steve Bruce and his father Peter give him a burning desire to succeed that was unmatched by his peers?

Gary is joined by Premier League and FA Cup winner Kasper Schmeichel to discuss his incredible life in football so far and how Denmark are planning to stop England at the Euros.

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Who makes it into Gary and Alan’s team of the season? Who was the ‘Rookie of the Year’? Who was the surprise package of this season?

After the conclusion of the 2023/24 Premier League season, Gary and Alan pick the winners of the hugely prestigious The Rest Is Football awards.

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