England are out of the World Cup… and for England fans, it feels like Groundhog Day.Different manager. Same old England.In this episode, I explain why I believe this defeat isn’t on the players—it’s on Thomas Tuchel. England abandoned what was working, retreated into a low block for the final 30 minutes, surrendered the initiative to Argentina and ultimately paid the price.We analyse England vs Argentina, Tuchel’s tactics, the low block, substitutions, game management and why England keep repeating the same mistakes at major tournaments. From the Golden Generation to Gareth Southgate and now Thomas Tuchel, the story feels painfully familiar.Do you agree? Was this another tactical failure, or are England destined to repeat history?#England #ThreeLions #EnglandvsArgentina #Argentina #WorldCup #ThomasTuchel #FootballPodcast #FootballAnalysis #Tactics

After a sensational victory over Mexico, we're asking the question every England fan is thinking...Is THIS finally England's year?In this episode, we relive a night that will live long in the memory, breaking down one of the biggest wins in England's recent history, the key performances, the turning points, and why this result could be the moment Thomas Tuchel's side truly announced themselves as genuine World Cup contenders.We also tackle the controversy surrounding the Balogun red card rescindal, discussing why the decision has sparked outrage, what it means for the integrity of the tournament, and whether FIFA's disciplinary process is letting the game down.

England are through to the World Cup Round of 16 after beating DR Congo, but is their toughest test still to come?In this episode, I break down why Mexico could be England's downfall and why this knockout tie is about far more than just the football. From the intimidating atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium, the altitude, the weather, and Mexico's outstanding home record, to England's defensive concerns and whether the back four can cope under real pressure, there's plenty to discuss.I also look at Mexico's recent form, the tactical battle that could decide the game, and whether England have what it takes to reach the quarter-finals.Elsewhere, I react to Germany's shock exit, the Netherlands' disappointing World Cup campaign, Scotland's elimination, and the biggest talking points from the tournament so far.If you enjoy World Cup analysis, England reaction, football debate, match previews, tactical analysis, and international football discussion, don't forget to subscribe, follow the podcast, and share the episode with fellow football fans.#England #Mexico #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #ThreeLions #EnglandFootball #MexicoFootball #FootballPodcast #FootballAnalysis #EnglandvsMexico #WorldCupPodcast

England have underwhelmed in their second week at the World Cup, but does everyone need to take a deep breath? This week, I look at England's performance, why there are genuine areas for concern, and why some of the reaction has been completely over the top.Elsewhere, the tournament's biggest names are finally taking centre stage. From Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of football's elite, the stars have arrived and are beginning to shape the story of this World Cup.I also look at some of the players and teams who have failed to live up to expectations so far, ask who's flopped, who's surprised us, and what we can expect as the tournament moves into its next phase.Plus, a return to a familiar subject: the BBC's World Cup coverage. Has it improved, or is it still falling short of what football fans should expect from a major international tournament?

The World Cup is up and running, and after the first week there's already plenty to talk about. We discuss the remarkable story of Cape Verde's goalkeeper and the performance that had everyone talking, weigh up the perennial BBC versus ITV debate as viewers pick their preferred World Cup home, and assess England's convincing opening victory and what it might tell us about their chances in the tournament. We also get into the increasingly controversial hydration breaks, some of the biggest surprises from the opening round of matches, and the stories that are beginning to shape this World Cup.

The World Cup is finally here! In the 1st special World Cup 2026 edition of Kiss the Badge, I share my excitement ahead of football's biggest tournament and discuss some of the major talking points and controversies surrounding the competition. I also reveal my plans for Kiss the Badge throughout the World Cup, including what listeners can expect from the podcast over the coming weeks.And, because no tournament preview would be complete without a few bold calls, I make my full World Cup predictions — from the group stage right through to the final — picking the teams I think will progress, the surprises that could shake up the tournament, and ultimately who I believe will lift the trophy.Will my predictions age like fine wine or be completely torn apart by the opening round of fixtures? There's only one way to find out.Welcome to World Cup 2026. Here we go!

In this episode, I take you along on my trip to the iconic Classic Football Shirts store, where I set myself a simple challenge: spend £500 and see what kind of gems I can come away with.Across the visit, I pick up five shirts in total — a mix of modern kits, older retro designs, and a couple of proper grail pieces that I couldn’t leave behind. I go through each purchase in detail, breaking down why I chose them, what makes them special, and whether they were actually worth the money.From standout designs to nostalgic classics and unexpected finds, this is part shopping spree, part football shirt deep dive. I also reflect on the overall experience of hunting for kits in-store and how it compares to online collecting.If you’re into football shirts, retro kits, or just enjoy seeing what £500 can get you in one of the best stores in the game, this one’s for you.

In this episode, I’m building my ultimate 90s World Cup XI, picking the best players from the iconic tournaments of Italia '90, USA '94 and France '98. From legendary forwards like Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio, to midfield maestros like Zinedine Zidane and rock-solid defenders such as Paolo Maldini, this is a deep dive into 90s football nostalgia.I break down every position, explain my selection criteria, and debate some of the toughest calls — including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and strikers who defined international football in the 1990s. Expect discussion around World Cup performances, iconic moments, and the players who dominated the biggest stage in football history.If you love classic football, World Cup history, and all-time XI debates, this episode is for you. Let me know your 90s World Cup XI in the comments — who makes your team?

In this episode I dive into a Premiership Years rewatch of the unforgettable 1996–97 Premier League season, revisiting one of the most iconic campaigns of the 90s. Using the classic archive episode of The Premiership Years, I go back through the biggest stories, players, and moments that defined the season and ask a simple question: was this the peak of the Premier League?The season saw Manchester United win the title under Alex Ferguson, with Eric Cantona still pulling the strings in his final campaign before retirement. It was also the season that launched David Beckham into global superstardom, thanks to his unforgettable halfway-line goal against Wimbledon F.C. on the opening weekend.I also look back at Newcastle United trying to challenge again after the drama of the previous season, the rise of Alan Shearer, and the chaos and goals that made 90s football so entertaining. There’s the emergence of future stars like Michael Owen at Liverpool F.C., the stylish football of Arsenal F.C., and memorable moments from clubs like Leicester City F.C., Chelsea F.C., and Blackburn Rovers F.C..From Beckham’s halfway-line strike to Cantona’s final season, classic 90s kits, muddy pitches, and the unmistakable nostalgia of the Sky Sports era, this episode is a deep dive into what made the 1996–97 Premier League season so special.If you love Premier League history, 90s football nostalgia, classic goals, legendary players, and revisiting old seasons through The Premiership Years, this is the perfect throwback.

In this episode we dive deep into one of the most nostalgic topics in football culture: the iconic football shirts of the 1998 World Cup in France. Was France 98 the World Cup with the greatest football kits of all time? From classic Adidas templates to unforgettable national team designs, we revisit the best France 98 World Cup shirts, the standout international football kits, and the design trends that defined late-90s football aesthetics.We explore why France 98 kits remain some of the most beloved football shirts ever made, discussing legendary designs worn by teams like Brazil, Nigeria, France, and the Netherlands. If you're into retro football shirts, vintage soccer kits, classic World Cup jerseys, and football shirt design history, this episode is packed with nostalgia and debate.But that’s not all. We also look at the strange and fascinating world of football shirt collaborations with music and bands, from crossover culture between football fashion, indie music, and terrace style, to the growing trend of limited-edition football kits inspired by music culture.And because football sponsorship history is full of bizarre moments, we take a detour into the surprisingly weird story of theme park sponsors in football. From clubs backed by rollercoasters and family attractions to the oddest football shirt sponsors in history, we explore when theme parks and football clubs collided in the world of sports marketing and shirt sponsorship. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.