The Rest Is Football

Manchester United produce a miraculous second-half comeback, scoring three goals to beat Roma at Old Trafford. Have Michael Carrick’s players finally stepped up when it matters most to save his job?  Meanwhile, the emergence of Rio Ngumoha and Trey Nyoni has given Iraola a selection headache when it comes to picking his strongest starting XI. With Florian Wirtz and several other Liverpool stars arriving for huge transfer fees, can he really afford to leave his big-money signings out? Plus, Gary, Alan and Micah are full of praise for the brilliant Jude Bellingham, whose outstanding performances on the pitch have helped transform him into a global superstar. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this special episode, we recently asked for your questions on Reddit and had Alan answer some of the best ones. Alan spoke about covering fitness in retirement, the Kane goal record, penalty mind games, Newcastle/Sunderland, Palace rumours, management, PGMOL, and the all-important wig and chicken nuggets questions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal deliver a defensive masterclass to beat Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in 14 years, in yet another 1-0 victory. Where does this Arsenal defence rank among the greats of the Premier League era? After a promising first half, it all goes wrong again for Michael Carrick and Manchester United at Stamford Bridge. United fans are calling for Lisandro Martinez never to play for the club again after his red card. Do they have a point, or is it a massive overreaction? Gary, Alan and Micah also predict a Champions League spot for Brighton, but could they go one better and challenge for the title? 10 for £100. Stay 10 nights, get £100 back in Hotels.com Cash. UK Customers Only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Do Arsenal need to bring in reinforcements up top in January? With both firing, should Man City start Foden or Cherki in the No 10 role? Is Rio Ngumoha now a must in Liverpool’s starting XI? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss whether Max Dowman has been harshly treated after his red card and celebrate the brilliant Harry Kane after he won the Ballon d'Or. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Harry Kane becomes the fifth Englishman to win the Ballon d’Or and the first since Michael Owen in 2001. After scoring 73 goals for Bayern Munich and winning the domestic double, Kane beat Kylian Mbappé and Lamine Yamal to claim the prestigious award. But can he go back-to-back? Will Mbappé ever get his hands on the trophy, and how many Ballon d’Ors could Yamal win over the course of his career? Gary and Julien Laurens also look back at El Clásico, where Real Madrid overcame Barcelona at the Camp Nou. Plus, Julien reveals how the rest of Europe views the situation at Manchester United and discusses who could be the club’s next manager. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester United plunge deeper into crisis as Bournemouth humiliate them 3-0 at Old Trafford. Gary, Micah and Alan dissect a miserable afternoon for Michael Carrick's side, who now sit 16th in the table and are winless in eight. They debate whether United are in a genuine relegation battle, why Bruno Fernandes was left on the bench, and whether Carrick is running out of time to save his job. Gary, Alan and Micah turn their attention to Aston Villa, where Nicolas Jackson’s double ended Manchester City’s 100% start to the season. Are cracks finally starting to show in City’s defence? And at Stamford Bridge, Spurs pull off a rare win against 10-man Chelsea, as a debutant keeper’s howler and a Cole Palmer red card give Xabi Alonso a night to forget. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It’s been a disastrous week for Manchester United as they suffer a heavy defeat to Cesc Fàbregas’s impressive Como side. To add fuel to the fire, Bruno Fernandes appears to have fallen out with Michael Carrick following his explosive post-match comments. Can it get any worse for United? Harry Kane delivered another stellar performance as Bayern Munich drew with Arsenal. He impressed with his passing range and creativity, as well as converting a well-taken penalty. Is the Ballon d’Or heading back to Munich with him? Gary, Alan & Micah also pick their Champions League winners. Are PSG the frontrunners once again after another brilliant victory over Barcelona, who many consider to be among the favourites? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Independent Football Regulator has released its State of the Game report and the findings are eye-opening as the perilous financial situation much of the pyramid faces is laid bare. Gary Lineker and Alastair Campbell speak to the chair of the IFR David Kogan and find out what powers he has to improve the landscape in English football. We also look at what it would take for him to intervene and force an owner to sell a club, and how he could possibly get involved in the Manchester City case once the appeal is heard. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brighton are brilliant again, but are the Seagulls genuine title-race outsiders or is a Champions League push the more realistic target? Arsenal struggle to break through in the first half yet again before another substitute rides to the rescue. Is the bench becoming their most important weapon, or a warning sign? Gary, Micah and Alan also turn their attention to Manchester City’s new-look midfield and their continued unbeaten run despite a cloud looming over them. Liverpool get back to winning ways despite still looking like they can be got at. And with Newcastle’s defensive struggles showing no sign of easing, how deep do their problems run? 10 for £100. Stay 10 nights, get £100 back in Hotels.com Cash. UK Customers Only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Luis Enrique and PSG keep up their impressive record against English clubs as they beat Manchester City in one of the games of the season so far, are they favourites to get that third consecutive Champions League title? Michael Carrick comes under increasing pressure as his side fall to an in-form Atlético Madrid. There were signs of improvement, but with a trip to bitter rivals Leeds coming up this weekend, is it already a must-win game for Carrick? Plus, Gary, Alan and Micah wax lyrical about Lamine Yamal. Could his sensational start to the season put him on course to win the Ballon d’Or? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following the worst start to a Premier League season in their history, is Michael Carrick the right man to turn Manchester United around? Do United still belong among football’s elite, or has the club lost its status as one of the game’s true giants? And are the Glazers solely to blame for the decline of one of British sport’s greatest dynasties? Gary is joined by Laurie Whitwell, The Athletic’s Manchester United correspondent and co-host of the Talk of the Devils podcast, to dissect the problems plaguing Old Trafford. From ownership, management and recruitment they explore why Manchester United have struggled to recapture their former glory since Ferguson’s departure, and what it will take to restore the club to the top of English and European football. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City thump Liverpool at Anfield after a controversial red card to maintain their perfect start to the Premier League season. But with the 115 charges hanging over the club and the case still unresolved, is City's dominance becoming a bad look for the Premier League? What does it mean for the competition when City sit top of the pile while the legal battle continues? Gary, Micah and Alan also turn their attention to two clubs in crisis, Manchester United and Spurs. With results and performances falling short, how much longer can Michael Carrick and Roberto De Zerbi afford to struggle before the pressure really starts to mount? 10 for £100. Stay 10 nights, get £100 back in Hotels.com Cash. UK Customers Only. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Fulham and England Under-21 midfielder Josh King joins TRIF for an illuminating conversation on what it was like to be called up by Thomas Tuchel for the World Cup training camp, how he's adjusting to life as one of Fulham's talismen under Alvaro Arbeloa and his ambitions to follow in the footsteps of Elliott Anderson, Rio Ngumoha, and Alex Scott by breaking into the senior squad There's also reflection from Gary, Alan and Micah on their Under-21 days including a remarkable claim from Big Meeks... Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England rounded off a hugely positive international break with a 3-0 win over Czechia. Thomas Tuchel’s side scored 15 goals across the three matches, but beyond the scorelines, it was the style of play that really caught the eye. When was the last time England played with this much energy, intensity and positivity? And can Tuchel take this team to the next level by finally getting them competing with and beating the biggest nations? Gary, Alan, Micah and TRIF’s England reporter Rob Jones also discuss the Cristiano Ronaldo saga and ask whether it’s finally time for the Portuguese legend to hang up his boots. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Alex Scott’s impressive first start give Tuchel some selection dilemmas? Is Jude Bellingham England’s best midfielder of this century? How has Anthony Gordon established himself as one of the Three Lions key players? Gary, Alan and Micah discuss the biggest highlights of England’s emphatic win in Croatia and why it’s so important for them to qualify for the Nations League quarter-finals to keep testing themselves against the best. 10 for £100. Stay 10 nights, get £100 back in Hotels.com Cash. UK Customers Only Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this Q&A episode, Gary, Alan and special guest Miguel Delaney - Chief Football Writer for The Independent answer your questions on the biggest story in Premier League history. Are the public right to condemn City before the appeal has even played out or should we be more cautious, given what happened with the old UEFA case against City? What punishment will City actually get? A fine? A points deduction spread across multiple seasons? Expulsion? And if they do get expelled, what happens to the relegation places? Do two go down, or is it still three? Could City’s owners face retrospective fit and proper person test and could they be forced to sell? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Premier League has published its findings in the long-running case involving Manchester City’s 115 charges, detailing allegations that the club used “sham contracts” and “disguised funding schemes” involving commercial partners to artificially inflate revenues and reduce costs. Manchester City have consistently denied any wrongdoing and maintain that the charges are unfounded. The club has until 2 October to appeal the verdict. Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards discuss the latest revelations, what the verdict actually says, the significance of the findings around Manchester City’s commercial arrangements, and what could happen next. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Why was England’s performance against Spain much more encouraging than how things ended at the World Cup? Who was ‘star of the show’ for England yet again? What’s next for Cole Palmer and his England future? Gary, Alan and Micah are joined by Rob Jones to dissect England’s defeat against Spain. The group also discuss how the recent news around Man City’s charges will be affecting their current players. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is a positive result against Spain the perfect way for England to move on from the disappointment of their World Cup semi-final defeat to Argentina? Is Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad an admission that things went wrong in the summer? Gary, Alan & Micah pick their England starting XI to face Spain on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will Gianni Infantino still be FIFA President after the next elections in March? How much damage has this actually done to him? Do FIFA need the extra money? Gary is joined by Martyn Ziegler, the man who broke the news about Infantino’s plans to sell stakes in the World Cup, to discuss how he found out about the story and whether there is too much power in the hands of one man. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Have Brighton shown they’re ready to mix it with the Premier League big guns? Are we seeing more carefree attacking football this season? How do Chelsea fix their defensive problems? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss the ongoing troubles at Tottenham Hotspur and the relief Coventry will be feeling after getting off the mark this season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester United's tricky start to the season continued on Wednesday night after they were knocked out of the Carabao Cup by Brighton as Michael Carrick admitted his side have a "number of problems" Gary, Alan and Micah give us their take on where it's going wrong for United as well as discussion of the developing situation around 15-year-old academy starlet JJ Gabriel who has let it be known that he wants to leave Old Trafford. How has such a young player found himself at the centre of the story and should we ask questions of those advising him? Plus there's another wonderkid in the headlines as Arsenal's Max Dowman scored two against Ipswich, and Liverpool got themselves a much needed win against Spurs thanks to an absolute beauty of a strike from Dominik Szoboszlai Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary is joined by Julien Laurens for a European football special. They begin in France, where PSG have made a poor start to their Ligue 1 campaign. Will they recover and run away with the title, or have they left the door open for the chasing pack? In Spain, Barcelona have made a perfect start to the season. But with José Mourinho’s Real Madrid side hunting them down, Kylian Mbappé and Jude Bellingham are already firing, can the Catalans stay ahead? In Germany, Harry Kane is among the goals again, but can Borussia Dortmund mount a serious Bundesliga challenge? Finally, Gary and Julien give their predictions on who will win the Champions League. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

How did the officials get it so wrong with Erling Haaland’s winning goal? Should Phil Foden have been sent off? Where do we go with VAR from here? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss the other big talking points from the weekend, including Arsenal’s resilient performance against Sunderland and how Hull continue to impress after exposing Chelsea’s weaknesses. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The English clubs are off to a flier, with all five picking up three points in the Champions League group phase. Erling Haaland grabbed another brace to take his Champions League tally to 59 goals in 59 games, but who is the best pure goalscorer: Haaland, Harry Kane or Kylian Mbappé? With new signing Bradley Barcola in the mix, what is Liverpool’s best front three when everyone is fit? And Arsenal have started the season where they left off, but with Martin Ødegaard in electric form, can they become as dangerous going forward as they are defensively? Gary, Alan and Micah also discuss the other favourites Barcelona and PSG. Can any of the English clubs challenge them this season? The boys make their Champions League predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We hear so much about SCR, PSR and all sorts of financial rules and regulations but what does it all mean and which clubs voted for it in the first place? Host of the Price of Football podcast Kieran Maguire joins Gary and Alan to break it all down and give us his take on whether the rules are unfair on those outside the established "big six" Plus there's Kieran's view on when we'll finally hear a verdict in the Manchester City case and he has some advice for Micah with regards to investing in a non-league club. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal make it three wins from three and are looking every bit like champions as they ease past Chelsea at the Emirates. Manchester City join them on nine points, but Enzo Maresca’s side have been far less convincing, and next weekend’s Manchester derby could tell us plenty about where both sides really stand. Gary, Alan & Micah also discuss Alexander Isak’s much-needed brace, while Hull City are emerging as arguably the story of the season so far.. the only Premier League side yet to concede. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What were the biggest difficulties of taking charge of a Premier League club at the age of 31? Why are Brighton so successful, despite regularly having to sell some of their best players? How important is the style of football your team play? Gary Lineker meets up with Brighton boss Fabian Hürzeler to discuss his rapid journey to being a Premier League manager and the philosophies and man-management style that have underpinned that adventure. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

New season, new Premier League draft. Gary, Alan, Micah, and Rob Jones, compete to build the best team possible. Will anyone other than Erling Haaland go first? Will Alan load up on Newcastle players? Will Micah learn his lessons from last season when he blew his first pick on Fulham's Antonee Robinson? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary, Alan & Micah get stuck into the Premier League weekend as Xabi Alonso's Chelsea continued to impress with a 4-3 win over Brighton, with Joao Pedro and Cole Palmer starring in front of the watching Carlo Ancelotti and Thomas Tuchel. Spurs may have spent over £300m in the summer but they continue to struggle as Matthias Jaissle's Newcastle did a number on them on Saturday, plus we saw Manchester City really kick into gear at Palace, and there are concerns for Liverpool who remain winless after the 2-2 draw with Forest. The boys also discussed Manchester United's 5-2 hammering of Ipswich which featured the first proper VAR controversy of the season with Harry Maguire's handball in the buildup to what was a pivotal moment in the match. And did we see an early relegation six pointer at Coventry? It's two from two for Hull City but how long can it last? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Who will be top four? Who’s heading for the drop? Which teams will surprise and which will disappoint? In this special episode, Gary, Alan, and Micah look ahead to the new Premier League Season. They evaluate every one of the twenty Premier League clubs, predicting where they will finish. r Buy tickets to watch the Rest is Football live show at: therestisfootball.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What really happened in Argentina to stop Gary going on Top Gear? Micah reveals his dream of becoming a Manager or Owner of a non-league football club. Will Arsenal sign Julian Alvarez in this transfer window, and what does it mean for the rest of the league if they get the Atletico Madrid star man? Gary, Alan & Micah also discuss why the very best players in the World continue to choose Barcelona and Real Madrid over the Premier League   Buy tickets to watch the Rest is Football live show at: therestisfootball.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary, Alan & Micah are back with a bang as we witnessed one of the most intriguing opening weekends we’ve seen in the Premier League. Manchester United suffered a shock defeat to newly promoted Hull, Aston Villa and Spurs were both battered by Brighton and Brentford, Manchester City staged a dramatic late comeback against Bournemouth, and there was a thriller at St James’ Park. Meanwhile, the Champions Arsenal produced a dominant performance on Friday. The boys also discussed the new SCR rules and whether they are catered towards the elite. Is the Premier League becoming less competitive as a result? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, and Joe Cole reflect on Spain beating Argentina 1-0 in the World Cup final in a match that saw De La Fuente's side dominate Messi's Argentina from start to finish We also look back at our best moments of the tournament with our intrepid England reporter Rob Jones Thanks for listening to The Rest is Football throughout this World Cup, we'll be back in August ahead of the new Premier League season Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Hart and Emma Hayes reflect further on England's World Cup exit now that we've got a bit of distance since the game - including Emma's view as a coach on Tuchel's tactical decisions and we get Joe's view on Jude Bellingham's reaction to Jordan Pickford's effort to save the first Argentina goal Plus we look ahead to the final on Sunday between Spain and Argentina Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England are out of the World Cup after a 2-1 loss to Argentina. Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Cole, Ally McCoist and Patrick Vieira react to yet another major tournament heartbreak for the Three Lions and look at the hard to understand approach from Thomas Tuchel after his side went 1-0 up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Cole and Mikel John Obi preview a pair of mouthwatering World Cup semi-finals starting with France v Spain - will France's firepower be able to crack the steely Spanish defence? Will Lamine Yamal have his moment and see his side through to another final? And of course there's England v Argentina, will the brilliance of Messi be too much for England or will our strength going forward see us over the line? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, Joe Cole and Ally McCoist react to England beating Norway 2-1 in the World Cup quarter-final thanks to yet more brilliance from Jude Bellingham. How long can we turn in substandard performances while relying on our stars to bail us out? We also hear from Alan Shearer who has particularly strident views on Djed Spence being denied a penalty by VAR Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Joe Cole reflect on the first quarter-final as France beat Morocco 2-0 thanks to another impressive showing from Kylian Mbappe. Can any of the other contenders stop Didier Deschamps' side? There's also a look at the surprising decision by FIFA to extend the suspension of England's Jarell Quansah to two matches following his red card against Mexico Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards and Joe Cole react to Argentina's late comeback as they beat Egypt 3-2 in a game which featured yet another goal, and an assist, from Messi and a contentious VAR call that left Egypt up in arms We also look at Switzerland progressing via penalties against Colombia in a shootout which continued the trend of centre-backs stepping up and missing their penalties Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker sits down with the Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani to talk soccer, his Arsenal origin story and get his views on the impact the World Cup is having in his city and beyond They also talk ticket prices, hydration breaks, and some of the wider issues surrounding the tournament Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, Brad Friedel, Joe Hart, Alex Aljoe and Aitch react to a famous England win over Mexico at the Azteca. They pick out huge performances from the likes of Jordan Pickford, Jude Bellingham and Anthony Gordon as they overcame a hostile atmosphere and a red card to finish the match 3-2 victors. After defeating Brazil, all eyes turn to Norway who await Thomas Tuchel and his men in Miami for the Quarter Finals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Joe Cole and Christopher Eccleston discuss a World Cup classic, as Cape Verde took Argentina to extra time before finally losing 3-2. They also look at Thomas Tuchel's preparations for their knockout game against Mexico on Sunday and the tactical matchups that will be pivotal to England's chances of victory. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, Joe Cole, Brad Friedel and Rob Beckett react to England's 2-1 win over DR Congo thanks to a late brace from Harry Kane - should we be worried about that performance or is relying on your world class players to get you over the line perfectly acceptable? Micah and Gary have different views... We also look at the USA's victory over Bosnia with Brad and assess their chances of progressing further in the competition Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Emma Hayes, Millie Bright and Joe Cole break down a big World Cup shock as a disappointing Germany were sent home by Paraguay on penalties. They also reflect on Brazil’s 2-1 victory over Japan, with Carlo Ancelotti’s men overturning an early goal to put the South Americans through to the Round of 16. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards are joined by five-time Ryder cup winner Ian Poulter and our England reporter Rob Jones to reflect on England's 2-0 win over Panama that saw them top the group thanks to another big performance from Jude Bellingham We also get the thoughts of Harry Maguire after his former teammate Harry Kane broke Gary's record and became England's all-time top scorer at the World Cup Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

England's second group game curse struck again as they laboured to a 0-0 draw with Ghana in Boston. Gary Lineker is joined by Micah Richards, Harry Maguire, Joe Cole and Patrick Vieira for reaction to a disappointing performance from Thomas Tuchel's side. There's also a look at Cristiano Ronaldo joining the party as he scored twice in Portugal's 5-0 win over Uzbekistan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Micah Richards, Joe Cole, Ally McCoist, Joe Hart and Mo Gilligan reflect on Lamine Yamal inspiring Spain to a 4-0 win over Saudi Arabia and they also look at the amazing scenes in Miami as Cape Verde fought to a 2-2 draw with Uruguay to keep their dream of qualifying for the knockout stage alove. Mo also has tales of playing alongside Roberto Carlos and Cafu at Soccer Aid and Joe Hart reveals what it's like to face down Messi one-on-one. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker is joined by Joe Cole, Harry Maguire, Patrick Vieira and Sex Education star Asa Butterfield to reflect on Scotland's narrow defeat to an impressive Morocco side - where does that leave Steve Clarke's men heading into their final group game with Brazil? Speaking of Brazil, they put three past Haiti to keep pace with Morocco, with Matheus Cunha bagging a brace. There's also a look at USA's dominant win and performance over Australia. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Harry Maguire, Joe Cole and World Cup winner Patrick Vieira reflect on a brilliant night for England as they opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas. Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were at the heart of it all but they also look at Tuchel's selection in defence, his use of the substitutes, and the stern words he had for the team as they went in level at the break. Plus we look at Cristiano Ronaldo failing to impress as Portugal limped to a 1-1 draw with DR Congo. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Joe Cole were joined on Netlifx in New York by Harry Maguire who lifted the lid on the conversation where Thomas Tuchel delivered the news that he wasn't in the World Cup squad and how it happened over facetime! There's also discussion of England's chances, the importance of Jordan Henderson, and what Jude Bellingham is really like behind the scenes Plus the team reflects on the amazing performance by Cape Verde in battling to a 0-0 draw with European Champions Spain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Scotland won their must-win game against Haiti and now find themselves top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco's 1-1 draw. Gary, Alan, Micah and Joe Cole look at both of those games as well as reacting to USA's impressive 4-1 over Paraguay on Friday. We're also joined in the studio by Niall Horan with tales of partying with Neymar and Messi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The World Cup has finally started and it was a very lively opener as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a game with three red cards. Gary, Alan and Micah are joined live in their Times Square studio by Frank Lampard and Joe Cole to look at the game and get the pair's thoughts on who Thomas Tuchel should select for England's game against Croatia There's also a look at the challenge ahead for Lampard as he tries to keep Coventry up next season and the ex-Chelsea duo give us their take on Jose Mourinho returning to Real Madrid Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary, Alan and Micah get into World Cup mode as the tournament approaches, breaking down key talking points and setting the scene for what’s to come on the biggest stage in football. This episode is sponsored by Google Gemini. For any Goal. Download the Gemini app today to unlock the power of Google AI on your phone. Check responses. Setup required. Compatibility and availability varies. 18 plus. @GoogleUK #Ad Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary is joined by his former England teammate Terry Butcher to discuss his powerful new documentary, Butcher: Invisible Wounds. Terry opens up about the devastating loss of his son, Chris, and explains how sharing his story in the documentary has helped him cope with his grief and continue the healing process. The pair also look back on Terry's remarkable football career, from the glory years at Ipswich Town and Rangers to his unforgettable experiences with England. They revisit some of the most iconic moments in English football history, including the infamous "Hand of God" match against Argentina, the Italia '90 World Cup campaign that saw England come closer than any side since 1966 to lifting the trophy and Terry's legendary blood-soaked performance against Sweden that became one of the game's most enduring images. Butcher: Invisible Wounds airs on ITV4 on Tuesday 9 June at 10pm. Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey is in cinemas July 17. Book tickets from June 15. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The season's final quiz is here, and it's make-or-break for Alan. The topic: the Brazilians with the most Premier League appearances. With only one victory to his name all season, can he finally topple Micah and salvage some pride before the curtain falls? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary and Micah review the Champions League final as Arsenal had their dreams dashed in a penalty shootout and PSG became only the second team to win the competition in back-to-back seasons Did the referee get the big penalty calls right? Was it a victory for PSG's style of football over Arsenal's attempt to rely on their defence? And what sort of player does Arteta need to add to his squad in order to go one better next season? We also react to the news of Liverpool deciding to part ways with Arne Slot and reportedly replace him with Andoni Iraola. Have they been harsh on Slot considering he won the Premier League just 12 months ago? Or are they getting a clear upgrade in Iraola after the brilliant job he did with Bournemouth this season? Plus there's congratulations for Crystal Palace and Aston Villa after their European triumphs and Gary & Micah tell us all about their weekend rubbing shoulders with some genuine A-list stars The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arch rivals Alan and Micah go head-to-head once again in this week’s quiz, tackling one challenge: naming the Premier League players with the most left-footed goals. With Gary officially retired from quiz duty after a run of disastrous performances, the pressure is on. But when Micah’s own teammate lets him down at a crucial moment, could it hand Alan the victory? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid's shambolic season has featured Tchouaméni and Valverde fined for scrapping, Xabi Alonso sacked, a underwhelming caretaker spell from Alvaro Arbeloa, fans booing the players, no trophies, and a distant second place finish - so naturally the man to bring order to the chaos is...Jose Mourinho? Gary and Alex Aljoe look at the latest coming from the Bernabeu as Mourinho looks set to return, but he may have to wait for Florentino Perez to be re-elected as President first. To add insult to injury the World Cup will be the first not to feature any Real Madrid players in the Spain squad. We look at the reaction to this news, in particular from disgruntled Dean Huijsen. We also present our very own TRIF La Liga end of season awards. Spoiler: there's not much joy for Real Madrid there either. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary and Alan break down a dramatic final day of the Premier League season. West Ham tried their best to survive by beating Leeds 3-0, but it wasn't enough as Tottenham beat Everton to avoid relegation on the final day. So the Hammers are down for the first time in 14 years. Arsenal finally got their hands on the trophy after 22 years, with a record 19 goals from corners and 19 clean sheets. They covered Pep Guardiola's emotional final goodbye at City, Mohamed Salah's record-breaking Liverpool farewell, and Bruno Fernandes making assists history. And then there's Sunderland. Back in the top flight for one season and now heading to Europe for the first time in 53 years. Thomas Tuchel named his England World Cup squad. Cole Palmer, Jarrod Bowen, Morgan Gibbs-White, Phil Foden and Harry Maguire all left out. Gary and Alan talk through the big calls and pick who they would have taken instead. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary returns to the quizmaster’s chair as Alan and Micah go head-to-head once again, this time testing their knowledge on the Portuguese players with the most Premier League appearances. After Micah’s dramatic comeback in their last showdown, can Alan bounce back and even the score, or will Micah continue his winning streak and take another W? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. One platform. Full customer context. Real growth. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal are Premier League champions at last. After 22 years of waiting, Mikel Arteta’s side finally get over the line following Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth. Gary and Alan break down how Arsenal ignored the pressure, silenced the doubters, and delivered when it mattered most. The guys also react to the growing reports that Pep Guardiola could be set to leave Manchester City, discussing the legacy he leaves behind and the enormous impact he’s had on English football, not just on the Premier League, but the game as a whole. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. One platform. Full customer context. Real growth. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta Visit squarespace.com/football to save 10% off your first purchase of a website/domain. For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City beat Chelsea at Wembley to complete the domestic double, with Pep Guardiola claiming his 20th trophy at the club in just 10 years. Has Pep cemented himself as the greatest manager in Premier League history? And with fresh speculation surrounding his future, will he still be at the Etihad next season? At the other end of the table, West Ham’s problems continue after a heavy defeat to Newcastle. With defensive issues mounting and confidence draining, are the Hammers heading for relegation — or is there still hope of a dramatic escape? Plus, Gary and Alan discuss Mohamed Salah’s latest comments, the growing tension around Liverpool, and whether Arne Slot’s future at Anfield could already be in doubt. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gary sits down with Jamie Vardy to talk about Jamie's new show on Netflix: Untold UK: Jamie Vardy, and reflect on one of football’s most remarkable journeys. From being released by Sheffield Wednesday and working in a factory, to rising through the non-league system, joining Leicester City and becoming a Premier League champion, Jamie opens up about the highs, setbacks and defining moments that shaped his career. Together, they look back on Leicester’s historic title-winning season, what made Jamie such a deadly goalscorer, how adversity fuelled his mentality, and the unforgettable Premier League celebrations he hosted at his own house after completing one of the greatest underdog stories in sporting history. Untold UK: Jamie Vardy out on Netflix now The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Visit squarespace.com/football to save 10% off your first purchase of a website/domain. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Shearer hosts this week’s quiz as Gary and Micah battle it out over the 10 most expensive Premier League exports of all time. Can Gary Lineker finally dig deep and claim a rare victory, or is he destined to return to life as the permanent quizmaster? Meanwhile, Micah Richards enters with just one defeat to his name, but can he continue his dominant run and come out on top once again? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. One platform. Full customer context. Real growth. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barcelona are crowned La Liga champions after defeating Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. How has Hansi Flick galvanised this exciting young Barcelona side, and just how far can this new generation go in the seasons ahead? Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting on Real Madrid CF after one of the most disappointing campaigns in the club’s recent history. Reports of dressing-room unrest, including an alleged bust-up between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, have only added to the chaos. With questions being asked from top to bottom, could José Mourinho be the man to restore order at the Bernabéu next season? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Huge controversy at the London Stadium as Arsenal snatch a massive three points away to West Ham. The Hammers thought they had rescued a dramatic injury-time equaliser, only for VAR to rule it out after a lengthy review. Was it the correct decision, and could VAR ultimately decide the Premier League title race? Meanwhile, Manchester City kept the pressure on with a win over Brentford to remain five points behind with a game in hand. But has that costly draw against Everton F.C. already sealed their fate? Elsewhere, Gary, Alan & Micah discuss AFC Bournemouth’s incredible rise towards Champions League football and debate whether Andoni Iraola is making the right decision by leaving at the end of the season. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to set up a Champions League Final clash with PSG. Mikel Arteta’s side overcame Diego Simeone and his men to reach their first final in 20 years, and having gone unbeaten throughout their European campaign so far, can they stop the most in-form team in Europe to finally lift the trophy? PSG booked their place in Munich after seeing off Vincent Kompany’s side in style. With so much firepower in their squad, do they go into the final as favourites against Arsenal , and can they become the first team since Real Madrid to retain the Champions League title? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Visit squarespace.com/football to save 10% off your first purchase of a website/domain. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Big Meeks takes the hot seat as quizmaster for this week’s challenge: who has the most assists in Premier League history? With Gary stepping up as his opponent, can Alan finally secure a quiz win, or will Gaz make it one from one? Two goalscorers trying to guess who has the most assists… What could go wrong? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football.  One platform. Full customer context. Real growth. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid's 2-0 victory at Espanyol means that the title race continues for at least another week and gives Barcelona the opportunity to win it in next week's Clasico in the Nou Camp. Gary and Alex look at an impressive performance from Vinicius Jr in the absence of Mbappe and an eye-catching assist from Jude Bellingham. There's also a look at Barcelona's last gasp win at Osasuna with another big contribution from Marcus Rashford, plus Atletico Madrid managed to win at Valencia despite Simeone making 11 changes ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg with resurgent Arsenal on Tuesday. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City sit five points behind Arsenal, and after Monday night’s draw with Everton, their fate is no longer in their own hands. Are Arsenal now on the brink of their first league title in over 20 years, and could they go even further by achieving immortality with a historic Premier League and Champions League double? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. (fuse march question) Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal stretch their lead to six points at the top of the Premier League with one of their most complete performances of the season. Is this the momentum Mikel Arteta needs as his side push for both domestic and European glory? At the other end, Spurs climb out of the relegation zone after a crucial win over Aston Villa. With Roberto De Zerbi making it two wins from two, belief is building, could their resurgence spell danger for West Ham United? Plus, Gary, Alan & Micah break down the derby between Manchester United and Liverpool, where Kobbie Mainoo impressed once again. The big question: how did he not get a chance under Ruben Amorim? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. (fuse march question) 10 for £100. Stay 10 nights, get £100 back in Hotels.com Cash. UK Customers Only. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Did we just witness one of the greatest football matches in recent memory as PSG edged Bayern 5–4? And after a season of cautious, passive Premier League football, how refreshing was it to see two elite sides go all-out attack? In Madrid, Arsenal head back to the Emirates with a result, but was the game defined more by VAR controversy than football? Were Arsenal unlucky not to go into the second leg with an advantage? Plus, Gary, Alan and Micah break down the electric front threes of PSG and Bayern Munich, how do they stack up against each other, and where do they rank among the best attacking trios of the modern era? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan and Micah go head-to-head once again in this week’s quiz. Will Alan’s Premier League experience and eye for goal give him the edge, or will Micah’s memories of trying to stop these stars prove the difference? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. One platform. Full customer context. Real growth. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barcelona stretched their lead to 11 points after a 2-0 win over Getafe, with Marcus Rashford on the scoresheet again, but the joy was tempered by Lamine Yamal's season-ending hamstring injury. Real Madrid's title hopes were effectively ended on Friday night as Héctor Bellerín's 94th-minute equaliser for Real Betis snatched a 1-1 draw, leaving them 11 points behind Barcelona with just 15 left to play. Gary and Alex ask if losing the title this weekend would actually be kinder than watching it be confirmed by a defeat in El Clásico. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City staged another comeback, beating Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final to set up a showdown with Chelsea as they chase their second domestic trophy of the season. With silverware already in sight, the big question looms, are we witnessing the early signs of yet another City treble? And what is it about Guardiola’s side that makes them so relentless when it matters most? Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a crucial win against Newcastle to stay top of the league, but the performance raised concerns. Despite getting the result, their lack of creativity is becoming hard to ignore. Can they grind out victories in the run-in, or will their attacking struggles cost them the title? Down at the bottom, the relegation battle is heating up. All three teams fighting for survival picked up vital wins, leaving the table unchanged but the tension higher than ever. With momentum building across the board, who has what it takes to stay up, and who’s destined to drop? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Visit squarespace.com/football to save 10% off your first purchase of a website/domain. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Football club ownership has come under intense scrutiny this season. From Manchester United’s staff cuts to Tottenham flirting with relegation, does failure always start at the top and trickle down? Elsewhere, Leicester City have been relegated to League One just ten years after their remarkable Premier League triumph. The guys revisit the role of ownership and ask how much of the club’s decline can be traced back to the tragic death of Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha. Gary, Alan and Micah also turn their attention to the new Ronaldinho Netflix series, debating his legacy and whether he truly matched up to fellow Brazilian great Ronaldo Nazário. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. This episode is brought to you by Disney+, where you can watch every match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League live. Visit Disney+ at https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/home Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was it a case of damned if he did, damned if he didn’t for Liam Rosenior at Chelsea? Did the problems start with the ownership, and was he ultimately doomed from the off? Or was he simply too inexperienced to manage a top-six Premier League dressing room? Gary and Alan analyse the sacking of Liam Rosenior, looking at where things broke down and the deeper financial problems surrounding Chelsea. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eden Hazard vs Mo Salah: Who’s the better footballer? Was Hazard the greatest dribbler the Premier League has ever seen? And should he have achieved more in his career? We look back at the career of one of the Premier League’s most electrifying and easy-on-the-eye players. From dazzling defenders to dominating at his peak, Eden Hazard had it all… but did his laid-back approach ultimately hold him back from true all-time greatness? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City edge Arsenal at the Etihad to move within three points, with a game in hand. Mikel Arteta tweaked his tactics to be more on the front foot, but is it too little, too late? Pep Guardiola and City, on the other hand, now look to be in the driving seat, with a very real chance of securing another treble. Elsewhere, the race for European football is tighter than ever, with just three points separating 6th and 12th. Who will secure a place in Europe next season? At the bottom, there was late heartbreak for Spurs as Brighton snatched an equaliser in the dying seconds, leaving Tottenham favourites to go down. Serious questions remain about Spurs’ game management at 2–1. What does Roberto De Zerbi need to do to guide them to safety, and does he have enough time? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. 10 for £100. Stay 10 nights, get £100 back in Hotels.com Cash. UK Customers Only. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We saw some thrilling football in the Champions League this week and it was mostly from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, PSG and Barcelona so why do the English teams look so sluggish by comparison? Or does Arsenal's safe passage to the semi-finals and six-point lead at the top of the Premier League prove that Arteta's conservative approach is still paying off? Liverpool are out of the Champions League and looking at a season of relative failure, what now for Arne Slot and will they have to spend big in the summer again? And what about the big game on Sunday - will a victory for Manchester City prove fatal to the Gunners' title hopes? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. For more information, head to visitlasvegas.com/soccer-2026 Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Is Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest player to ever grace the Premier League? How did he transform his game from a flashy, unpredictable winger into one of football’s most lethal number nines? And to what extent did his iconic rivalry with Lionel Messi drive him to reach unprecedented heights? Gary, Alan & Micah look back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s short but unforgettable Premier League career. From his early days as a skinny winger, to becoming a relentless, goal-per-game machine across Europe, and one of the greatest players the game has ever seen. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. One platform. Full customer context. Real growth. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid were booed off at the Bernabéu on Friday night, and not for the first time this season, after they failed to beat Girona in a 1-1 draw. Gary and Alex look at what this latest setback means for Alvaro Arbeloa's chances of remaining in charge next season, and whether they have any hope of going to Munich and overturning the 2-1 deficit against Bayern. Barcelona went nine points clear at the top after a 4-1 win over Espanyol, with Hansi Flick taking no chances and playing Lamine Yamal and Pedri for 90 minutes despite the Champions League second leg with Atletico Madrid to come in the week. Will Barca have enough firepower to score the three they need or will that leaky defence prove costly in the Metropolitano? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After Arsenal’s setback against Bournemouth, there are questions about their mentality, what mindset do they need to carry them over the line in the Premier League title race? Should they embrace the pressure rather than shy away from it? Meanwhile, Manchester City’s experience in high-stakes run-ins could prove decisive. Having been there and done it before, does their winning know-how give them the edge as the season reaches its climax? At the other end of the table Spurs have slipped into the relegation zone for the first time this season, raising serious concerns. Can Roberto De Zerbi implement his philosophy quickly enough to turn things around, or is time already running out in the fight for survival? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

PSG dismantled Liverpool at the Parc des Princes and were unlucky not to score even more. Did Arne Slot get it wrong with a back five, or are PSG simply on another level? Elsewhere in Madrid, a brilliant performance from Michael Olise helped Bayern Munich take a crucial lead back to Munich. Another goal for Harry Kane brings his tally to 49 for the season, could he become the first English Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen? Gary, Alan and Micah also look ahead to a pivotal week for Arsenal. Despite an unconvincing performance against Sporting, they got the win, but can they carry that momentum into the weekend against Bournemouth and get their season back on track? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could Harry Kane return to the Premier League and break Alan’s all-time scoring record? Is he already England’s greatest-ever striker? And could he become the first England captain since Bobby Moore to lift the World Cup? Gary, Alan and Micah take a look back at Harry Kane’s incredible journey—from his early loan spells to becoming England captain and one of the greatest goalscorers in Premier League history. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Barcelona move seven points clear at the top of La Liga after coming from behind to beat Atlético Madrid. Marcus Rashford returned to the starting lineup following Raphinha’s injury and capped off an impressive display with a goal, if he maintains this form, is he a shoo-in for England’s left side this summer? Real Madrid, meanwhile, suffered a shock defeat to relegation-threatened Mallorca. Why do Los Blancos continue to struggle in the league while consistently delivering in the Champions League? And if they fall to Bayern Munich, could Álvaro Arbeloa find himself under serious pressure before the season’s end? Elsewhere, Gary and Alex discuss the remarkable performance from Lamine Yamal. Despite shining, he left the pitch frustrated at not getting on the scoresheet, does that mindset show he has the drive to become one of the all-time greats? Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal’s FA Cup exit, coming just two weeks after their Carabao Cup disappointment, leaves their season at a crossroads. With two trophies already gone, could Mikel Arteta’s side really finish the campaign without silverware, and should there be growing concern at the Emirates? Meanwhile, Manchester City delivered arguably their performance of the season in a statement win over Liverpool. Are Pep Guardiola’s men hitting top form at exactly the right moment, and does the result leave Arne Slot under pressure? Elsewhere, Chelsea ran riot with seven against Port Vale, but does the scoreline paper over the cracks? With Enzo Fernández handed a two-game ban, is Liam Rosenior attempting to assert control in the dressing room? Plus, the guys discuss the chaos at the London Stadium as West Ham and Leeds played out one of the games of the season. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alan Shearer goes head-to-head with Micah Richards in our latest quiz challenge, putting their football knowledge to the test with a round on World Cup Golden Boot winners. Will Alan’s wealth of experience on the biggest stage give him the edge, or can Micah snatch another victory and get back to winning ways. Beyond the quiz, the conversation turns to the international break. Are Thomas Tuchel’s side becoming too dependent on Harry Kane for goals? Do the last two matches raise any real concerns, or are they just part of the bigger picture as the tournament approaches? And with squad selection looming, which players have done enough to secure their place, and who may have played themselves out of contention? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was Frank Lampard the greatest goalscoring midfielder in Premier League history? Is he Chelsea’s greatest-ever player? And have we ever seen a spine quite like Cech, Terry, Lampard and Drogba? Gary, Alan and Micah revisit the remarkable career of Frank Lampard, from a doubted teenager at West Ham to the driving force behind one of the Premier League’s most dominant sides, and ultimately Chelsea’s all-time leading goalscorer. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Could there really be a world where Jude Bellingham doesn’t start for England at the World Cup this summer? With Thomas Tuchel favouring Morgan Rogers in the number 10 role so far, is Bellingham facing a place on the bench? There are also big questions up front. Who steps in as backup to Harry Kane? Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Dominic Solanke were both given opportunities against Uruguay but failed to impress, while Ollie Watkins hasn’t quite hit top form this season. Does this point to a wider decline in traditional number nines in the English game? Plus, Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Micah Richards pick their World Cup favourites and assess where England really stand among the contenders. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. This episode is brought to you by Disney+, where you can watch every match of the UEFA Women’s Champions League live. Visit Disney+ at https://www.disneyplus.com/en-gb/home Is your door in the draw? Sign up at www.postcodelottery.co.uk People’s Postcode Lottery manage lotteries on behalf of good causes, 18 plus, conditions apply, play responsibly, not available in Northern Ireland. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What was it really like playing under Jürgen Klopp during that era-defining rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester City? What kind of manager was he behind the scenes? How difficult was it to keep his place at Manchester City when big-money signings in his position arrived summer after summer? What were Alan Shearer and Micah Richards really like as teammates? Gary is joined by the most capped Premier League player ever, James Milner. From becoming the league’s youngest-ever goalscorer at the time to still playing in the Premier League in his 40s, he shares memories of playing alongside David Silva at Manchester City, his special bond with close friend Diogo Jota, and the mentality that kept him at the elite level for decades. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. Sign up and use the referral code FOOTBALL and you could win a 1990 England shirt signed by the hosts of The Rest Is Football. Visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football for terms and conditions. Is your door in the draw? Sign up at www.postcodelottery.co.uk People’s Postcode Lottery manage lotteries on behalf of good causes, 18 plus, conditions apply, play responsibly, not available in Northern Ireland. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Would Kevin De Bruyne make the greatest ever Premier League XI? Was he Pep Guardiola’s most influential player at Manchester City? And despite all the praise, could he still be… underrated? Gary Alan and Micah dive into the Premier League career of one of the game’s all time great creators. From being cast aside by Chelsea to returning as the heartbeat of a dominant Manchester City side, they explore how De Bruyne redefined the role of a modern midfielder, and where he truly ranks among the Premier League greats. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. Sign up and use the referral code FOOTBALL and you could win a 1990 England shirt signed by the hosts of The Rest Is Football. Visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football for terms and conditions. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trent Alexander-Arnold was dropped for the Madrid derby after reportedly being late for training, but he came off the bench to assist Vinicius Jr's winner and go some way to again proving his doubters wrong just a few days after he wasn't named in Thomas Tuchel's 35-man England squad. Gary and Alex react to a brilliant game in the Bernabeu as Vini Jr's brace and another goal from Fede Valverde secured a crucial 3-2 victory. Watch out for another golazo from Atletico's Nahuel Molina. Barcelona were below their best in a 1-0 win over Rayo Vallecano, relying on a string of saves from goalkeeper Joan Garcia to hold onto the three points and remain top of La Liga. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Manchester City lay down a statement, dominating Arsenal to lift the Carabao Cup. With momentum now on their side, can the Citizens hunt down Arsenal and also snatch the Premier League title? Mikel Arteta also finds himself under the spotlight. Should he have trusted his first-choice goalkeeper? Did his team selection, particularly at left back, cost Arsenal? And is this side too cautious when it matters most? Gary, Alan and Micah also break down the weekend’s Premier League fixtures, including Sunderland’s big win in the Tyne-Wear derby. Plus, they dive into Thomas Tuchel’s latest England squad and debate the big decision to leave out Trent Alexander-Arnold. The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. Sign up and use the referral code FOOTBALL and you could win a 1990 England shirt signed by the hosts of The Rest Is Football. Visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football for terms and conditions. When you've done enough, Uber Eats. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Newcastle went to the Nou Camp with realistic hopes of reaching the Champions League quarter-finals but in a game that was 2-2 until the stroke of half-time Barcelona went through the gears and ended up embarrassing the Toon Army 7-2 on the night. What did Hansi Flick do at the break to outwit Eddie Howe? Elsewhere, Liverpool and Arsenal progressed with comfortable wins over Galatasaray and Leverkusen but with Manchester City, Chelsea and Tottenham all being on the end of heavy defeats should we be concerned about the strength of the top English teams or is this just evidence that the European heavyweights save themselves for nights like these? Plus, Micah reveals what it was like to be on the receiving end of a touching tribute from none other than Thierry Henry The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Was Luis Suárez’s 2013/14 season the greatest individual Premier League campaign of all time, or does Liverpool falling short of the title hold him back? Gary, Alan & Micah take a deep dive into Suárez at his unstoppable peak, while also confronting the controversies that shadowed his career, from the Branislav Ivanović biting incident to the allegations involving Patrice Evra. Do those moments change how we remember his brilliance? The guys also break down Suárez’s electric partnership with Raheem Sterling and Daniel Sturridge, comparing them to other iconic trios, including Rooney, Ronaldo and Tevez, and Salah, Mané and Firmino. Which attack truly stands above the rest? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Real Madrid dismantled Elche 4-1 at the Bernabeu thanks in part to an astonishing Arda Guler strike from deep inside his own half, the win also saw another goal for Fede Valverde after his Champions League hat-trick last week. Gary and Alex also look at whether Real might be moving away from the "Galacticos" mentality as five academy players were on the pitch, and impressed, at the Bernabeu. Barcelona got back to winning ways after their draw with Newcastle last week, putting five goals past Sevilla at the Nou Camp including a hat-trick for Raphinha. Atletico Madrid got themselves a 1-0 win over Getafe thanks to a stunning strike from Nahuel Molina, in a game which also featured a rather unusual red card... Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Arsenal wonderkid Max Dowman has made history, becoming the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history at just 16 years and 73 days. His goal helped Arsenal move nine points clear of Manchester City. Is the title race already over? Elsewhere, Manchester United take another big step toward UEFA Champions League qualification, with Bruno Fernandes adding two more assists to his tally. Is he the best player in the Premier League right now? Plus, Micah Richards reflects on his own rise as a teenage star and shares the advice he’d give to the game’s next generation, including Max Dowman and Rio Ngumoha. How do young talents stay grounded, handle the spotlight, and fulfil their incredible potential? The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. When you've done enough, Uber Eats. Make a donation to the Alan Shearer Foundation here: https://www.alanshearerfoundation.org.uk/ Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub including AI-powered team ratings, transfer tips, and expert team reveals to help you climb the table - plus access to our private Slack community. Sign up today at therestisfootball.com. https://therestisfootball.com/?utm_source=podcast&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=episode_description&utm_content=link_cta For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices