In short
Pitchside’s first live-from-New-York World Cup preview, covering England prep, key squad debates, tournament format (48 teams, group dynamics), USA prospects, Scotland as a surprise, VAR rule changes, and a sweepstakes/second-team picks game.
Guests
Tommy G (Tom Garrett) and multiple co-hosts/regulars named in the transcript: Lewis, Will, Theo, Reeve, plus “Stan” and “Liam” mentioned as part of the production/crew.
Guest backgrounds
Tommy G is an England-focused contributor doing call-in shows and vlogs; Reeve is described as a Scottish resident; others are England-following presenters traveling for matches (Dallas mentioned).
Key claims
Saka may miss/rotate early due to injury; Declan Rice is seen as having an “engine” and not tiring; debate over Jude Bellingham vs Morgan Rogers for midfield 10; Scotland won’t be as bad as expected; USA will progress further than expected; 48-team format dilutes quality and reduces jeopardy; Ronaldo’s decline could hurt Portugal.
Notable examples
England vs New Zealand friendly (slow quality, knackered players); Scotland’s past 3-1 loss (June 2025); VAR: corner-award checks, second-yellow review, attacking foul before ball in play, mistaken identity red-card correction.
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOFirst Podcast from New York
1:02 to 2:21
Discussion about the first show in New York and initial thoughts on the tournament.
“We are out here for the entire tournament, if you didn't know that already.”
Excitement for the World Cup
2:21 to 3:17
Hosts express their excitement for the World Cup and its significance.
“So I think all the pubs by me will have flags and stuff.”
England's Team and Performance
3:17 to 4:27
Discussion around England's recent matches and player performances leading to the World Cup.
“Did anyone watch England friendly against New Zealand?”
Jude Bellingham vs. Morgan Rodgers Debate
4:27 to 6:46
A heated discussion on the selection of Jude Bellingham versus Morgan Rodgers for the England squad.
“I think he's immune to being tired, which is very, very good.”
Scotland's World Cup Aspirations
6:46 to 8:07
Conversation about Scotland’s potential performance in the World Cup and their team strengths.
“It's not like he's had a bad season though.”
Older Players and Their Last Chance
8:07 to 10:13
Discussion on older players participating in the World Cup and their potential impact.
“I think that takes away what he does for England.”
Critique of Cristiano Ronaldo
10:13 to 14:01
Debate over Cristiano Ronaldo's current form and impact on his national team.
“yeah do you know what I mean I think when it gets going and like we start watching BBC and all that we've flown all the way to New York and we're already in World Cup Fever.”
Debating Ronaldo and Messi's Impact
14:01 to 16:40
The hosts discuss the performances and impact of Ronaldo and Messi in the upcoming World Cup.
“It does feel like the last dance almost, doesn't it?”
USA's Chances in the World Cup
16:41 to 19:10
The group analyzes the USA team's composition and their potential performance in the World Cup.
“Well, because a lot of their players already play in America, so they don't need to acclimatize or get used.”
Home Nations Performance Predictions
19:11 to 22:40
Discussion on the potential success of the home nations in the World Cup, focusing on Canada, Mexico, and the USA.
“Do you think all the home nations will get through the group stages?”
Show all 20 chapters
48-Team World Cup Debate
22:41 to 25:40
The hosts debate the implications of expanding the World Cup to 48 teams and its impact on the quality of the tournament.
“that kind of makes the chances of shocks less likely?”
Argentina's World Cup Prospects
25:41 to 28:00
The conversation shifts to Argentina's chances in the tournament, focusing on their experienced players and recent form.
“I don't know why there's so much hate towards the poor fella.”
World Cup Sweepstake Plans
28:00 to 34:00
The hosts discuss their World Cup sweepstake, choosing teams and rules.
“He's left me last because I've either got a great team or a terrible one.”
VAR Changes for the World Cup
34:00 to 35:06
The hosts explain new VAR rules being implemented at the World Cup.
“So no Germany taken, no Netherlands taken?”
Controversial VAR Implementations
35:06 to 38:12
Discussion on the implications and thoughts about VAR in football.
“Aren't international representatives you should be across the board here too?”
Tom's World Cup Experience
38:12 to 42:01
Tom shares his plans and experiences for the World Cup from England.
“So Tom, whilst you're over in England, what are you doing for us?”
Pre-Game Food and Room Antics
42:01 to 43:19
The hosts discuss trying Ghanaian food and their room arrangements during the tournament.
“Lewis, when we play Ghana, I want you, because you're not very cool to it, I want you to try Ghanaian food.”
Technical Difficulties and Improvements
43:20 to 43:48
The hosts experience technical issues but remain optimistic about improving the podcast during the tournament.
“But also Reeve does have a washing machine in his room.”
World Cup Streaming Plans
43:49 to 44:21
The hosts outline their plans for live podcasting and content creation during the World Cup.
“We're hoping that throughout the tournament it sort of gets easier with everything.”
Call to Action and Subscriber Goals
44:22 to 44:59
The hosts encourage listeners to subscribe and outline their content release schedule for the tournament.
“He can't even stand up straight on the sofa.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Welcome back to Pitchside, ladies and gentlemen! We are out in the United States of America. America, motherfucker. We're in New York City, aren't we, boys? Yeah. And thank you to some incredible technology. We've also got Tommy G. Tommy G. Are you on about the one next year or actually me? We've got two Toms. Yeah, two Tom Garrett, mate. Also, I need to wear a hat. I look like an egg. Oh, well, nothing changed from usual. Yeah, I'm going to put on my... So he's picked out the one in the middle of the set. Oh, yeah, class. How you doing, Tom? Why don't you just put the book out on this, on the cutout?
0:45Because bucket hat and headphones doesn't work very well. It's Tom. Yeah. How's England, Tom? Wet. Oh, nice. Really wet. This is our first ever show coming at you live from New York City. We are out here for the entire tournament, if you didn't know that already. We are coming at you with three podcasts a week. Hell yeah. Pitchside Uncut. Tom's first call-in show was recorded today. How did that go, Tom? I had a little preview that we were listening. I thought it was very funny. It was very good. Was it good? Yeah, I'm excited for that. Yeah, it wasn't as deranged as I thought it would be. The callers were actually...
1:23Wait till the tournament starts, mate. The callers were actually pretty level-edded. No, it's fun. It was a good laugh. Is that a call-out for more deranged listeners? Yeah. They can't be fans of art. That's what I'm for. I was like, there can't be pickside listeners. I don't know if they're Stanley's mates. Stanley's mates. If he's drafted in. Well, Tom, you'd be proud to know that me, Lewis, Will and the boys got pretty bevved last night. So it's our first podcast and we are hungover. It's what we do. Well, you didn't get pretty bevved. You went home early and read a book. I didn't read a book.
1:56I went straight to sleep. I had five pints for it. You still did go home early. You did go home at 9pm. Yeah, it's 10pm. It's pretty unprofessional. there you go very professional to be fair no unprofessional unprofessional from Revo no earlier getting fucking I haven't had a drink in like a week thank you show some respect to the show please we're going to come back and Tom's like a Shaolin monk because we've got a big few weeks England are playing next week bro yeah very very true but it's also the New York Knicks tonight as well so there's a big NBA contingent out in force tonight isn't that boys which we're going to be attending but how's the World Cup prep been going for you Tom are you excited so far from what you've seen of the England camp I'll be honest I've not seen anything over here it's just like I feel like it doesn't even feel like there's a tournament oh really yeah you reckon that's because of the time differences I've got no idea there's no flags there's nothing it doesn't really feel like much is happening fear's representing the whole country here to be fair it hasn't ramped up here yet because everyone in New York is on about the Knicks still on the NBA No one's like traveled out to this area, to New York yet.
3:04In fairness, I haven't been home home. So I think all the pubs by me will have flags and stuff. But in London, it's business as usual. It's fucking boring. What are our thoughts on the American World Cup? I'm excited for it. Three country World Cup, first ever. Why not? Yeah, it's very exciting. Did anyone watch England friendly against New Zealand? I did, yeah. I thought the goal was good, but I thought the quality of the game was a little bit slow, wasn't it? Everyone looked knackered, mate. It was like mixed teams and stuff though, wasn't it? I feel like the next, where are we playing today, aren't we?
3:36So like, that'll be a bit more of a tell. The thing that I didn't realise, so Saka's, Saka's not going to play or start many of the games because of injuries. So we actually just have a Maduweki as our... I actually think after watching the New Zealand game, obviously Rio got player of the match, but he was phenomenal. Yeah, but he's not in the squad. I know, but the way he was attacking players, like why not just get him in squad too cool? Too late now. Because you can't. It's not a thing it is too late if you get an injury. Saka's going to start the first game I know but like he's saying like Tuchel's saying like he said he's not 100 % he said he's not 100 % right now he'll be he will play all the big games what do we think of Vice Vice Captain the Tuchel press conference was totally valid he said that he's had a great last few seasons he's one of the natural leaders in the squad obviously beside Harry Kane he's probably the biggest in terms of leadership personality I think he deserves he should be Arsenal captain really yeah he should and to be fair Erdogan's he's a voice for that voice yeah he will be the future one I reckon but yeah I think Deke deserves it Deke I didn't realise he's already got 72 caps for England yeah that's like a shitload yeah but there's so many games these days they rack him up so quickly is that a sign how much he's been Arteta's most played player he's playing so much for England is there a concern that he might just not have the legs this tournament I think he'll be absolutely fine he's one of them players that will just keep running and running and running.
4:59I don't actually think he gets tired. I think he's immune to being tired, which is very, very good. I've seen a lot of discourse online. Do you not agree with that at all? What's he on about? Because he gets tired. He was out on his feet in the Champions League final. Mate, he does not get tired. What are you on about? Yeah, sorry. Yeah, you're right. Yeah, it's a fact Declan Rice doesn't get tired. He doesn't get tired, mate. He's got an engine like a horse. Mate, when he shugs, he goes all night. Horses get tired too. Horses don't get tired either. No, but there's been a lot of discord about Jude Bellingham online at the moment.
5:31There's been a lot of discord. Discourse about Jude Bellingham. Do you think he's getting a little bit overlooked about how important he is for England in the number 10 position or not? Well, Tom, you feel very strongly about it. I think he's a really good player, but so is Rodgers. If he doesn't start, then so what? He hasn't done anything for 18 months. Who would you start in the first game? Rodgers. Would you? Yeah. He's had a great season. What's Bellingham done? This is... By the way, whenever I discuss this, all anyone ever says to me is, is Jude Bellingham? Like, that's a fucking debate.
6:09It is a debate, though. But it's not. Why should he start? Everyone says, oh, really big moments. He's got one big moment for England. I think I like his... I like a little bit of arrogance in the team. I'm not saying... He has a bit more... Not everyone can be a holly jolly. he is a bit more of like I'm going to fucking do this myself. Like he's a match winner as well. So is Rodgers? He's done that all season? All I'm saying is I don't necessarily disagree that it should be Rodgers but I think you start first game with Bellingham and let's see what Bellingham we have and if it's a Bellingham who's still not off Lewis, your argument has always been we should go into this tournament with players in form who've been playing well.
6:46Bellingham hasn't had a good season. Yeah, but he's been injured. It's not like he's had a bad season though. It's not been a good one. Madrid have severely underperformed and he's been a reason for that when he's played I'm not going to lie I'm actually not bothered both ways I think it's an absolute career problem to have we're arguing between two very good footballers absolutely fine minute details really do you know one good thing you've raised a good point there Reeve is that we're actually arguing between two players rather than you also whacking in Foden and Palmer as well at least Tuchel's actually just made some bold decisions and gone you know what we're leaving these people out so we can reduce the amount of decisions to make Palmer's in the World Cup advert and he's not even at the top yeah very awkward that's very awkward for him isn't it do you not think with the Jude Ballonham situation though is he plays for Real Madrid he's used to these bigger cases there's scrutiny on him there's eyes on him is that not what we want at a World Cup Tom yeah but so did Thomas Graveson but I wouldn't play him over Declan Rice I think just because but Real Madrid are crap at the minute as well I don't know why it's he plays for Real Madrid like alright great but Rodgers has been doing it in Europe and the Premier League for Villa all season.
7:55I don't know why. I thought everyone wanted players in form playing, but now suddenly everyone wants Bellingham just because he's Jude Bellingham, which I don't think... He's got one big moment for England. I don't know why everyone says he's a moments player. He's got one big moment. I think that takes away what he does for England. Every time he's played, I think he's been one of our better players every time he's played for England. Would you not agree? Really? What? He was terrible. You're actually a Bellingham. You think Verratti's better than Bellingham. You actually fucking hate him. You hate Jude Bellingham.
8:24Let's get it out in the open right now. Say it. What the fuck is your problem with Jude Bellingham? He's a good lad. I think everyone ever hates him. Everyone always says, oh, he's a problem for England. No, he's not. How do you know? I'm a friend of the show, mate, with all of them. They're all my friends of the show as well, actually. And I've heard he's very good in the camp. And he gives positive vibes. Nice. He's very good at bed. And I've heard he's very good in bed. He's a gentle lover. He's a gentle lover. I think he's going to be fantastic. Why do you hate him? Is it because he's just too handsome and talented and rich?
9:02I don't hate him at all. I just think he's really overrated. I think it's like I think I think I think it's like the Justin Bieber thing. Do you know when Justin Bieber was coming up, right? I love Justin Bieber. Because all the girls fancied him. I think we're all jealous of Bingham. I think you're speaking for yourself there, mate. There's a lot of players in the English squad that are doing quite well and quite attractive, aren't they? Not as attractive as him. Go through the list. Just because I think there's players better than Bellingham doesn't mean I hate him. I actually don't mind Morgan Rodgers in, if I'm honest.
9:33I think, like, either way... There's definitely other positions where you could argue one's a lot better than the other. Left wing. It was night... I know it's a friendly, but it was night and day between Rashford and Gordon, by the way, against New Zealand. Yeah, Gordon's... I couldn't believe the difference. I actually thought DJ Ebbers was really good in that game. so just moving away from England Mexico South Africa opening game tomorrow reverse of the 2010 World Cup how exciting are we? we're really excited that's the tournament sorry yeah woo that's the tournament start 3 o 'clock here for us yeah I think Tom is right though it doesn't feel like a World Cup because it hasn't started yeah do you know what I mean I think when it gets going and like we start watching BBC and all that we've flown all the way to New York and we're already in World Cup Fever.
10:20We prepared our studio set for six weeks. Do you know what Theo said to me yesterday? We were sat here and he was like, so how are we going to watch the games? I had to point out the telly. He's like, but will he have it on telly? I'm like, well, I bloody hope they have it televised. They're fucking hosting the competition. It's not on terrestrial telly in the US though. What do you mean? It's on Fox. Now we've got a fire stick. We're going to get Fox fire sticks. A dodgy stick. No, an actual Amazon fire stick. We bought it from Best Buy. Why don't you actually go out and enjoy the atmosphere instead of sitting in watching it?
10:53Why are we going to do that when doing live streams of the game, mate? What? You're live streaming that? Yeah, Mexico. Oh, well, all right then. The ones you're not, surely you're going to go into the city. Oh, yeah. Yeah, mate, London is my city. We'll be out there straight away. Don't worry about that. We'll be busy. Tom, what's your thoughts on Theo doing a diss track, by the way? It's been floated around in the pitch side camp over here. we have some bars written Lewis that's for backside brother wrong show Scotland they're in the World Cup Reeve as a resident Scottish man over there how do you think they're going to do well I had them as a surprise package I'm going to do alright why is that funny because they're shit they're not as bad as people expect them to they beat Curacao everyone's saying they're going to get to the quarters who's saying that all the Scottish fans yeah Yeah, so that doesn't count.
11:48But the rest of the tournament, people will think that they're bad. To be fair, they do actually have one of the best midfielders in world football as well. John McGinn. And Scott McTominay. Honestly, don't write off Haiti. Don't write off Haiti. What makes you think that, Tom? I don't even think they'll score. What, with Isidor up front? Oh, he's done his research, has he? He's done his research. I honestly think they might not be Haiti. What? No. Genuinely. explain your reasons then Tom Scotland are shocking they've got why why are they shocking should we go through their team yeah they've got their star striker plays for hearts or now rangers that's a pub that's a pub league Isidore would start for Scotland and he's playing for Heideau everyone's laughing at the last time Scotland played against but you're criticising Scotland you can only have one player you can name from Heideau you keep going to Isidore they got one of the They've got Bellegarde as well.
12:47They've got one of the best left-backs of Premier League of all time. They've got Christie. They've got Scott McTominay, obviously. Wow. Wait. Shiver me timbers. Different team, though. Scott McTominay is one of the best midfielders in world football. The last time Scotland played someone similar rank to Haiti, they lost 3-1 at home. How long ago was that? That was... Three years ago. June 2025. See? Do you not think they're going into the tournament with a lot of hope of expectation? and that counts for something at least in the first. Well, not every country in the World Cup is expecting to make it semi-deep.
13:20Every country goes into the World Cup with hopes and expectations. I don't think Scotland are expected to make it deep, though. No, well... Not even semi-deep. Into at least the last... past the first couple knockouts. They're lucky if they get the tip in. They should be at least aiming for third, shouldn't they? What's that? The best place, third place. Yeah, absolutely. Grant Hanley starts. Grant Hanley is a Newcastle legend. Also, you've got to be a seriously bad team to not qualify out of this World Cup. Sorry. How old is Grant Hanley, by the way? He must be like 37. Yeah, but there's loads of...
13:56It's a great segue, by the way, speaking of older players. Great segue, speaking of older players, because there are a few older players. It does feel like the last dance almost, doesn't it? You know, you've got Ochoa, Messi, Ronaldo. Hornwander. Kevin De Bruyne, Luka Modric playing in the last World Cup. Ochoa's going to hit six first. Ronaldo. No, these aren't Ronaldo's last vocal. Did you see Ronaldo's header? That clip is so good, man. Did you see his goal as well? He's fucking shit, mate. I actually think I'm better than Ronaldo right now. Mate, do we start pulling up Messi misses, mate? We can all do that, can't we?
14:29He wasn't actually saying Messi versus Ronaldo there. He was just saying... He's saying Lewis. Why don't you let him off? He's one of the greatest footballers of all time. You're laughing at one of the greatest footballers of all time for missing a header. He's going to actually be a detriment to Portugal. He's going to ruin their chances. He has been for the last few tournaments, though. So whoever, like... Surely it's not an obvious thing to realise that he probably shouldn't be playing. No, not according to Theo. He's one of the greatest footballers ever. I don't think he'll make it to the quarterfinals because of him.
14:57Pele, I won't play him. Pele's dead. Exactly. I'd rather play Pele. I actually think, I've said that, as my hot take, they're not even making it to the quarters because of him. If they took him out of the team, they have a great chance of having a run. Midfielders way too good. I'd be surprised if they make it out. And their manager, their manager's fucking gash. They literally have the best three midfielders in the world. Yeah, true. I'm actually so excited for this World Cup. A, to watch England, and B, to hate watch Ronaldo. I swear to God, it's actually unhealthy. It's actually unhealthy how much I can't weigh from Demis Headers.
15:35He'll probably get a couple of pens. Yeah, exactly. Is he still on free kicks, even though he hasn't scored one? for the 10 year. Bruno took it and scored, didn't he? Yeah, but Ronaldo will still take him because he's Ronaldo. Ronaldo's now, he's now developed a bit more empathy. Did you not know he's one of the greatest footballers ever, Theo? He is one of the greatest footballers ever. So he's got to take the free kicks. No, no, no, because he's so great that he now realises Bruno's probably better at free kicks. So actually, he's a genius. He doesn't think that or accept it. No, he does. Trust me, I know.
16:05Ronaldo has been good at free kicks, by the way, for 20 years. That Portsmouth free kick was the best free kick. The last good free kick he had. About the one he scored against Arsenal. No. That was the same year. About the one he scored for Real Madrid. Which? I don't know where he points he scored. All of them. Mate, there was like seven players on that team who were better at free kicks than them. Was that against Porto? But yes, Scott. No. What? Oh, Angry Tom. What's up? We're getting our ball and one is wrong. Is it because you think James Hill's a good goal scorer. Anyways, moving on, guys.
16:40How do you think USA are going to fare? I've got the kit on me. I think they'll do all right. I actually think they will do okay. Why? Well, because a lot of their players already play in America, so they don't need to acclimatize or get used. That's not actually true. Yeah, they don't have many players who play in the US. Yeah, they normally play. They all play in Europe, do they not? But that's more than a percentage of other teams in the tournament. To be fair, they have Pulisic, who is the fourth best footballer in the world. They've only got like two players who play in the MLS, I think. Yeah, you've got Tim Ream.
17:12Freeman plays for Villarreal. And the goalie. All right, well, ignore that fact then. McKennie plays for Juventus, doesn't he? Home crowd advantage. Alligan plays in France, I think. Every stadium full with American fans. I've seen a tweet actually that said like American fans are just Arsenal fans. Once I've seen that, there's so many similarities. If you ever wonder how people see Arsenal fans as Arsenal fans, because you can't tell, look at American fans and that's how we see yous. What's wrong with American fans? Nothing's wrong. It's just that's how yous are. Because it sounds like... Yeah, it just...
17:43I didn't want to say it's on, but like, yeah, it's just... For yous to realise how we see you, look at America's fans. Arsenal have done alright this season, so maybe America will too. Do you actually think America will do well? I think they're fucked. They just lost to Germany, didn't they? Definitely in like, what? Past the... Maybe in the round of 16. Did you see Anthony Robertson's goal? Yeah, that was a good finish. Oh, mate, that was naughty. I just can't stand the idea of them doing well and American carrying this narrative on that they could run football if they want to. I want them to get fucking pummeled by everyone, mate.
18:17Here's a question. Who do you think will go furthest out of the home nation? Yeah, I was about to ask that. Mexico. No, no, it's good. Well, I've got the groups up. You think it's Mexico, do you? Definitely, yeah. Yeah, you put money on Mexico. So look at the groups. USA, Paraguay, Australia, Turkey. Where are you? I actually think USA will progress further. I don't know what I did in my bracket, but I'm leaning towards USA now. I think between USA and USA. I just think they actually have some good ballers. And the home crowd, I know obviously Mexico will be playing in front of the home crowd, so we'll Canada, but they don't have a passionate crowd though.
18:48So which ballers have they got, do you reckon, Peter? Pulisic, Balogun at Monaco. McKennie's decent for you there. And they've got Robinson as well. They've got the other Robinson. Oh, you got it on your phone. Oh, you cheat. So Genio Desk, obviously very... Miles Robinson, the centre-off for Cincinnati. Yeah, he's a baller, man. They also got Pochettino. They also got Poch. He's on Fraud Watch at the moment. And Gio Reyna, future star. Won't play. Do you think all... Aronson at Leeds, he'll come on. We might start, to be fair. I like... He's actually decent. Yeah. Do you think all the home nations will get through the group stages?
19:27I don't know about Canada. No, they should. No, Canada will. Look at their group shit. I know, but there's always... there's always a bottle like it's never how you're expected is it Lewis you only need one win to qualify and they've got Qatar yeah that is facts all the home nations will definitely qualify I think just because like USA have got USA have got Paraguay Australia Australia you only need one win to qualify there's so many games there's like four games a day at the moment like the sheer amount of football is going to be crazy I wish we could just skip the groups what do we think of this 48 team world cup there too many a lot of football too many teams too many too many games that you just think i'm not that bothered it's just like it's like let's really realistically all these these teams that they added none of them are going to do anything significant in the tournament like it should be a more elite group of teams where they're and then it's silly and it becomes like the other games where people are stat padding seven nils and it's like they're not quite you want that it's like the simon charity game like that's that's it But that's for entertainment.
20:30Football isn't about entertainment. It's about sport first. What the fuck are you on about? It's sport first. And then it becomes entertaining because of it. You don't think, let's throw more people in and have some seven nils. It's stupid. Sport is entertainment. Yes, but it's sport. But the Champions League format has changed for entertainment purposes. I hate that though. Sport should always come first. They shouldn't make decisions on the sport. I don't think you understand what you're talking about. I think sport integrity is first. It's like when they have medaled in the F1. it's sport first and then it becomes entertaining but that has to be first ah disagree it definitely has to otherwise you start making decisions that changes the game also yeah more teams doesn't make it more entertaining I actually think it dilutes the entertainment because you're going to see fucking Panama against Ghana like yeah but they're some of the games that might be the most entertaining they're not though because it's not high quality football that's what I'm saying it's not like a silly Ghana are a good side they are who've they got Who've they got then, Theo?
21:28The menu. Who else? And the others? Who? Asmone and Jean. See, this is the problem. You see the good, and then you don't even think it. No, but my point is, just because they're like... Good team, they just drew to Wales who didn't qualify. Just because they're less a quality team doesn't mean they're going to be... They're still going to be... It could be like 5-0 that game. That's fun for what? No, but they shouldn't be in the World Cup. They shouldn't be in the highest... The most prestigious tournament. God, I literally have made it to like a World Cup quarter-final before. Yeah, years ago, but now this modern team isn't going to be 16 years ago like football evolves right England have their only World Cup from a 16 team competition you don't invite everyone no but yeah but like I think this is actually a decent amount of team are you looking forward to DR Congo against Uzbekistan genuinely absolutely that's what the World Cup is all about mate that's what the World Cup is all about that really DR Congo versus Uzbekistan I'm going to hate you're going to hate what's Visa Wan-Bissaku it's Visa versus Kusin off, mate.
22:25It's going to be a great game. I feel really passionate about this. It really pisses me off. I just feel like... I don't know why they changed it. It doesn't make a better dialogue. Yeah, I don't know why they've changed it. You know why they changed it, though. We all know why they changed it. More games, more money, isn't it? That's why they changed it, let's be honest. Do you think having this many teams in it, though, especially Minos, that kind of makes the chances of shocks less likely? Yes. Because normally the groups were better. Yeah, it does. You know what? There was more group of death.
22:49Yeah, you can't... You can't get grouped now because you need one win. Yeah, Argentina could have a bad group here, but they'll probably get third, and then they can get a bit more momentum later. Like in the groups, is there anywhere where we think there's going to be a surprise? It's like they've taken away all, what's the word? They've taken all the jeopardy and stakes out of this. They've Americanized it. They are fucking American. America used to be the best part of the tournament groups where it was like anything could happen. Is it? Is it the best part of the tournament? Are you saying?
23:23Knockouts are the best part. Surely the last stages of World Cup competitions are always in the best. No, because it's hope and everyone's in it and you can see big luck. Knockouts are definitely the better part of the tournament. That's a terrible take. Wait, did he just say the groups are the best part? Yeah. No, no, no. I said it used to be one of the best. No, you didn't. I said one of the best. We have it on tape. £10. Just below the round of 16, quarter-final, seven-final. And the final, yeah. I'd argue groups is better than round of 16. What? No, it's not. You're short. There's genuine upsets in those round of 16 matches because they're one-off game.
23:56What are you on about? Yeah. Remember when he said something about Ghana, lads? What the hell are you talking about? Getting on someone else. No, but we do, obviously, we touched the World Cup, but we want to talk about what's actually coming up for us as well. As a show. As a show during the World Cup. We are going to be live streaming a lot of games. We're going to be going to all the England games. We follow in England as well. Absolutely, man. That's why we're here. yeah they're proven to be quite expensive you're a scottish rave both mate you're following norway i've got skin in the game for three teams mate we found out that robin williams inspired him to become a doctor on this trip as well so that's a start robbie williams robbie robbie robbie williams yeah why didn't he crack america mate we're actually gonna do it we're actually gonna crack it before him we've already started cracking it to be honest i think um messy scored in the opening in their friendly last friendly before the World Cup what was it 45 seconds after scored once he came on and scored after a minute he is was it Penny yeah he got a pen he's aged well yeah that was his goal he scored after a minute I thought he scored yeah they brought him on to take a pen he kind of won the penalty for him yeah I know I'm joking do you know we were seeing like Ronaldo's pass his best do you think Messi's kind of saved his legs for this do we expect a tournament I actually think international football because of how incredible his football IQ is.
25:22Because of the pace of the game, it actually doesn't affect his game. He's genuinely still one of the best players in the world. Yeah, it literally is. It's like Luka Modric as well. He's so more impactful still. It's those types of players, isn't it? And then there's Ronaldo. I mean, if he was in like a Premier League or, you know, like Champions League at the point, it's very different than international football. You think he's better than Messi as well? I don't know why there's so much hate towards the poor fella. Because he's Homeland of me. He's evil. He's such a poor fella. He's a poor fella, man.
25:48he's got it hard in life he has Ronaldo I think Argentina will go far in this tournament
25:57because of the no pressure on them have you seen that they've been there done that they've kind of won so much as well they've won like pretty much I think this could be the fifth international trophy Alvarez in form coming into it Real Madrid sniffing around him he's got like he's kind of horny coming in I don't know Enzo Fernandes had a good season yeah they'll deal with the heat Yeah, they've got Martin Eddinger World Cup performer Yeah But I think we I think we Come up against them In the semis If it goes The way people think That provided both teams Top the group Yeah, I wouldn't Fancy us to beat them Who have we got Who have we got As our second team, lads Who we supported Well, it's funny you should say that Go on I've done a randomiser Oh You've done a random What, you've given us A second team Wait, is it live now We're going to do it Or you've already I haven't got that technology on me.
26:48But I've done a spin of a wheel. So if you put all the teams in... Is this a pit side sweepstakes? No, this is your second teams. Or you can do sweepstakes. Whoever's second team goes the furthest. £50. How much? £50. And you've got to learn the language of the team. And you've got to go and live there for a year. Deal. Right,£50 in, boys. Who's our teams? Right, Theo, you came up first. You've got Croatia. Oh, not bad. Can't you live spin it? I don't trust this. They could do all right, you know. I like Dubrovnik. I like Split. Hang on, let me see if I can... No, no, no, no. We'll just keep it in.
Read the full transcript
27:29Keep it in. I'll take Croatia, mate. We trust you. Right, Reeve, let's spin for you. You got USA. Oh, I've got the kit on the right. USA. USA. I'm going to be living here for six weeks, mate. I've already committed to the language too. That's fine. I already know who I've got. Hello there. I've got Haiti. Tom. You got Sweden. Oh, Sweden! Graham Potter! Oh my god, Tom, you could do the Yockbop. The what? The Yockbop. That's the. Oh, you can't bleep that. Watch every game within upper deck. He's left me last because I've either got a great team or a terrible one. The Yockbop is class. You can hate watch Izak as well.
28:10Or maybe it just went in order. Jordan or Qatar. Please give him a rack. Fuck off Will This is definitely rigged I've decided You've got Panama He's got to move to Panama
28:27That is actually Fair enough Just to prove it We want Panama At least you're going to see him In person When England play him Who are you going to support Who are you going to support He's going to be It's a win-win lad Actually do a sweepstake now Where everyone puts 100 pound in And we Will spin I just lost 50 clowns I said that. I said we should do that on this show. It all spins a wheel, whoever it lands on, between the four names. I've just lost 50. We can't do every team. We all choose four teams. No, no, no. You just choose one team. I'll be supporting England, Croatia, and another team.
28:59I'm hoping it's Mexico, man. No, but you get to pick it. Oh, I get to pick it? Yeah, it's a sweepstakes. I'm on it now. Give me one second. Or maybe we have two teams each, just to be safe. I think two teams. Two teams. Two teams. Right, so are you ready for our World Cup sweepstakes? Yeah, come on. This is the pitch side World Cup sweepstake For£100 Where are you going to Spin the wheel And we're going to Choose two teams No we're going to Choose one and then One team and then Do it again Okay let's go Tom We'll spin in it here Oh I get to choose first I'm going to choose Spain So you don't believe England will win it then Yeah You're just a complete But he's full of shit He's been lying The entire time I get to choose two teams By the way Yeah but why would You think it's going to win By the way Yeah but no Theo picked Spain But by the way when we did predictions, you said it was a France-England final.
29:46Yeah, I'm backing off. I'm making sure I got different parts. Yeah, so why would you not go for France? Your logic is so... No, no. Why would you not go for France? Yeah, I'm going for them next. No, you're going last in the second pick now. Tom! Is it me? Yeah.
30:10I'll go... He thought Spain's going to win, so you've actually nabbed his pick. I'll go Argentina. Wait, where did you get them in your knockout thing? I had them in the semis. Oh, so you don't believe what you say? No, I now think they'll beat Portugal. Yeah, man. I can't remember who it was. Whoever they beat, yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, Tomloff, Messi. Go on then, spin the wheel. Spin the wheel for the second one. Lewis. Yay. Brilliant. I'll choose England. England. Oh, nice. I want to root for us. I don't think we're going to win, but I want to just I was actually going to double down and pick England as well.
30:49At least you were going to stick to your guns, Reeve. Good man. Thanks. Well, you literally changed your opinion as well. You picked, you just I said Spain, we're going to win. I can't pick them. You picked a team. Why didn't you pick fucking France, mate? You had a Spain, France, fine, or Portugal. No, I didn't. I think Spain are going to beat France. Everyone's allowed to change their minds, can't they? You've done exactly the same as me, mate, your fucking mug. You haven't thought what you were about. No, you said... No, no, no, no, no. The final and he's chosen Argentina. Yeah, but I don't think they're going to win it.
31:18He's changed his mind. You said England are going to win it. It's a logical thing to you, mate. If you can't pick the person that's going to win it, you had the chance to pick them. If you think Spain are going to win it, you'd go for the second place. That's logical. Are we going backwards then? Did we just go backwards? Look, and he's gone for fifth place, mate. I now think Argentina will beat Portugal. Yeah, and I'm supporting England, but I wanted to go for a team that I'm not supporting, so I can cheer for two. You said France would beat Spain? Yeah, you have an England-France final and you pick Spain in your Swifts.
31:45Yeah, and now I changed my mind. I've changed my mind. You have the chance to pick England though who you think are going to win it. I changed my mind. You know what's happened is, he's actually changed his mind. You didn't realise what you did and now you're saying you changed my mind afterwards. Absolutely not. Really? Are we spinning again or is it just reverse order? I want to spin for the second teams. I want to randomise the second teams. Yeah, that's fine. No, no, no. It should be re-first again, then Lewis, then me, then Theo. No, no, no, I'll take my luck. I'll take my luck. Spin the wheel.
32:12No, no, that's not fair. Yeah, spin the wheel. Oh, sorry. What is... So who's going the way then? It should be Reeve, Lewis, me, then Theo now. You can't see this, but what Will's done is he's actually just spanned the random team's wheel for what we get rather than us choosing. He didn't assign who that was even for. He just spanned Croatia. No, we need to choose. We need to choose. We need to reverse it. His figures go again. He's landed on Croatia, which means he's doubling down on both Croatia. Wait, who went last? Tom, did you go last? No. Reeve, you now go first. Yeah, it's Reeve, Lewis, me, Theo.
32:42Who's your second team? No one said Portugal, did they? No. No one said Portugal. Yeah, I'll go Portugal, please. Damn. What big teams are still left? USA? You couldn't read it up there. I can't put that upside down. I'm going to go... Actually, I'm going to go Brazil. Stinker a lot. England, Brazil. I'll go... Who did Reeve go? I couldn't hear him I went France and Portugal for both of them oh you've had France okay oh god give me we were the last pick we've had the best pick I can't believe I came away with France and Portugal I'm in Brazil I literally went last they're pretty good I'll have fucking I don't matter does it for my second week give me Turkey
33:31let's run it back I'm gonna get Morocco
33:38Bro, big the serious one. And they're shit. There we are, boys. That is the pitch side sweepstakes. A little bit of a chance, mate. 100 pounds sweepstakes, mate. Well, fuck, it's Turkey one, mate. Nish. The hearts of the nation. Moving back to actual football. Turkey and who? Argentina. Argentina and Turkey, mate. God, might as well pay me now. So no Germany taken, no Netherlands taken? They're shit, man. Yeah, fair. Have you seen the news about VAR at the World Cup? No. No, explain. So, there's going to be a lot more of it. Oh, great. Is this the ushering area? Exactly what I wanted. Isn't it six seconds to get off the pitch, otherwise you get a red card for a substitution?
34:19Well, there are going to be four. We'll get that in a minute. We'll get this four new areas covered by VAR. The first one is VAR will make sure that a corner has been correctly awarded. That's the same for the Premier League next year as well. Quick, easy decisions. You can easily see that. You know he's not going to be quit though, don't you? No, no. No, that's an easy one, mate. They can't fuck that up. Why don't you mind that? It's actually quite crucial because you could win a corner in the last minute or not win a corner and you could score in this last minute and attack it. That's great punditry.
34:46Set piece is a very important part of modern football. It's true. Well, it is true. I just said it's true. Yeah, so fucking shut up and apologise.
34:58I actually am so... I cannot be arsed with VAR. I just pray it's not the conversation of the tournament. Can we all just agree? It's going to be shit. Let's just not talk about it. I think it's going to be good. It's going to be shit. Aren't international representatives you should be across the board here too? Whose boot is he licking? The officials and FIFA. Oh, I think it's going to be, you know it's going to be a shambles. Well, I'm trying to be a bit glass half full, mate. Sorry we're not all fucking negative Nancy's round here. Look at you bunch of sad losers. Am I wrong? Am I wrong in thinking that the officiating in World Cups is usually better than, like...
35:33Well, how would not Howard Web sorry who think he gave Graham Paul yeah Graham Paul gave three yellow cards didn't he to that bloke yeah I mean there's been howlers in the past but like yeah that was 20 years ago in fairness that was quite a long time ago they choose the best referees to take part in the World Cup well or do they they can't even get in the fucking country yeah that is shambles that is yeah that is bad well yep do you want to hear what was the second one yeah
36:03what was the second one He's very flustered, Tom. Will's been really weird. He's got the giggles. Will's just been really weird. Tom's very flustered. Me? No, Will is not. I was going to say. The second one is a player can be sent off for two yellow cards so they can review a second yellow. Yep, cool. I'm so confused. What's that? VAR can review a second yellow card. Oh, right. Yeah, that makes sense. Yeah, that's logical. That's logical. I think, again, that's going to be more, though. That's fine. That makes sense, though. That's needed. Yeah, it is kind of relevant. Next one, an attacking foul before the ball is in play.
36:39So if there's a foul and the player hasn't taken the corner yet in the box and you can give a free kick. Yeah, finally. A ball to defend her down. Yeah, yeah. Instead of the ref going over like, oh, breaking up, lads. Breaking up, lads. So you can give a foul. You can get penalties when the ball's out of play. That should speed the game up. I think it's only for attacking. Oh, OK. That should speed the game up. What way? How? Well, we have to... Otherwise, we have to wait the referee to go over break up get back go take the corner it's just free kick and go that's only for the attacking team so the defenders can push the fuck out of them though so it's just a one-sided battle though but it says the logic remains it means a defender should be able to give away a penalty so the defenders can just like boot them in the face and it won't be a penalty yeah well it says the restart would be a retake of the corner the logic remains that a free kick cannot be awarded if the ball's not in play oh fucking fuck it off cannot give defensive fouls before the ball's in play I just like possibly give a penalty.
37:33Honestly, if the rule, if you can't say the rule in a sentence, it shouldn't be a rule. Like, it's too complicated. Common sense rule. If it's, honestly, you should have the rule. I should be able to understand the rule in ten words. You don't understand much. Yeah, I was going to say, not you. A normal person should be able to. A normal person who actually understands things and ten words for them. Next. The last one. Unlikely to happen. Incredibly niche, but apparently it was requested by Kalina. Mistaken identity. So the player was booked and sent off but didn't actually do it. Oh, so the Kieran Gibbs Oxide-Tameland.
38:07Yeah. Well, that's so nice. I'm so glad they've brought that in because that happens all the time. So Tom, whilst you're over in England, what are you doing for us? What can everyone expect? What are you doing for us? Me and Stan, we're going to do the call-in show. I don't know how many pods I'm going to be on because I feel like I'm just repeating myself after the call-in show because that was like like, fucking an hour and a half on it of arguing, but, then we're doing vlogs, I'm going to be vlogging England games, and we are doing, what's it called, Stanley, the series? Becoming a fan, so I'm going to, a little sneak peek, I'm going to become a Spain fan on Monday.
38:47Oh, you're indulging in the culture for a day. Yeah, so I'm going to go and eat Spanish food, drink Spanish beer, put bets. Yeah, yeah. That sounds really horrible, that does, mate. No different. It's a funny way short of spin. It's a tough and just do a different time to be a series. He's going to choose Portugal next and go play golf all day. No, I can't have anything that isn't not, that isn't Spanish. So you can only Spanish water? You can only eat tapas and drink Estrella basically. Basically, which is kind of what I do when I go and I love it. If you don't do any dancing, what's the Spanish dancing?
39:23Falsa. Falsa. Flamenco. No, it's flamenco. Flamenco. I want to see you in a dress doing flamenco yeah that is the first one I'm not going to go and buy a Spain top and stuff like that but then we're also going to try and do some niche ones maybe like Saudi Arabia no not that one what about your second team Sweden yeah Sweden's a great chap it's going to live with nothing on the whole day oh Japan as well I'm going to do Japan apparently who else am I doing oh you want to go to fucking get some pan Asian food get some sushi yeah Brazil Brazil Asahi can you do a Spanish accent or is that not allowed?
39:58Yeah, Alteta. Go on then. No, that's for the prediction show. What are you going to do in the Japan one then? I can't do the accent for that. I just physically can't do it. Plus I'm not a racist. I was wondering about food. Tom, are you going to do any of the... I was wondering about if you're going to eat sushi or something. You said, can you do a Japanese accent? I didn't say those words. Egypt would be cool. You are. There's an Ecuadorian bar on Holloway Road. Yeah. To find some... We're going to have to find a country where I can actually do it in London. Oh, what are you going to do for Colombia?
40:31Don't think I'm doing that one, mate. I'm doing that every England game. Doing it for the England games? Go guys. Classic bad drug humour. So Tom, I want you to set these three an individual challenge by the end of the World Cup. For the whole world. Oh my God. We're going to be fluent in Colombian. What, right now? Yeah, go on. By the way, I've just thought this now. I've not given Tom any prep, so God knows what he can say. Okay, I won. Can I just do a group one? Yeah, go for it. No fitness allowed. Well, that's not fun, is it? Let's go for a run. That's not going to happen. I thought he failed me.
41:08I did 10k. I can't walk anymore. Tom Lewis did a run yesterday. He can't walk anymore. He's got no hips left. My hips are fucked. How's your chief? The bad man. My bum all is sore as fuck. Yeah, but that wasn't related to the run. His head's come off. How about you dare me to go get like a beer like right now and start drinking for the rest of this day? Oh, you're a lad, man. You're actually a lad. Go on, Tom. What's my challenge, brother? Okay, Theo's challenge is I want him...
41:39Who's our first game against Croatia? Yeah. I want you to find a Croatian beer. I can do that. Might be hard, that, like. That's a great one, though. It could be in Dallas, wouldn't it? Would it be in Dallas? That's what I want you to do, actually, all three of you. So, Theo, when we play Croatia, I want you to find a Croatian beer somewhere. Okay, yeah, yeah, nice. Lewis, when we play Ghana, I want you, because you're not very cool to it, I want you to try Ghanaian food. Oh, I've always wanted to do that. Is that the fufu? The seafood? No, fufu. Yeah, fufu. It might be Nigerian, but it's similar.
42:18Jollof? Jollof rice? You'll be able to find Guantanamo food And then Reeve, I want you You have to go to Guantanamo Bay A Panamean, is that right? A Panamean fan and Dan will be with them Sure A Panamean fan and dance with them So the night goes off Toss them off Have you got a Panamean shirt? I'll put it on You actually are supporting Panamean So I can toss Lewis off You can toss me off. Oh, yeah. Are you even feeling sharing beds again? Naked. Yes. Yeah, I feel he's got a floor of the house to himself. Oh, yeah. Also, you literally have a floor of the house to yourself. Yeah, that's true. Yeah, do you want to explain the room situation?
43:06Yeah, so everyone's in a really nice room because we're such kind people that we've put the biggest house to yourself. Is that true, producers? We love everyone. Pretty good. There's only one person who has a bad room and it's Liam, but he's with the fellas. But also Reeve does have a washing machine in his room. There's a washing machine in his room. I've got the utility room in my room. Shout out God. The only washing machine is right in his room. That's quite cool. Yeah, I've got an apartment. Shout out Jesus Christ. Oh, no. Oh, God. What's going on, man? Oh, my God. The house is about to blow up.
43:44Oh, my God. That is actually horrible. To be fair, we made it to the end. Yeah, keep it off. We made it to the end. The bulb's just gone in one of our lights, guys. Maybe that's a sign. This is a work in progress. We're hoping that throughout the tournament it sort of gets easier with everything. We are going to be doing a podcast live straight, not live, live and direct, straight after the England game in Dallas. So we'll be live reacting to that. We're kicking off the World Cup by streaming Mexico, South Africa, the opener. So come join us for that. Yep. It's going to be pretty rad, I think.
44:11Plenty of content coming, guys. Stay tuned. Yep. And the vlogs are going to be pretty cool for England game because as we said before, we're going to be vlogging in America I'm going to be cutting between us and Tom who will be in England getting absolutely shit-faced. He already is, look. He's so drunk already, look at me. He can't even stand up straight on the sofa. His fucking head's falling off. America.
44:35He's just betting on all sorts of this fight. He's sold out. I didn't know any idea what anyone said. He just went, America. And Tom has a big announcement to make next week as well. So stay tuned for that one, guys. but make sure you drop a like and subscribe we're going to be uploading three times a week on Spotify and YouTube on podcasts as well as daily uploads throughout the whole tournament on YouTube so subscribe we're trying to hit 400 ,000 subscribers and he's chatting away you alright then Tom? he's fucking zacked off the show he's just leaving he's just leaving he's trying to find out he was still going he's just run off as we were doing what are you doing
45:20All right. Anyways, guys, we'll see you tomorrow for the first, we'll see you later, actually, should I say, for the first live stream of the whole tournament. Hell yeah. Yeah, big up Mexico, Canada, and the United States of America, man. Come on, England! Any final words, Tom? Yeah, not bad yourself.
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