In short
Alan Shearer and Gary Lineker recap the final Premier League day: Tottenham survive the relegation battle, while West Ham suffer heartbreak. They discuss West Ham’s 39 points not being enough, blaming poor recruitment after David Moyes left, with a stat that since Moyes, 10 players cost £25m+ and four are loaned out. They praise Spurs’ performance and say Nuno guided West Ham from “dead” to nearly safe. They then celebrate Arsenal winning the title, highlighting defensive dominance (no penalties conceded, no red cards) and Pep Guardiola’s trophy-winning impact on football’s tactics. They discuss surprising European qualifiers: Bournemouth, Sunderland, and Brighton. They also cover England squad selection under Thomas Tuchel, noting surprises like Lewis Hall, Cole Palmer, and Ivan Toney, and defending Maguire’s omission as unlucky.
Guests
none; only hosts and occasional mention of producer Richard Hughes and absent Harry (not present).
Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.
Chapters
Tap a time to open that second in VOArsenal's Dominance and Transfer Records
0:46 to 2:36
The hosts discuss Arsenal's impressive performance and record transfer spending in the Premier League.
“From big match calls to moving house, smart choices make all the difference.”
West Ham's Relegation Struggles
6:07 to 11:31
The hosts analyze West Ham's turbulent season and their near relegation.
“trophy and they sold Declan and their recruitment after that I think has been really, really poor.”
Unexpected European Qualifiers
11:32 to 14:01
Discussion on the surprising teams qualifying for European competitions this season.
“Been tough to predict them at the start of the season.”
Surprising Team Performances This Season
14:01 to 15:59
Learn how unexpected teams have excelled in the league this season.
“And I think that's been a large part of what's happened this season.”
Arsenal's Title Triumph
16:00 to 17:16
Discover the significance of Arsenal winning the league after 22 years.
“we covered this pretty extensively the other day, Alan, when we came on after they won the league.”
The Impact of Pep Guardiola
17:17 to 19:38
Discuss the legacy of Pep Guardiola in English football and his innovative style.
“It's only three points fewer than Leicester won the league by.”
Celebrating Premier League Greats
19:39 to 21:35
Reflect on the contributions of notable players like Mo Salah and Andy Robertson.
Reflections on the Last Day of the Season
28:00 to 28:38
A discussion on the emotional aspects of the final day in football.
“You don't really do much analysis, do you?”
Analyzing the England Squad Announcement
28:38 to 31:12
Insights into the England squad selection and surprises therein.
“All that matters is what the England manager thinks and the England coach thinks.”
Debate on Player Selections and Form
31:12 to 34:04
Discussion on key player omissions and their form leading up to the World Cup.
“I'd heard Tuchel speak very highly of Dan Byrne.”
Show all 11 chapters
Looking Ahead to World Cup Strategy
34:04 to 36:20
Thoughts on squad dynamics and potential strategies for the upcoming tournament.
“of who he was going to pick and who he wasn't going to pick.”
Transcript
Automatic transcript. May contain errors.0:00Alan Shearer:Coming up on today's show, everywhere I've gone, it's amazing how many Arsenal fans there are in London at the moment. Coming out of the woodwork, they're everywhere!
0:07Gary Lineker:No, they deserve it. They've been the best team 20 trophies in 10 years. This style is all over our game now. It's not only in the top tier, but you go down the leagues, right into the National League.
0:18Alan Shearer:We don't just lump it anymore out. Do you want to talk about Sunderland? Give them a few roses now? I was waiting for that. Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton. Who would have picked those three at the start of the season to get into Europe? No one.
0:36Alan Shearer:This episode is powered by Fuse Energy. Before the action starts, a word from Fuse, who makes switching energy supplies easy. To celebrate big moves, we're testing Alan and Micah on the legends of the transfer window. which Premier League club holds the record for the all-time highest spend transfer window we know that we've done that on the pod before it is Liverpool
1:02Gary Lineker:I'll go City then Micah is correct of course I'm correct how much did they spend
1:08Alan Shearer:and obviously
1:08Gary Lineker:it was last summer yes how much it was like 460 million 425 million you're pretty much
1:16Alan Shearer:in the middle 446 and a half million quid and where and you know And they're not even in the league. Yeah. Deary me. From big match calls to moving house, smart choices make all the difference. Switch to Fuse Energy and save up to£200 on your energy bills. It takes less than three minutes online. Visit FuseEnergy.com forward slash football to sign up and view full terms and conditions.
1:44Gary Lineker:Let's talk about Peyronie's disease, or PD. It's not widely talked about, and some men may feel reluctant to bring it up, but it's more common than you'd think. PD can happen when scar tissue builds up under the skin of the penis, causing a curve or the bump during an erection that for some men may lead to pain during intimacy and impact mental health. A trusted urology specialist can help diagnose PD and walk you through your options, including non-surgical treatment. Visit talkaboutpd.com. Let's talk about a condition many people haven't heard of, and it turns out it's more common than you'd think.
2:18Gary Lineker:Peyronie's disease, or PD for short. PD can happen when scar tissue builds up under the skin of the penis. This can cause a curve or the bump during an erection, and for some men, lead to pain during intimacy and may impact mental health. It may also lead to anger and frustration, depression, lower self-esteem, and even withdrawal from sexual activity and physical intimacy. Because of this, some men could feel embarrassed or reluctant to talk about PD. The actual cause of PD isn't always known. In some cases, it may be linked to a minor injury or repeated injuries during sex or other physical activity.
2:54Gary Lineker:The good news is, PD is treatable. If you notice a curve with a bump, a trusted urology specialist can help diagnose it and walk you through your options, including non-surgical treatment. To learn more about Peyronie's disease, visit TalkAboutPD.com.
3:11Alan Shearer:Hello and welcome to The Rest is Football with Alan Shearer and me, Gary Lineker. Mike has been grafting today, so it's just us two for the last day of the season. There wasn't too much at stake, really. It was all about the relegation fight, wasn't it, between West Ham and Spurs. And Spurs, thankfully for us, former Spurs players and fans, did what they had to do. Never really got too edgy. you're doing match of the day tonight. Not much jeopardy, Al.
3:42Gary Lineker:No, it was, I thought Spurs were the better team. I thought Everton were really poor. It was only one, one opportunity where they keep it made a good seal in the last minute or so. But other than that, I know it was really edgy and nervy, but they weren't put under too much pressure, Spurs, because I thought Everton were terrible up front. They offered nothing, as I said, other than that last minute. But it was a nervy afternoon for them. I guess even when West Ham scored and then went 1-0 up, you can see the fear, you know, because you know how it works. It flicks around the screens on match of the day and you can see people chewing their nails and getting all nervous and what have you.
4:21Gary Lineker:But I think from a Spurs point of view, they were the better team that they deserved to win today. And yeah, it's been a tough season for them, but they can sort of go ahead and plan again and Deserby made a brave decision and gone there, saying that he would manage them whether they got relegated or not. but yeah they can go and start again and hopefully never have a season like this again
4:41Alan Shearer:well I hope not I hope not it's obviously it's sad for West Ham talking about you doing Match of the Day tonight I've done that show obviously for 20 odd years the last one of the season it's a long one because you've got 10 matches so it'll be an hour and 40 minutes be a late night for you Al but I presume I know we've done it from time to time we do that thing between cut between matches but I don't think that'll probably be the case tonight No, they start with those two matches,
5:08Gary Lineker:but there's not going. If the goals had flip-flopped and stuff like that,
5:11Alan Shearer:you could have done that. But the fact that Tottenham got ahead and then maintained that lead, I think that probably...
5:17Gary Lineker:It's actually an hour and 45 minutes. We're on it half ten and finish it quarter past midnight. So it's a long shift. It's a long day.
5:25Alan Shearer:It really is. Word on West Ham. I think overall they've rallied under Nuno. You know, they were pretty much written off when he took over. A slow start. then a good run then they dipped and it wasn't quite enough at the end but I suppose the one thing I would say is 39 points generally generally is enough and 40 points is always really not always always but pretty much always being a guarantee that's what they say isn't it start of the season 40 points and there were only one short and if they had got 40 points there would still have been one short
6:01Gary Lineker:yeah I mean I think it's been on the cards for West Ham ever since they got rid of David Moyes. I guess after that trophy and they sold Declan and their recruitment after that I think has been really, really poor. 39 points on so many seasons would have been enough to keep you up, but not this season. I think they had a real push, didn't they, about a month ago in the last three games other than today. I think there was only one goal, no points after they'd given themselves a really good opportunity, but too little too late, I guess. As much as it will hurt them, And obviously hurt their fans and it's a huge thing to take.
6:38Gary Lineker:I've been there myself with Newcastle. It's horrible. But we've always said whatever happens at the top of the club always filters its way down to the football pitch. And I think that's what's happened with West Ham because their recruitment has been really poor.
6:53Alan Shearer:Obviously, it's always the coaches, always the managers that get the blame. I don't think Nuno will because I think overall he got them from a position where they were pretty much dead to one where they almost saved it. but how much do you think it's down the difference between I mean always the coach gets the blame but is you know how much what are the percentages between that and actually the team that recruit the players because I think there are a few absolutely elite coaches that obviously they'll always end up at the top clubs and that they bring out a little bit but I think by and large most coaches are really good honest work really hard they're the ones that obviously you know they take the hit
7:33Gary Lineker:Well, you know how great Rich is, Richard Hughes.
7:37Alan Shearer:Producer, editor of the show. Editor, sorry, yeah, editor.
7:40Gary Lineker:He's brilliant. He's incredible. So I was talking to him before and he gave me a stat about since David Moyes has left, I think there's been 10 players that have cost either$25 million or more since David Moyes has left. And I think four of them are out on loan. which I mean so so that that tells you in terms of the recruitment how important that is you live or die by your recruitment and you're not telling me that all those managers or coaches that have been in at West Ham have chosen all those players no chance
8:11Alan Shearer:no I think therein lies I don't know whether that's the problem because in general in football but you know you need someone that you can really trust in that department but you also need them to get on with the guy managing and coaching the team. He knows more than anyone else what he needs. But the trouble is, by the time he tells them, they're usually sacked. Yeah, exactly. I think they should really stick now, though, with Nuno.
8:40Gary Lineker:Well, if he wants to stay there, that's a thing as well.
8:43Alan Shearer:I mean, good performance at the end, 3-0 win, if he wants to stay.
8:46Gary Lineker:I guess the thing for West Ham now is that, what have they got in terms of debts? Who can they sell? I mean I look at that team or that squad maybe Bowen Fernandez maybe one or two others but yeah I guess there lies the problem is that they're just, I know they've got 39 points which on a different season might be enough but you can't complain after what we've seen from West Ham this season, being miles off at times and not good enough and eventually that's what happens
9:16Alan Shearer:Well let me tell you because he's not here so it's easier to talk about when he's not here, Harry. He's away weekend with his wife celebrating their anniversary. But he had good news because of Bowen's goal and assist at the end. You know, we did a thing at the Premier League at the start of the season with a fantasy team and they've got their own in-house. So their own fantasy team. It's got like lots of ex-players, lots of absolute experts of fantasy football, influencers, all sorts of people, he just won it. Really? Yeah, he won it. Oh, wow. Yeah, he was chuffed. Yeah. So he won by 13 points.
9:59Alan Shearer:Wow. So that was a really good effort. I've got actually all the overall stats, which you might want to turn away from just for a second. But the weird thing, the rest of his football team and Harry's team ended up with exactly the same amount of points. Now, Harry does run both teams, obviously, but they are vastly different. So it was actually quite mental. He also runs my team, but don't tell anyone. So they both finished in the top 20 ,000. Don't forget there are 13 million players in this, 13 million. I was about 100 ,000th, which is pretty good. Micah was 704 ,000 and you are 2 million. But you're still comfortably in the top half.
10:43Alan Shearer:You ain't going down with that. Oh, well, I accept that. Your recruitment could have been better. But well done has. Yeah, I mean, bloody good effort.
10:52Gary Lineker:Did you say 13 million?
10:54Alan Shearer:Yeah, 13 million. That's not the league who won the 13 million. That's the world. That's the overall. It's mad, isn't it? How many players played? 13 million people played. That's incredible. Premier League. I always think, you know, Premier League gets some stick, but I will say it's something, it's almost like the BBC. They get a bit of stick here and there and that. But actually, globally, Huge. It's hugely appreciated, respected. So we sometimes, you know, we sometimes should remember that.
11:22Gary Lineker:I realise that when I travel around with the Premier League, you know, particularly when you go to America, how big and how, I mean, you're right. The Premier League is incredibly big. It's just like huge. It is. The interest is incredible.
11:36Alan Shearer:I know. We talk about European spots. Been tough to predict them at the start of the season. It seems to have sneaked. Obviously, we've got five Champions League spots. Yep. So well done to those five teams, Villa and Liverpool, as well as Manchester United, who, you know, another good win away from home.
11:52Gary Lineker:Yeah. Got his contract as well, Michael Carrick, which he thoroughly deserved.
11:56Alan Shearer:And we should have a quick word on Bruno, because he's also broke that assist record today, as well as scoring again. I mean, what an absolutely brilliant season he's had. And I have to say, I think it's deserved. I think you could easily have made a case for the three that we talked about the other day, couldn't you? Arsenal, Rice, Gabriel, and Raya David Raya yeah but I think Arsenal's been more of a team whereas you know that is an individual award and I think I think he probably did stand out it's you could argue either way but well done Bruno
12:27Gary Lineker:no I agree with that I wouldn't I wouldn't I'm not going to argue with you he wouldn't have been my player of the season but I I understand all the arguments and he's had a brilliant season he's a great player mine would have been David Raya I think or Declan Rice but I get it and understand it and everyone has their opinion, so I'm not going to argue for that. I understand it.
12:46Alan Shearer:Me too. Do you want to talk about Sunderland? Give them a few roses?
Read the full transcript
12:50Gary Lineker:I was waiting for that. I mean, Europa leads to Sunderland. What a job he's done, the manager. Unbelievable. I mean, we know how difficult it is for teams coming up, but to recruit that many players and get them into the system and do as well as they did. As much as it hurts me, they turned Newcastle over twice, home and away, so you respect where it's deserved. yeah they've done really well they've had a great season and to get into a Europa spot is some achievement for Sunderland really is
13:18Alan Shearer:in terms of European spots Brentford obviously just missed out but brilliant season nevertheless a bit of a shame for them but well done Bournemouth and well done Sunderland you've just talked about and also Brighton and I think they slipped out of the positions at one point this afternoon, but they've made it into the conference. Sunderland and Bournemouth are playing the Europa League. Brentford and Chelsea just missed out. It was really tight down there at that end of the table. But, you know, Bournemouth, Sunderland and Brighton, who would have picked those three at the start of the season to get into Europe?
13:58Alan Shearer:I would say no one. No one. No one. I don't think anyone.
14:02Gary Lineker:And I think that's been a large part of what's happened this season. I think the weaker teams have been better and the better teams have been weaker, if that makes sense. So for those three to get into a European spot, as you said, Bournemouth have been superb. Sunderland have had a great season and Brighton to get in the conference. Yeah, brilliant. Well done, those teams. As you said, I don't think many would have predicted, if any. So they deserve it. They've been superb.
14:33Alan Shearer:I wonder what Areola thinks. I mean obviously he's leaving he looked ecstatic at the end of the game today and quite rightly so it's an amazing achievement but you know he's not going to reap the rewards of your but at the same time sometimes it's a good time to go by your own volition rather than wait to things because next season will be tough for Bournemouth because you know they're going to be playing so many games and we've seen how teams can struggle you know even your team this season I would say if you're Arsenal and Man United and Liverpool and you've got monster budgets, you can probably cope.
15:08Gary Lineker:Well, it will be tougher for Bournemouth next season. But what I would say is that their recruitment has been incredible. For what they sold last summer to then go again and do it again and be even better and more impressive with the players. And don't be surprised if the big clubs come in and try and nick one or two again for big money. I guess if they get to a certain price, Groupie Junior being one of them so if they offer big enough fees the bigger clubs coming in for them then they might have to go again but I guess in that department they've been absolutely superb as have Sunderland you have to say with the numbers that they brought in for the players to come into the Premier League and perform like they have done so it's not just Bournemouth that has been the recruitment has been great Sunderland has as well Yeah
15:57Alan Shearer:Let's move on to the title winners we covered this pretty extensively the other day, Alan, when we came on after they won the league. So Arsenal fans, if you're thinking, well, hang on a minute, we won the league. Why not mention us? There is a reason we did cover that in depth. But obviously the title lift was today. One of our producers, Max, is a big Arsenal fan. He has got half an eye on that term title lift because we're doing it now, but you've got a busy night ahead. So we're squeezing it in. 22 years, 22 years. There were a lot of smiling. Everywhere I've gone, it's amazing how many Arsenal fans who are in London at the moment.
16:32Alan Shearer:Coming out of the woodwork, they're everywhere.
16:34Gary Lineker:No, they deserve it. They've been the best team. I just read before there that they haven't conceded a penalty and they haven't had a red card all season. And they've been, by a mile, the best team in Europe defensively. I mean, their stats are off the charts defensively. And we all know you have to have a great goalkeeper and you have to have a brilliant defence if you're going to win the Premier League. And albeit, I say, I don't think the standard of football from a lot of the bigger clubs this year has been anywhere near what we would have expected. But Arsenal have been the best of everyone.
17:09Gary Lineker:They deserve to win it. They deserve to have their time and their success. And yeah, well done.
17:15Alan Shearer:They've won it by seven points in the end.
17:17Gary Lineker:Yeah.
17:18Alan Shearer:It's only three points fewer than Leicester won the league by.
17:24Alan Shearer:No, well done Arsenal fans. You know, thank heavens Tottenham didn't go down because, you know, I mean, I'm actually pleased for most of my mates that are Arsenal fans, but I saw there was some bits on social media today where all the Arsenal fans were on the street cheering the Everton fans. They went back going, Everton. I mean, come on, it's enough to win the league. I was going to say that, they've won the league, come on. Also, you know, you want the North London derby, don't you? There are a few players leaving Premier League, not just players, managers as well. mentioned Areola Pep thank you Pep not just for being an unbelievably good coach but for being a great human being and he's I think he's been wonderful for our game overall I mean obviously the success goes without saying I mean he's he's a monster of a football coach and so innovative and yeah I think I think we'll miss Pep and it'll be really interesting to see what he does next we'll come to one or two of the players that are going in the second but
18:26Gary Lineker:yeah it's been I mean 20 trophies in 10 years is outrageous. I said earlier, I said to one of the guys, I said, I don't think, I didn't think we'd ever get anyone that you'd have the debate of who's been the greatest, him or Sir Alex, but he has to, that's what he's done, you know, that's how special he's been. I agree with you in terms of what he's done for our game. He's brought his style, his style is all over our game now. Not only in the top tier, when you go down, right down the leagues, right into the National League,
18:58Alan Shearer:We don't just lump it anymore, Al. No, that's right.
19:01Gary Lineker:And I guess I think a lot of that is for him. And I guess we said, didn't we, about bringing the full-backs into midfield. That's never going to work. Everyone's doing that now in every tier of football. And a lot of that is down to him. So he's been absolutely magnificent.
19:18Alan Shearer:Yes. And in the same sort of period of time, also Mo Salah of Liverpool, obviously he batted until he hit the post did a really good effort from a free kick he got an assist though which is I don't think he really cared about an assist that much knowing strikers how we think but yeah I'm glad he played I'm glad he you know and he got his send off you know so he all got a little bit heated towards the end but let's forget that let's I mean because what he's done for that football club the way he's performed absolutely brilliant player yeah
19:52Gary Lineker:Premier League great there's no doubt about it what he's done the number of goals the number of important goals and that's why he's he's a standout I guess when you're talking about players that have come into our league the great foreign players like Dennis Bergkamp Aguero Drogba some of these great great players you know and Mo Salah is right up there with all of them
20:17Alan Shearer:De Bruyne
20:17Gary Lineker:De Bruyne yeah
20:18Alan Shearer:we could go on but absolutely absolutely yeah and wishing well in the future a couple of City players as well obviously Bernardo Silva John Stones is leaving at the end of the season we don't know where he's going to go but he is in the England squad which I want to talk about in the second half but yeah Bernardo Silva Andy Robertson as well Liverpool is another one that's going
20:40Gary Lineker:yeah I mean Bernardo Silva and John Stones superb in their all of Pep's time you know and you can see Pep getting emotional during the afternoon when both of those players came off and got their send off and rightly so incredible Man City careers and Andy Robertson arguably pound for pound one of Liverpool's best ever signings I mean it's like
21:04Alan Shearer:cheap money 8-9 million wasn't it
21:06Gary Lineker:8 million was it yeah something like that I mean what he's given Liverpool has just been nothing short of outstanding he's a leader as well hasn't he never been a problem never always been exemplary absolutely superb yeah
21:20Alan Shearer:up and down that touchline works his socks off great delivery him and you know him and one side and Trent on the other I mean doesn't get much better than that competing on the amount of assists that they got he's clearly a top guy you know and yeah good luck in the World Cup as well I think
21:38Gary Lineker:I don't know but I guess there's a lot of rumours about him still staying in the Premier League this season Spurs are in for him if you read the read the reports now that they're safe from relegation so we'll have him at Leicester
21:51Alan Shearer:in League One
21:55Alan Shearer:This episode is brought to you by Walker's Crisps, official snack sponsor of the FIFA World Cup 2026. As you know, I never leave home without a packet of salt and vinegar. What about when you played? Was there anything that you used to like to take with you?
22:13Gary Lineker:Only my wash bag and my gel when I used to have some hair. Gel? Did you put gel on it, did you?
22:20Alan Shearer:What did I take? I don't take him physically with me but barber well that would look weird if you took your barber everywhere everywhere even when you were playing even when I was playing needed a line up is it the same barber you've got now yeah loyalty oh really how long have you been with him since I was 17
22:39Gary Lineker:so you used to get it cut what every Friday night every Friday night or every Saturday yeah was that a superstition yeah
22:45Alan Shearer:you've got to look fresh oh yeah you know you don't take much do you when you go because you overnight night stays but i'd always have a book you know i'd be pretty i used to sit on the bus and read
22:55Gary Lineker:books what type of book fiction spy novels look at le carré people like that how times have changed from our time cards books yeah to consoles to then it's telephones ipads computers i always
23:10Alan Shearer:took a bible as well are you religious i i'm i'm more spiritual than religious you know i mean i believe in god but i don't go to church yeah you know what i mean well not really but yeah you're not religious are you no I'm not no but you know I religiously eat crisps walk as crisps on a regular basis yeah what changes when you go on your travels with as a pundit rather than a player
23:40Gary Lineker:where you take with you this incredible book full of full of notes full of players the teams the players everything where they've played how they've played you need that yeah
23:53Alan Shearer:the book is very good isn't it however I like to see the actions you know how they play so that helps me a little bit more so you take like an iPad it's like an iPad yeah and the other thing you have to do when we go away for a World Cup now you have to take all your clothes with you as well do you pack yourself or does someone do that for you no I pack
24:11Gary Lineker:I pack so I run my whole life that means he doesn't that means someone packs for him well I mean
24:19Alan Shearer:someone did some more pack for you no but certain bits and pieces do they have
24:23Gary Lineker:the paper in between each claw the night do you
24:26Alan Shearer:yeah they might have like an outfit that you know set out for that game so like if you're doing world cup final I know what I'm going to be wearing like that I'll have free suits to pick out I'll be similar to that I would definitely have something for a world cup final for finals you've got to dress up America a bit more formal CBS, I always often see you in a... CBS, always, yeah, shirt and tie.
24:51Gary Lineker:A lot easier on the core comms, though. Not many people see you don't do the interview, so you can wear what you want. Watch. Always take a watch. I feel like you've got to have a watch to finish your design, you know? It's like glasses for you.
25:04Alan Shearer:You always wear a nice pair of glasses, don't you? Well, I need them. I never when I was younger, not when I was a player, although maybe I'd have been better. Away fixtures are better when the familiar bits are in place. So when I head off to the FIFA World Cup 2026, I already know my essentials making the trip. Passport, a bit of English optimism and a bag or two of Walker's crisps, of course. So if you're watching the action this summer, get the Walkers in. No Walkers, no game. All right, let's take a break when we come back. Let's talk about the England squad, which has provoked a bit of interest.
25:42Alan Shearer:This episode is brought to you by Snickers. Right, so VAR goes up and whether you're watching with your mates or just watching on your own, it all kicks off. You're arguing, fuming, getting way too worked up.
25:55Gary Lineker:Honestly, it's like watching someone slowly turn into a different person. You're not you when you're hungry. Classic.
26:03Alan Shearer:So maybe it's a sign, a sign for Snickers. Never a bad call to help you avoid a full-on meltdown. I've seen a few in my time.
26:11Gary Lineker:Remember Tamuri Kitabaya? And he wanted to prove a point to the manager that he should be in the team and he scored the goal. Whipped his shirt off and threw it into the Gallagher end and started absolutely smashing the advertising board, volleying it, didn't he? Full-on volley. Can you remember? VAR might test your patience, but it's a shared frustration everyone laughs about. Remember, it's a sign for Snickers.
26:36Alan Shearer:Just remember, everyone loses it sometimes. That's football. Well, you're not you when you're hungry. It's a sign for Snickers. Visit snickers.co.uk to learn more.
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27:52Alan Shearer:Welcome back to the Rest is Football with Alan Shearer and me, Gary Linek. I think we've got time before you start putting your... It's difficult on the last day. You don't really do much analysis, do you? Because it's not really about that. It's about moments and you'll be talking about how Arsenal won the title, all those sort of things, won't you?
28:12Gary Lineker:Absolutely. You've done it a million times. You know how it works. Not really an analysis day for me or Wayne. So you're right. It's just about the teams and how they've done and where they finished. Me and Wayne, yeah.
28:24Alan Shearer:What was that? Nice one. Yeah. Give him my best. Give him my best. Yeah. England squad, Al. I mean, I would say it certainly surprised me, but I will also say before, and we all have our own views, and pretty much everyone will differ from whoever the England manager is. All that matters is what the England manager thinks and the England coach thinks. There are a few things that I can't understand, but it won't matter one iota if he goes all the way and wins the World Cup. And he's talked about, it's not about the most talented, it's about putting a team together. And I totally, totally get that.
29:01Alan Shearer:And as always, when an England manager announces a squad, the people we talk about are the ones that don't get in it rather than the ones that do. And we'll be no different. Your thoughts, Al?
29:14Gary Lineker:Yeah, it wouldn't have been the squad I would have picked, but I'm very much like you. I don't have a problem with him picking who he wants because we've often said we need a manager who's not afraid to make big decisions, not afraid to leave big players out. we need a manager who picks players that are in form or however it goes and I'm that's fine I'm fine with his squad as I said out of mid four or five different picks but his neck is on the line he's the one that's going to be judged and he's the one that thinks that that squad is good enough to go deep into the tournament and that's what we brought him in for was to do that so let's see how it goes
29:58Alan Shearer:I think there are a couple of standout ones for me in particular you know four or five like yourself we'd all do everyone would do it differently everyone so and there's only one guy that counts but I found Lewis Hall hard to understand that he's not in there I really do I think he's been absolutely brilliant this season he talks about Jed Spence being his second choice left back but he's more of a right back and he's talked about the fact that he's really quick and if we come against a winger like that then but Lewis Hall was the only player I've seen really cope well with Laminya Mal this season.
30:32Alan Shearer:So I found that one a little bit baffling. Cole Palmer I was disappointed about because, I mean, Madweke's had an okay season. He's, you know, his second fiddle most of the time to Saka. But Cole gives you something different. He's a moments player. It's also, if we rewind 12 months, he was the player of the tournament in America where the final was played on the pitch where the final would be played on. horses for courses, I would say. And yes, he's been injured a lot this season, but he's been out in patches. And I think the last two or three games, I've seen a sharpness there that I haven't seen before.
31:13Alan Shearer:And I think he would come in into form. So I think that's a bit of... Harry Maguire? Harry, I think, is really unlucky. I'd heard Tuchel speak very highly of Dan Byrne. And he thought he was a real leader in there when he came in. And I suspected he wouldn't pick both of them because they're both similar players in many ways, dominant in each box. So I think Harry Maguire's really unlucky because he had the advantage, of course, of experience of major football tournaments where he's always, always played well and never let England down.
31:45Gary Lineker:I guess his idea that having harmony in the squad and having that squad togetherness and that feeling and understanding, and I guess not being confrontational when or if you're not going to be playing. Henderson I know he regards him in terms of he wants him to be his sort of general in the dressing room and if England are winning with 10 or 15 minutes to go you'll see Henderson sort of come on so yeah I'm like you with a few of those decisions Ivan Tony I was very surprised
32:16Alan Shearer:Ivan Tony was really surprised that came out of nowhere didn't it I don't think anyone was talking I mean obviously he's been playing in the Saudi league for a couple of years somebody said to me well yeah it's obviously just for penalties and I thought what no no No, no, no, no.
32:29Gary Lineker:Harry Maguire can take a penalty as well.
32:31Alan Shearer:Well, bring in Letizia. You want a fucking penalty taker? Yeah. I mean, I just thought, I mean, I suppose, you know, a few minutes to go, big guy. I mean, he's got a good story. He's a good player. I mean, I'm not, none of the players that we're talking about here, we would not, you know, we're not saying that you just, you were just asking the questions that I think every football fan has been asking. But I did think that was slightly surprising. but at the same time it's quite a positive thing to go with three out and out strikers. Oli Watkins really hit a bit of form over the last few weeks which is encouraging should anything happen.
33:07Alan Shearer:Obviously to Harry Kane. A couple of goals today
33:09Gary Lineker:as well again.
33:10Alan Shearer:Yeah, exactly. A couple of goals. It's funny though, isn't it? Most of the players that were left out scored today. Jared Bowen I think has been unlucky because he's been around the squad a lot of time as well but I think he's suffered because of West Ham's season but he did get a goal and an assist today. Cole Palmer scored a goal today. Phil Foden scored at one point, then he was disallowed for offside. Gibbs White. Gibbs White. I think Morgan Gibbs White is a bit unlucky. I've got a sense and a feeling that Tuchel's had this squad in his mind for some time.
33:41Gary Lineker:Yeah, I do. I think with the way he talks and the way he sort of said, well, I've had this squad and I've had players that have been with me for a while and I can rely on and I can trust and I know how they'll respond to both positive and negative news. He has talked about that squad unity a lot. So that was always going to be a major part of who he was going to pick and who he wasn't going to pick. And that's all over his squad.
34:10Alan Shearer:I wonder, Alan, when you look at someone like Jordan Henderson, I totally get it. I mean, I talked to Tuchel about this and he said how great he is. He says, I can do a session where we split the groups into two and I know that he'll control that session. all that sort, you know, that thing. And he's brilliant around. I wonder whether you could use someone like that as a member of the squad without actually being in the squad. So almost like an assistant coach. Coach, yeah. And therefore it allows you to get someone like Gibbs White because he's a midfield player or someone in that position. But he obviously trusts Jordan.
34:46Alan Shearer:I'm quite right. I mean, he's had an incredible career, Jordan Henderson. I would hate anyone, you know, to think that you would turn on him because that happened a little bit. No, not at all. But I just wondered if he could have been a bit more maybe imaginative.
34:57Gary Lineker:And there's no doubt if that England are winning with 10 or 15 minutes to go, he'll come on and do that role and to try and that's what he'll use him for, I think, is to try and protect that game.
35:09Alan Shearer:Yeah, and he's a really intelligent footballer. And if you're in that position, I totally get that. Aside from that, if you're in the squad, we've been there, and you're in the squad, it's bloody exciting, isn't it, when you're going to the World Cup.
35:22Gary Lineker:I think we probably all know his starting line-up. I think roughly, yeah. If everyone's fit for the first game. I guess it would be Pickford, James, Concer, Geahy, O 'Reilly, Anderson, Rice, Rodgers, Kane, Saka, Rashford.
35:40Alan Shearer:I think Rodgers or Bellingham's probably there.
35:42Gary Lineker:I think Rodgers is certainly the start in there.
35:45Alan Shearer:Yeah, he clearly likes Rodgers.
35:47Gary Lineker:I think that goes all along with what we've been talked about, is that who's been in the squad, who's done well, who's got hold of the shirt to start with it and I think I think Rodgers will be one of the first names on the show
35:57Alan Shearer:I think you might be right I think there might be a few discussions about starting lineups over the next few weeks or so there you go I've just given ours or mine anyway you've given what you thought Tukas would be it's not necessarily what you would pick let's be clear it wouldn't be what I'd pick either but we say again though it's only the manager's one that counts but I'm looking forward to discussing all these things in a certain Netflix show in New York City in a cottage creeping ever closer it's coming around we've got a few
36:24Gary Lineker:days off before that just to get ready and refreshed again and yeah but yeah absolutely it'll be amazing
36:30Alan Shearer:it will I think it'll be great can't wait we'll bring it to you every day we'll be chatting 40 shows I think in 40 days we're doing for Netflix so wow it's just talking football we'll be busy it's just talking football of which we've finished on this particular episode of Talking Football so that's it from me goodbye from me
36:48Gary Lineker:goodbye from me
37:19Alan Shearer:We'll see you next time.
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From the publisher
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.
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