Football Weekly – "Thomas Tuchel’s England labour again and Levy out at Spurs"

Date: September 8, 2025
Host/Panel: Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, Ali Maxwell, Dan Bardell

Overview

In this episode, the panel dives deep into England’s ongoing struggles under Thomas Tuchel after a laborious win against Andorra, assesses what's not clicking with the national team, and debates the recent shift of Daniel Levy out of his long-standing role at Tottenham Hotspur. The show also features lively analysis of major international fixtures across the UK and Ireland, a swift tour through the EFL's most intriguing stories, and some lighter coverage (including the musical stylings of Sergio Ramos).

Main Theme

England’s uninspiring performance under Thomas Tuchel and the repercussions of Daniel Levy’s departure at Spurs are the episode’s focus. The panel dissects England’s tactical and psychological issues in qualifying matches and explores what Levy’s exit could mean for Tottenham’s present and future.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. England’s Win Over Andorra: More Questions Than Answers

Segment: 00:13–14:34

• “Just imagine if Bill Murray had had to watch England struggle but eventually break down a smaller nation's low block on that day...” – Barry Glendenning opens with dry humor, highlighting the uninspiring nature of the match.

• England labor to a 2–0 win vs Andorra; criticism centers on lack of creativity and urgency.

  • England have won all qualifiers to nil but scored fewer goals than under Southgate, despite dominating possession.
  • The panel agrees these matches are “bad football and bad football matches” – and hard to watch and analyze.

  “It’s all looking not great at the moment. The Serbia game on Tuesday night is pretty pivotal...” – Max, (02:30)

• Tuchel’s short-term focus creates unease:

  • Dan: “Everything is so short term around Tuchel... I’m just really, really struggling to get behind this iteration of England.” (03:41)
  • Southgate is praised for thinking long-term, fostering a team ethos now seen as lacking.

• Lack of settled core, tactical clarity, and chemistry:

  • Max laments fluctuating lineups and unsettled systems: “We don’t have a particularly fixed back line... we’re still working out midfield balance...” (05:12)

• Frustration at overanalyzing poor matches:

  • Barry and Dan suggest there’s little to meaningfully conclude from these fixtures; “It was a grim watch.” (06:48)
  • The panel jokes about Andorra’s reputation: “Andorra shouldn’t be difficult to break down...” – Dan (07:38)
  • Barry wryly reads a listener’s comment: “I don’t want to hear that there are no easy games at international level. It’s tripe.” (08:57)

• Questions over personnel and future planning:

  • Dan Burn’s role as center back is scrutinized: “I’m not even convinced Dan Burn’s the right pick against Andorra because... he didn’t really do much with it.” – Ali (10:13)
  • Jack Grealish’s status discussed; Tuchel’s fondness for Rashford (“not really seeing it in his performances...”) and Bellingham’s lock on the No.10 role.

• Serbia qualifier previewed as a “massive test”:

  • “If they play badly, it will get a few people’s spidey senses tingling...” – Dan (14:05)

Notable Quotes

• “Nobody talks about how hard these things are for podcasters afterwards.” – Dan (03:41)
• “They’re there with their crampons and ice picks trying to break down Andorra.” – Barry (08:21)
• “Everything is geared around that World Cup... all so short-term.” – Dan (03:41)

2. Other International Highlights

Segment: 15:08–24:21

• Republic of Ireland’s stirring 2–2 comeback v Hungary – Barry describes “limbs at the Aviva,” a chaotic match with defensive errors but late drama (16:18).

• Northern Ireland scare Germany but ultimately succumb; praise for Shea Charles, hailed as a “different class” midfielder currently at Southampton after a loan at Sheffield Wednesday (19:45).

• Wales’ “lucky” 1–0 win in Kazakhstan: Keefer Moore scores; Kazakhstan hit the woodwork late, “Wales used up a fair bit of luck” – Dan (20:34).

• Scotland’s hard-fought 0–0 draw in Denmark: Defensive grit praised, with a controversial handball incident involving Max Johnston nearly leading to a red card (22:20).

• Elsewhere in Europe: Hat-trick for Mikel Merino as Spain thrash Turkey 6–0; Cristiano Ronaldo bags two for Portugal v Armenia.

3. Daniel Levy Eased Out at Spurs: Legacy & Debate

Segment: 24:21–33:18

• Daniel Levy leaves after almost 25 years; debate over “mixed legacy.”

  • Financially, Levy leaves Spurs on very secure footing, with state-of-the-art facilities and little debt.
  • Criticism centers on lack of trophies and sometimes overly cautious wage spending, especially post-Pochettino.

  “Tottenham are nowhere near that and they’ve got some of the best facilities in the world. They’re primed for a takeover.” – Ali (26:58)

  “Not spending a larger portion of your revenue on wages is only now really considered unambitious... because of the out-of-control spending of every club that they’re trying to compete with.” – Max (27:56)

• Fan perspective: Not winning more is galling, especially given successes of rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

• “Be careful what you wish for” warning: The future post-Levy is unpredictable; club stability shouldn’t be undervalued.

  “I personally think he can leave Spurs with his head held high, safe in the knowledge he’s done a good job. But I know Spurs fans don’t share that.” – Dan (31:02)

4. EFL Round-Up

Segment: 33:18–47:58

• League One:

  • Billy Sharp (Doncaster) scores yet again, reveling in pre-match social media jibes (34:06).
  • Doncaster and Cardiff highlighted as high-flying, impressively managed sides.
  • Young management trend: Brian Barry-Murphy (Cardiff), Lee Grant (Huddersfield), Conor Hourihane (Barnsley) all draw plaudits for new ideas and early success (38:46).

• League Two:

  • Veteran keeper Joe Murphy (Tranmere), age 44, plays again—debuted for the club in 1998 (42:23).
  • Tight top of the table: Gillingham, Swindon, Walsall off to flying starts; Ian Holloway impressing at Swindon (45:34).
  • Father-son stories: Michael Mellon (Oldham, with dad Mickey) and Charlie Wellens (Reading, dad Ritchie) both score important goals (46:32).

5. Lighter Notes & The Sergio Ramos Song

Segment: 47:58–end

• Womens’ Football: Brief summary – Chelsea, Arsenal, Everton all win big in the WSL opener.

• “Team Ramos or Ryanair?” – Sergio Ramos releases sentimental song “Sibeles.” The panel jokes about celebrity side-hustles and Ryanair’s snarky reaction on social media.

  “It’s a love song. Everything has a beginning and an end. When you leave Madrid, it hurts. You become part of the past.” – Sergio Ramos, quoted by Barry (49:12)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “Nobody talks about how hard these things are for podcasters afterwards.” – Dan Bardell, on post-England-game doldrums (03:41)
• “Andorra is a ski resort, a tax haven and a ski resort. You could fit the entire population of Andorra in Wembley.” – Dan Bardell (09:12)
• “The last two standout managers in League One were first-time managers... so maybe [clubs] are hoping to find the next Kieran McKenna.” – Max (41:36)
• “He first played for Tranmere in 1998, and he’s still playing for Tranmere in 2025. I absolutely love that.” – Max, on Joe Murphy (42:23)
• “Not really for me... but he’s nothing if not diligent.” – Dan, reviewing Sergio Ramos’s song (49:12)

Timestamps for Key Segments

• England v Andorra analysis: 00:13–14:34
• Ireland, Scotland, Wales, NI internationals: 15:08–24:21
• Daniel Levy’s departure from Spurs: 24:21–33:18
• EFL round-up: 33:18–47:58
• Sergio Ramos, music, closing banter: 47:58–end

Tone and Atmosphere

The podcast maintains its signature mix of sharp analysis, good-natured debate, and dry humor throughout. The panelists are amicably exasperated over England’s form, thoughtfully divided on Levy’s legacy, and enthusiastic about football at every level. As usual, the camaraderie shines through the informed punditry.

This summary encapsulates the core discussions, themes, and highlights of the episode — ideal for those who need the full story behind the matches and headlines without listening to every minute.