Football Weekly: World Cup Qualifying Preview and New WSL Season Kicks Off
Date: September 4, 2025
Panel: Max Rushden (host), Barry Glendenning, Jonathan Fadugba, Paul Watson, and special guest Suzy Wrack
Episode Overview
In this episode, the Football Weekly crew preview the latest round of World Cup qualifiers with a focus on England’s evolving squad, the challenges and hopes for the other home nations, and a comprehensive look at notable fixtures around the globe—including a deep dive into African and Caribbean qualifying. The last segment features women's football analyst Suzy Wrack, who previews the upcoming WSL (Women’s Super League) season, discusses changes to promotion/relegation, new minimum salary standards, and the impact of investment in women's clubs.
England's World Cup Qualifying Campaign
Timestamps: 02:25 – 18:19
England Squad and Tuchel’s Choices
- England are top of Group K with three wins from three, facing Andorra at Villa Park before a tougher match against Serbia (02:26).
- Thomas Tuchel, now England manager, is under pressure to deliver style, not just results:
- “I don't think we'll learn too much about how good England are with Andorra at home necessarily, but we will get some gauge.” — Jonathan Fadugba (02:55)
- Big expected wins against Andorra are now less common; “nobody is really putting 10 past Andorra these days.” — Paul Watson (06:15)
Squad Selection Debate
- Key inclusions: Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jed Spence (potential to be England’s first Muslim international), Morgan Rogers, and Elliot Anderson.
- Notable omissions: No Trent Alexander-Arnold or Jack Grealish.
- Barry’s ideal XI sparks fun debate over England’s depth:
- “My starting 11 would be 11 random individuals who've never played football before.” — Barry Glendenning (08:20)
- Discussion about options and the likely tendency to reward form over reputation under Tuchel.
Squad Chemistry & Experimentation
- Concerns over too many Chelsea "old boys" influencing choices.
- Experimental vibe, with Tuchel likely to keep “chopping and changing” until a competitive World Cup XI settles (06:59).
- On the philosophical shift: "There are some sort of new rumblings of a new team emerging." — Jonathan Fadugba (09:43)
Miscellaneous Moments
- Loftus-Cheek returns after almost seven years, describing himself as "just a fan" during his absence (12:01).
- Anecdotes about deadline day heartbreak—Mark Gay’s failed move, complete with planned farewell video and private jet drama (13:12).
Home Nations: Wales, Northern Ireland, Scotland & Republic of Ireland
Timestamps: 19:03 – 35:23
Wales
- Facing Kazakhstan away (must-not-lose, maybe must-win).
- Injuries: Aaron Ramsey now in Mexico; influential players missing.
- Heartwarming tale of supporter John McAllister’s epic journey to Astana by land, featured in the Guardian (21:13).
Kazakhstan Insight
- Squad fallen off after Euro 2024 play-off near-miss; watch out for young star Dastan Sapaev (joins Chelsea in 2026) and Islam Chestnikov (24:10).
Northern Ireland
- Beginning against Luxembourg — seen as a winnable fixture before a “toughie” at Germany (24:49).
- Youth replacing experience; cautious optimism for a strong qualifying campaign.
Luxembourg
- Coaching transition—Jeff Strasser replaces long-standing and controversial Luc Holtz (26:17).
- Backstory on Holtz’s divisive tenure and Strasser’s historical status in Luxembourg football (27:27).
Scotland & Republic of Ireland
- Scotland: In a winnable group with Denmark, Belarus, and Greece. Midfield strength with Serie A stars; Aaron Hickey’s emotional return (28:12).
- Republic of Ireland: In Portugal’s group, aiming for second place. Long-standing struggles to start campaigns strongly; wary of Hungary and Armenia (29:01).
Global Qualifying: Africa & the Caribbean
Timestamps: 30:58 – 39:00
African Qualifying Storylines
- More World Cup spots than before (9 African nations will qualify).
- Nigeria vs Rwanda — crucial for Nigeria’s hopes after a stuttering campaign; talking points on new squad additions (Arokadare, Anta Sucha) (30:58).
- Senegal vs Sudan — Sadio Mane’s return stirs headlines. Chaos in squads, with a spotlight on Cameroon's managerial drama (35:23).
- “It's like they're trying to undermine a nation of talented footballers at every stage.” — Paul Watson on Cameroon’s chaos (36:00).
- Cape Verde’s Cinderella story — smallest nation pushing for a first World Cup spot (35:28).
Caribbean Qualifying
- Bermuda’s remarkable progress to final stage; mostly non-league English players, with Naki Wells the star (37:08).
- Jamaica (coached by Steve McLaren) under pressure after poor Gold Cup showing.
- Dwight Yorke (Trinidad & Tobago) vs Steve McLaren (Jamaica) set up an intriguing coaching duel (38:18).
WSL (Women’s Super League) 2025/26 Season Preview
Timestamps: 39:43 – 52:19
Relegation and Promotion Shake-up
- This season is transitional: WSL expands, with two promoted teams, and bottom WSL side plays a playoff vs third in WSL2.
- “Essentially scrapping relegation for one season… but it’s only for one season and then it goes back to normal.” — Suzy Wrack (40:10)
- Playoff at the bottom could become a permanent feature if successful.
Minimum Salary Introduction
- New minimum salaries for players in both WSL and WSL2:
- “A massively overdue idea.” — Suzy Wrack (42:45)
- Professional standards finally enforced after years of disparity in pay and working conditions.
The Title Race
- Chelsea face challengers from Man City (Bunny Shaw: “We've got no excuses for not winning the league this year.” — 44:26) and Arsenal (with new Champions League-winning confidence).
- Transfers: Chelsea target USWNT prodigy Alyssa Thompson in a potential world-record deal. Club needs cover after Myra Ramírez’s injury and as Sam Kerr returns to fitness (47:01).
- Dialogue over the “golden goose” vs “white whale” (Champions League) metaphor sparks pedantic banter (46:33).
Wage Gap and Independent Projects
- Huge salary gap between top (Sam Kerr, Leah Williamson, Alessia Russo: “hundreds of thousands a year”) and lower-tier WSL/WCL2 players (£30k–60k, often less), poorly publicized due to secrecy (48:30).
- London City Lionesses' billionaire-backed experiment highlighted:
- “It's unprecedented. We've never seen a team come up into WSL with this level of investment… but I don't think we'll ever see another Michelle Kang.” — Suzy Wrack (49:52)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “Two or three nil defeat merchants.” — Paul Watson on Andorra’s reputation (06:15)
- “He has an idea of what his first 11 is, a very good idea… my main takeaway is how many really, really good players aren't going to be in it.” — Barry Glendenning (06:59)
- “There are new rumblings of a new team emerging here.” — Jonathan Fadugba (09:43)
- “Whenever things go down to the wire, like at the end of last season… it did really well. It got a huge crowd.” — Suzy Wrack on WSL playoff excitement (41:37)
- “A massively overdue idea.” — Suzy Wrack on minimum salaries in women’s football (42:45)
- “It's like they're trying to undermine a nation of talented footballers at every stage.” — Paul Watson on Cameroon’s federation (36:00)
- “Essentially scrapping relegation for one season.” — Suzy Wrack on WSL format (40:10)
- Fun banter about child care, breastfeeding, and babysitting (“I'm not sure they're fit for that purpose…” — Barry Glendenning, 17:55), reflecting the show’s trademark irreverence.
Key Segments & Timestamps
- England World Cup Q&A – 02:25 to 18:19
- Home Nations Qualifiers / Kazakhstan Feature – 19:03 to 29:44
- Global Qualifiers (Africa & Caribbean) – 30:58 to 39:00
- WSL Preview with Suzy Wrack – 39:43 to 52:19
Final Thoughts
A classic Football Weekly: sharp, laugh-out-loud panel banter, informed debate, and unique angles from across the club and international football spectrum—this time with a crucial WSL preview that’s both optimistic and clear-eyed about women's football’s next steps. Essential listening for fans keeping up with England, the Home Nations, global qualifiers, and the burgeoning women’s game.