Three Semi’s | The Beautiful Pod

Summary

The Adam Friedland Show

Episode: Three Semi’s | The Beautiful Pod

Date: July 11, 2026
Guests: Sam Adam, Elliot Smith (Arsenal Vision Podcast)

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Episode Theme

This episode dives deep into the 2026 World Cup semifinals and quarterfinals, offering sharp, humorous, and often self-deprecating analysis of the tournament's key teams and players. The hosts, joined by guest Elliot Smith, mix tactical debate, soccer nerdery, personal anecdotes, and a healthy dose of banter as they debate the strengths and weaknesses of France, Argentina, England, Norway, and other headline teams. The show closes with a fun lightning round pitting the greatest footballers and midfielders of the 21st century against each other.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter & Footballer Heaven

• [00:05] The hosts riff on which rock legends and controversial figures might make it into "heaven" and form a supergroup—setting the irreverent tone for the episode.

"If you're a rocker, you get into heaven because God is like, listen, you did some bad things, but you're cool... God is a bit of a clout shark." – Host 1 [00:21]

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2. France vs. Morocco: Tactics, Vulnerabilities, and Narrative

• [03:00] In-depth review of France’s approach and potential weaknesses, especially their reliance on a two-man midfield with four attackers.
• [03:51] Paraguay’s use of a low block against France is highlighted as the “roadmap” for underdogs seeking an upset.
• [04:49] Discussion of how manager Deschamps might correct France’s balance and the tactical chess match against Morocco and potential opponents.

"The main problem with their setup has yet to be exposed and it's that they're playing a two man midfield with four attackers and they could easily get exposed by a halfway decent opposition." – Host 1 [03:51]

• [07:20] Both agree that France look inevitable, but Spain is identified as a possible real threat, able to exploit France's weakness with their pressing and ball control.
• [08:18] Sam Adam compares France's strengths to NBA playoff basketball, calling their overwhelming attacking talent almost “NBA style.”

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3. The Golden Boot Race and World Cup GOAT Debate

• [08:39] Shoutout to Lukaku for matching Messi and Mbappe in the Golden Boot race:

"Congratulations Romelu Lukaku... you're tied with Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot and Messi..." – Host 1 [08:39]

• [09:21] A debate on the top five World Cup players of all time, touching on Pele, Messi, Garrincha, R9, Zidane, and current stars.

"I think Mbappe needs one more." – Sam Adam [09:40]

Garrincha Anecdote

• [09:45] Garrincha’s unique skills and off-pitch quirks are humorously discussed—a blend of 1950s dribbling and off-field legend, setting up a compare-and-contrast with modern players.

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4. Mbappé’s Legacy and International Football Context

• [14:04] The hosts turn philosophical, debating what would make Mbappé the undisputed World Cup GOAT.

"For me, with Mbappé, I think the mediocrity of the Real Madrid team has obscured his brilliance... and he's going to be the all time World Cup leading scorer..." – Elliot Smith [14:41]

• [15:51] The conversation humorously digresses into imagining ex-players (Wayne Rooney) and cultural references (Shrek), but returns to the seriousness of legacy—Mbappé's drive, psychology under pressure, and looming records.

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5. Quarterfinals and Tactician Wars

• [17:44] How Argentina’s fixtures against weaker opposition have forced them to play a “false” style not suited to their natural game—football theory meets real-world results.
• [19:36] Sam Adam rebuts: “Most good teams want to have the ball. When you have Messi on your team, you want to play with the ball. You want to get the ball to Messi whenever you can.” [19:36]
• [20:15] The irreverence returns with a quick call to Mike Francesa on World Cup picks (“I think France is the best team..." [20:47]), showing how casual and expert soccer fandom collide.

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6. Preview: England vs. Norway – Strengths, Weaknesses, and Star Power

• [24:31] Examination of England’s defense and Norway’s attacking threat (Erling Haaland in particular).

"Erling Haaland is probably the best player on planet earth right now. And I don't think he could be stopped. He's worth at least a goal every game. And England have terrible center backs..." – Elliot Smith [24:52]

• [26:22] Sam Adam challenges the “terrible defense” line, defending England’s backline, and suggesting Rice, Jude, and Anderson’s pressing can neutralize Norway’s midfield.

"I think the main issue for Norway is the strength of their game against Brazil was essentially Odegaard. Odegaard ran the show... I don't think, as you said, the Norwegian defense is good enough to hold off an attack of Gordon, Kane, Bellingham, Rodgers, Saka..." – Sam Adam [26:22]

• [27:50] The panel explores Odegaard's transfer value and whether he’d walk into Real Madrid’s lineup.
• [28:14] More on England’s combative midfield, weaknesses on the counter, and doubts about stopping Haaland.

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7. Argentina’s Nerve-Jangling Path & The VAR Debate

• [33:04] Argentina’s dramaturgy—late Messi heroics, VAR controversies, and “easiest path” complaints.
• [34:07] On Messi’s decisive goal:

"Any other player who takes that, who...swings it, like, it goes fucking...rosette. The way it just clipped the bottom of the bar..." – Host 1

• [34:09] Classic football superstitions and inside jokes about Argentina’s historic “luck,” controversial officiating, and conspiracy tropes.

VAR Use and Precedent

• [35:42] Elliot Smith weighs in on the dangers of going too far back with VAR, drawing comparisons to American sports.

"I don't like the precedent of going that far back to overturn it, but I understand the logic that that foul is how they start the counter attack..." – Elliot Smith [36:03]

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8. Quarterfinal Draws: Excitement vs. Disappointment

• [39:37] The panel debates if this is the “worst” set of World Cup quarterfinals, with Elliot defending the England-Norway matchup as underrated.

"Are you guys not excited for England, Norway? Like, I, I feel like I'm on an island by myself..." – Elliot Smith [39:42]

• Discussion of how few Norwegian players would make England’s starting XI, sparking an entertaining Kane vs. Haaland debate.

"You think Erling Haaland is definitely without doubt a better footballer than Harry Kane?" – Sam Adam [40:26] "By a big margin, yes." – Elliot Smith [40:31]

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9. Lightning Rounds: The Greatest Wingers and Midfielders of the 21st Century

• [44:28] Interactive “this or that” segment: Michael Olise vs. Bukayo Saka, Vini Jr. vs. Sadio Mane, Alexis Sanchez vs. Di Maria, Robin vs. Bale/Hazard/Salah.
• [46:58] Messi crowned as the best winger (“Messi.” – Host 1 [47:00]); general agreement on Messi being the best any-position player of the century.

Midfielders – “Rice or…”

• [47:22] Series of showdowns: Thiago vs. Schweinsteiger, Guardiola vs. Vidal, Kante vs. Vieira, Busquets vs. Xavi, Yaya Toure’s uniqueness...

"Yaya Toure. The best player I've ever seen. Vanger wanted to make him a nine. He played center back." – Host 1 [51:02] "If you had to have 11 of any player on the pitch, you'd pick 11 Yaya Toures." – Elliot Smith [51:07]

• [51:49] Episode winds down amid banter about player ratings and podcast in-jokes.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The main problem with their setup has yet to be exposed and it's that they're playing a two man midfield with four attackers and they could easily get exposed by a halfway decent opposition.” – Host 1 [03:51]
• "Most good teams want to have the ball. So I think if you asked Argentina, what would you want to do? I think they would want to have the ball more than they would not want to have the ball. Now, if it's against France, there's a different strategy." – Sam Adam [19:36]
• “Erling Haaland is probably the best player on planet earth right now. And I don't think he could be stopped. He's worth at least a goal every game. And England have terrible center backs...” – Elliot Smith [24:52]
• “If you had to have 11 of any player on the pitch, you'd pick 11 Yaya Toures.” – Elliot Smith [51:07]
• "I think Mbappé needs one more." – Sam Adam [09:40]
• “I think, honestly, Kante is Kante and Toure the best midfielder.” – Host 1 [48:53]
• “Are you guys not excited for England, Norway? Like, I, I feel like I'm on an island by myself thinking that's a fascinating…” – Elliot Smith [39:42]

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• Footballer Heaven & Banter: [00:05] – [00:59]
• France Tactical Breakdown: [03:22] – [08:30]
• Golden Boot & GOAT Talk: [08:39] – [15:51]
• Mbappé's Legacy Debate: [14:04] – [17:44]
• England vs. Norway Deep Dive: [24:31] – [28:14]
• VAR Controversy & Argentina's Run: [34:07] – [37:59]
• Quarterfinal Draws & England-Norway Lineups: [39:37] – [43:00]
• 21st Century Player Battles: [44:28] – [51:49]

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Overall Tone and Style

The episode balances detailed tactical insights with irreverent humor, personal allegiances (especially Arsenal fandom), and wide-ranging football nostalgia. Regular moments of self-teasing and playful argument keep the conversation lively and accessible, while the guests’ deep knowledge ensures the discussion remains insightful for world football enthusiasts.

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For Listeners: Episode Takeaways

• France and Argentina are considered the likely favorites, pending tactical adjustments and potential upsets; Spain identified as a credible challenger.
• Erling Haaland’s star quality might trouble England, but the consensus is England’s quality should prevail—though their defensive frailties are a point of contention.
• VAR’s influence is expanding in key moments, with the panel voicing some skepticism about how far it should go in reversing decisions.
• The hosts and guest blend tactical talk with cultural quips, historical context, and a spirited rapid-fire segment on modern football’s best.
• Messi's legacy—and the evolution of the greatest players conversation—remains central, with compelling parallels drawn between generations.
• The show closes with laughs, more Arsenal callbacks, and a promise to revisit hot takes after the results play out.

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Guest Plug:
Check out Elliot Smith on the Arsenal Vision Podcast for more club-focused analysis.

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This summary is designed to bring you up to speed on all the key arguments, laughs, and football wisdom from “Three Semi’s | The Beautiful Pod,” even if you didn’t catch the episode!

Transcript

[Elliot Smith]

Foreign.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Welcome to the beautiful pod. We got the beautiful boys here today, producer Sam Adam, and very shortly, Elliot Smith. No, not that Elliot Smith. That one is still in heaven with, you know, the rest of the rockers he's got.

[Sam Adam]

They all get in.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

If you're a rocker, you get into heaven because God is like, listen, you did some bad things, but you're cool and God cares. God is a bit of a clout shark. Is that what they call it?

[Sam Adam]

Kind of like, do you think Phil Spector's there?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Phil Spector, because he's cool. Yes. In fact, there's a band they're gigging up there right now. It is Jim Morrison, Elliot Smith. You've of course got who else? The Big Bopper, Richie Valens. Richie Valens, unfortunately. What about the whole the who? What do you mean, are dead?

[Sam Adam]

Do they all get in?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Keith Moon is the only dead one. The beautiful pod is brought to you by FanDuel. This summer, America's number one sportsbook is making it easier than ever to get in on the action across all your favorite sports. Think you've got today's home run hitter picked? Check out FanDuel's HR props, including moonshots and lasers for a chance at even bigger payouts. Late to start, FanDuel has you covered with all the live betting options all game long. Download the FanDuel Sportsbook app today and play games your game disclaimer 21 select states 18 DC, Kentucky or Wyoming gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut. This episode is brought to you by Viori. I got to give Viori some credit. They don't make you choose between comfort and looking sharp. Their core shorts work for basically everything, whether you're working out or just creating the impression that you work out. And the stratotech tee is so soft that you'll want to take it off only to wash it. Really good stuff. Get 20% off your first purchase at vuori.com tafs and discover the versatility of vori clothing. Exclusions apply. Visit the website for full terms and cond. We're going to be going through a reaction to yesterday's match. French match, I believe. Sam, I kept you on the phone for about two hours trying to convince you of of some sort of narrative and I do think, unfortunately, I I'm gonna read you my text to Nick Wright and then we're gonna show you the the tweet that he tweeted out yesterday and I do think that I have kept his cold streak alive of betting in the World Cup. I text Nick this yesterday. Can I give you a heater a he what I can I give you some heaters? But I I thought I was going to give this to him so he could say it's a Broussard and all the other guys in the studio. I said it was the guy who got them to the World cup sent me in 2 AFCONs. He his setup was way more let them have the ball and hit you on the break. They played a black bet a they paid a played a back five.

[Sam Adam]

Not always.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Sometimes. Okay. They're the current manager plays a far more adventurous system but they're. But we can assume that they're quite comfortable playing without the ball and the game state against France will require that. France has really looked only kind of good at that point in the round of 32 match.

[Sam Adam]

France hasn't played anybody.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, well they looked good in the round of 32 against Sweden.

[Sam Adam]

Again I questioned the entire this is

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

what I was telling right.

[Sam Adam]

Oh my God.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Okay. Senegal were peppering them with chances in the first match. It could have easily gone their way. The main problem with their setup has yet to be exposed and it's that they're playing a two man midfield with four attackers and they could easily get exposed by a halfway decent opposition. Paraguay low blocked the fuck out of them and they did not deal with it well. So you're saying I should bet on Morocco, correct?

[Sam Adam]

I said yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I said not necessarily. But it could go bad for France. There's a lot of history between the sides. Six Argentine refs. But that's just the argument against France. If they put in Zaire Emery in midfield and pull an attacker they could boss it. But the champs is a more Deschamps. I meant Deschamps.

[Sam Adam]

I actually thought tactically he was pretty smart.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think he was pretty smart.

[Sam Adam]

I think I did get that to the left was really smart because it forced Hakeemi into these weird spots where if he marauded forward which is what he does best, he's leaving spaces which is how France won that penalty.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

And then Nick said and I think I've ruined my relationship with him. I should be taking you to this game instead of my wife. And I said here's another good one. Out of the teams remaining in the tournament who could have held on at the AZ second for 40 minutes with 10 men, there's only one answer potentially Argentina.

[Elliot Smith]

Okay.

[Sam Adam]

Has England shown us that there is a second team then that can do that. That could hang in, we don't know. Against France, you're saying.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I'm saying could France have held on for 40 minutes at the Azteca like England.

[Sam Adam]

I see. Like England did.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Okay. And I'm not convinced that there's. When I saw Dan Byrne go in, like Chris was saying, I'm not fully convinced of the fact that there could the French personnel, that the French have the personnel. I'm not convinced that Spain has the personnel. And then the other teams. I don't really think here I'm going to eat my. My words on this, but I think that those are the four, the final four teams, you know, I. But certainly I don't think Norway have the personnel. I said because Argentina have played bad teams. They actually haven't been able to play the game that they're set up to play with 10 psychos low blocking the fuck out of you, ironically, because the quality of their opponents, they've had too much of the ball. And France lose that game. Spain probably lose that game too. England has the Southgate DNA. Think the way in the Knicks had Tibbs DNA in the. In their roster in this last championship run. Also, psychologically, the England players have been there before. They fucked it. So they know how thin the margins of error are. So that means that he will be putting it all on England tomorrow. And if you guys want to go on Fanduel, is that correct?

[Sam Adam]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Fanduel. We're taking Norway because I've convinced Nick Wright of to put it put the house on England. Let's show his tweet from yesterday. It's a picture of him and his wife. He's wearing a Morocco bucket hat. I feel really bad. And this is a public apology to Mr. Nick Wright, who is, I think 04, probably 48.

[Sam Adam]

How much did he put on Morocco?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I didn't ask him, but I should call later on, see if we still have a relationship and apologize to him. Okay, so let's go ahead. Let's talk about France and let's talk about Morocco. I think the inevitable is coming. I think they certainly look like the best team in the field. Would you agree, Sam?

[Sam Adam]

Yeah, I don't really think there's an argument for anybody else. I think Spain are growing into the tournament a bit and to go along with the point you said about the two men midfield, I think that's the way that France get eliminated. And the only team that can really take advantage of that is Spain. Yeah, because they'll press and they'll keep the Ball and that's how you can hurt France.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, I, I would tend to agree but like, let's just look at the Paraguay, Paraguay match you need. But what we saw was that they, they low blocked him and they nicked a penalty at the end. I think it is the roadmap to finding some joy against this team. And then that to me is, I think we're. This is like what Waz said a couple last week's episode. It's like trying to find a way to say that there's a weakness in the prime Golden State warriors. Yeah, I think Steph's defense is bad.

[Sam Adam]

You're just picking nits. They have overwhelming attacking talent and the format is suited to them. It's like it's an NBA style format almost. And when you have guys that can get to the bucket and score, that's how you win.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah. Obviously Spain, Belgium has just happened. So congratulations Romelu Lukaku.

[Sam Adam]

We should talk about that.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

For your eight goals and now you are, you have 10. You're tied with Mbappe at the top of the Golden Boot and Messi and Messi at the top of the Golden Boot race. What do you make of this, this thing? It's like Messi keeps taking over as the top goal scorer in World cup history and then this just like, yeah, there's another guy who's got 17 World Cups left that is just like keeps tying you, you know, is Kylian Mbappe potentially. What does he have to do to become the best player in World cup history? I mean, I think arguably he needs three. Arguably. Like who do you have as the

[Sam Adam]

top five at this point in just World cup history?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Just World cup history.

[Sam Adam]

Pele, let's say Pele, Messi, Garincha, you know, are we looking at R9 and then Mbappe Zidane? I mean I think it's those two probably that are looking at the top five. I think Mbappe needs one more.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

You want to tell me a little bit about this fellow Garrincha from Brazil?

[Sam Adam]

He was bow legged, first of all.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

He was bow legged. Yes.

[Sam Adam]

They say that he's like the dumbest man to ever play for Brazil.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

They say that. I, I never met him, but potentially I think he would. Yeah. And also potentially I think he did. No, we're not going to talk about,

[Sam Adam]

we're not going to say what he did to the animals.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

No, but we will say that he was, he loved, he loved animals. He was a lover, he loved animals. And apparently at that time a lot of people loved animals in their style. Yeah, there were a lot of animal lovers in Brazil and that was a common thing. Specifically donkeys. And now for a quick word from our sponsor, FanDuel. TAFS is brought to you by FanDuel. When the stakes get higher, the matches go longer. And on FanDuel your bets can too. Because when extra time changes everything, your bet shouldn't stop at 90 minutes. Now you can back your favorite players all the way through extra time with markets like Anytime Goal Scorer, two plus Goals, Hat Trick Score Anytime Assists or Score or Assist and more. So whether the winner comes in regulation or deep into extra time, your action stays alive the whole match. Bet the knockout rounds with 120 minute markets only on FanDuel and Let There Be Goals. Visit FanDuel.com TAFS to get in on the action. Disclaimer 21 Select States 18/DC, KY, WY gambling problem call 1-800-GAMBLER call 1-888-789-7777 visit ccpg.org chatinconnecticut for adults with Crohn's disease

[Elliot Smith]

or ulcerative colitis symptoms, every choice matters. Tremphya offers self injection or intravenous infusion from the start. Tremphya is administered as injections under the skin or infusions through a vein every four weeks, followed by injections under the skin every four or eight weeks. If your doctor decides that you can self inject Tremphya, proper training is required. Tremphya is a prescription medicine used to treat adults with moderately to severely active Crohn's disease and adults with moderately to severely active ulcerative colitis. Serious allergic reactions, increased risk of infections or lower ability to fight them and liver problems may occur before treatment. Get checked for infections and tuberculosis. Tell your doctor if you have an infection, flu like symptoms or need a vaccine. Explore what's possible. Ask your doctor about tremphya today. Call 1-800-526-7736 to learn more or visit

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

tremphyaradio.com this episode is brought to you by Accenture. When your advertising operations fall out of sync, campaigns slow down, insights get buried and opportunities get miss. That's why Spotify and Accenture are working together to reinvent the rhythm of ad sales, using automation, analytics and smarter workflows to simplify campaign delivery and access better data across the business. The result? Less time spent on operations, more time connecting brands with the moments and fandoms that matter most. To learn more, check out Accenture.com Spotify Elliot Smith from the Arsenal Vision Podcast is joining us Everyone give it up for Elliot. Everyone. Okay, just to finish up. Brazilian legend Garrincha famously failed a pre tournament IQ and psychological test ahead of the 1958 World cup, scoring in the low 70s. Despite testing as an intellectually. Okay. He struggled with complex instructions, but he possessed an extraordinary on pitch intuition and he led Brazil to a two famous World cup victories in 1958 and 1962. When you watch highlight clips of Garrincha dribbling, it looks like modern. I think he's. Sometimes when you watch stuff from like the 1950s, it looks like the olden days. When you watch John Havlic highlights, you're like, they're like. So they're like dribbling like this. Yeah.

[Sam Adam]

You mean Bob K. Oh, yeah, yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Bob Koozie. Sorry, dude. Sam. Okay.

[Sam Adam]

Havich was a forward, fine, but they

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

still dribbled like this happen, you know. But yeah, Garrincha looks like, like Ronaldinho or something. I mean, you can't take the ball off him.

[Sam Adam]

So his I, his IQ was too low to be in the US Army.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Listen, he had a crooked leg, he had a low IQ and he was an alcoholic. But that did not stop him from two famous victories in the World Cup 1958-1962. Elliot, question for you. What is required for Mbappe to become officially the best World cup player ever? Like what, what in your mind when all is said and done?

[Elliot Smith]

I mean, apparently drink copiously and fail an IQ test.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yes. And have a crooked leg.

[Elliot Smith]

It, I mean, I, I always think these comparing across generation things are really difficult because not only does the standard of play come up as there's more talent globally, but the game changes in terms of the amount of goals scored, the way attacking is done. But for me, with Mbappe, I think the mediocrity of the Real Madrid team has obscured his brilliance and the extent to which he is the best player in the world and has everything in his game and he's going to be the all time World cup leading scorer and probably going to win his second World Cup. So, you know, I don't know what else you have to do if you're killing Mbappe to prove to people that you are one of the all time greats.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah. I mean, I think that if you're, if you think about like his, like, if you think about Wayne Rooney, like you close your eyes, you imagine Manchester United kit on it.

[Elliot Smith]

Do you see Wayne Rooney when you close your eyes?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I do often times. Yeah. Yeah. We both love our grandmothers.

[Elliot Smith]

Was it just the shrek movies.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

No, no, no. I see. Yes. I see Doggy Princess Fiona. I see, of course, Lord Farquaad. And I see Wayne Rooney.

[Elliot Smith]

Do you think he's aging gracefully?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think he's really nice to us. Okay, Right. Skoles is a jerk. Right. Ferdinand is a jerk to us. I think Rooney, for some reason, seems to be a fan of our favorite team, but we. I talk about our favorite team too much so. But I do think, like, just for instance, like, if you think of Wayne Rooney, you think of Manchester United. I think when all is said and done, legacy wise, you think of the France kit on Mbappe. I don't think of PSG kit or Real Madrid kit at this moment. I think. And what is when? Just in looking at yesterday and looking at this tournament, I think that something has occurred to him. He scored a hat trick in the best final of all time four years ago. Eight years ago, at 19 years old, he won the World Cup. I think that this is an opportunity for him, career wise, legacy wise, to solidify his status and greatness. And I think that certainly is something that's motivating him in this World Cup. One potential counter argument. This is hokey and it might be, like, stupid to even speculate, but if there is a rematch, I think one thing that could potentially hold him back is the possibility of him kind of hyping himself up too much. He's. If potentially he faces Messi again in the final, you know, we could. The. The only thing that could prevent this from happening is if he's just like, you know, too haunted by four years ago. We don't know these guys. We speculate as to their state of mind all the time. So I don't even think it's worth going there. But right now it certainly looks like the inevitable will occur. If. If I had to guess, would you agree, Elliot?

[Elliot Smith]

Not necessarily. I mean, I think France will get to the final. I do think span Spain, France is an interesting matchup if that's what we get. And obviously Spain beat France in a semifinal in the Euros last time around, but a very different France team where they went more defensive with their midfield. They didn't lean in their attacking identity, and I don't think they'll make that mistake this time. As for Argentina, I don't think it's by any means a foregone conclusion. This is an Argentina team that kind of had to rescue themselves against Cabo Verde and had to rescue themselves, as some would say, with the help of the referees, against Morocco. And they could be staring down the barrel of England in a semifinal and famously have never had any success against in the World Cup. Kidding.

[Sam Adam]

Yeah.

[Elliot Smith]

But, like, I think that England has the right kind of talent in many ways to give Argentina a lot of trouble if they're able to get past.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I'm going to go. This is joker mode, iq. This is galaxy brain. Argentina have faced weaker opposition consistently throughout this tournament. But if you look at the way they're. They are set up, potentially facing weaker opposition has forced them to keep the ball. Right. And potentially this roster is set up in the opposite way. In fact, like, they have played matches that ironically have feature have prevented them from playing the actual game that they or ideally set up to play, which is 10 psychopaths behind the ball. And then. God, God, just kind of looking like he's. I don't know, like. Like, is he. Like, is he distracted? What's going on? And then in 15 seconds of chaos and then the goal, the ball is back in the back of the net. Like, you know, is there anything to that in your mind? Like Elliot or Sam? And we go to Sam next?

[Elliot Smith]

Yes, Sam, what do you make of it?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Okay, yeah, Sam, what do you make of it? Because he wants to copy what you're saying, Sam.

[Sam Adam]

I think most good teams want to have the ball. So I think if you asked Argentina, what would you want to do? I think they would want to have the ball more than they would not want to have the ball. Now, if it's against France, there's a different strategy. So what you're saying is they sit in, that's fine. I think that with their midfield, when you look at McAllister, when you look at Enzo, you look at Thiago, Almada, Messi, Julian Alvarez, these are not physically robust players in the way that I think we're kind of describing. So maybe if we see DePaul or Palacios, that's a good fit. I tend to think, though, that when you have Messi on your team, you want to play with the ball. You want to get the ball to Messi whenever you can.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Francesa, text back, can I. Should we call him?

[Sam Adam]

Yes.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Real quick, Mike. I'm just, like, looking. I think I just want to kind of want to pick a couple winners in this World Cup. Just seeing what, what. Who you're taking me. I don't know anything about it, but, like, if you're. You've been watching the World cup, like, who do you. Who do you. Like, who do you got? Like, if you. If you just had to throw, if I Thought, who is the best team I've seen? Yeah.

[Elliot Smith]

France.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

France. Okay. Cool. All right, so I'm going to put it on France, I think. Yeah, I think I would agree. What do you know more than I do? Yeah. Well, who do you make. What do you make of this Messy kid, though. Messy kid. I mean, that's true. I mean, I don't know. I'm. He's the. He's the. He's 39, I guess. Yeah. He's been around a long retirement. Is he. This is his last World Cup. No, I know. It's kind of a last dance. It's a little bit of a Jordan situation. No. Well, it could be, I guess. You know, they're one of the favorites, if not the favorite, to win it. Yeah. All right, well, okay. I'm just. From what I've seen and I know nothing about soccer. Nothing. Yeah. Okay. I think Francis is the best team. All right.

[Sam Adam]

Okay.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I appreciate it, Mike. All right. Do you live in Vegas? No, no, I'm from Vegas, though. Yeah, I'm from Vegas. Oh, okay. Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. All right, Mike. All right, Mike. I'm gonna have my producer reach out to your guy and then we'll set it up for late August. Yeah, I'll text you Mons and stuff and you can set everything up with him. Okay. Incredible. Incredible. All right, take care. God bless.

[Sam Adam]

Okay, you forgot the most important question.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Stop it. Okay. We're not gonna ask him about Giambi.

[Sam Adam]

Why not?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Hey, Mike, what do you think about this? Giambi Kida. All right, Mike. Francesa, everyone.

[Elliot Smith]

Oh, my God.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

How, Elliot, how amazing was that?

[Elliot Smith]

Amazing.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I can't believe. I get my life. I can't believe. I can't believe it. There's an incredible New Yorker profile about Mike and the Mad Dog from the early 2000s where they were. They were on the road covering a Yankees playoff game, I think, in Kansas City. And they would always. Mike would always have to have a better hotel room. And through some sort of scheduling mix up, they had to share a hotel room for a couple hours during a day. And the journalist walked in on them, like, silently watching the end of the Robert Redford film the Horse Whisperer. And as the credits rolled, he turned to Russo and he goes, dog. He did what he had to do.

[Sam Adam]

And the reporter was just in the room.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

The reporter was. Because he was, like, covering. He was doing a Maison Sen, you know, a New Yorker piece. Okay. I want to talk to you about the two matches. I think those are the most kind of, like, by the time this airs obviously we will rebel. Lukaku will score eight, be at the top of the golden boot race and we will see him in the quarterfinals. Obviously we have Argentina, Switzerland, the nightcap and England. Norway in Miami. 5pm in the heat, guys. Some of these guys play for Bodo Glimpse. Some of these guys play up north of the arctic circle.

[Sam Adam]

Which guy?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I don't know. I don't want to know his name. I don't want to know.

[Sam Adam]

That's right.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

So yeah, Sam, you're a big skull guy. You're a big rowing guy. You're going Norway. What do you think?

[Sam Adam]

No, Jen, I think Holland eats those guys for a long time.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think. I think genuinely sponsor.

[Sam Adam]

I like. I like Konsa more than gay, to be fair.

[Elliot Smith]

Well, he might not be available as I understand it. So it could be big. Dan Byrne back there.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yes. Gay.

[Sam Adam]

He, of course, John Stones would come in, I think, right?

[Elliot Smith]

Yeah, Probably John Stones.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah. No big damn bird. There was a moment in the last in the Azteca when Dan Byrne came in and I just nodded. I just went like this.

[Elliot Smith]

I was like all heritage.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yes.

[Sam Adam]

Yeah.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

As I mentioned last week, the altitude affected him even more because he's 6 foot 7. So, yeah, no, genuinely speaking. England, Norway. What's the argument against England? Because I feel like all three of us agree. Am I correct that England's gonna win? What is the argument against England? Elliott?

[Elliot Smith]

I'm not sold that England just win this game. I think Erling Haaland is probably the best player on planet earth right now. And I don't think he could be stopped. He's worth at least a goal every game. And England have terrible center backs. Like, I don't rate gay that much. I don't rate Konza. I don't particularly think John Stones is up to the task at this stage of his career. You know, I. I think obviously a lot will be on Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson to protect them. But if he steals a run on those guys in England are going to have the ball. They'll be up the pitch sometimes. I know Norway had a lot of the ball against Brazil. I expect it to be more even than it was. But I just think Erling Holland scores in this game. At least a goal. Now, the problem for Norway is I don't think defensively they're very good either. This could be a surprisingly fun game. This could be a surprisingly 4, 3, 3, 2 kind of game. I don't think it's a fait accompli, personally.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Sam, what are you saying?

[Sam Adam]

I think not to big you up here, Elliot, but terrible defense seems a little bit crazy. I don't think the England defense is terrible. I don't think any of those.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

It's the opposite of bigging him up.

[Elliot Smith]

Who do you really?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, you're smalling him down. Small him down.

[Elliot Smith]

Myself Down.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I small him down. Small him down.

[Sam Adam]

Sir, I'm gonna pick you.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Oh, no, no. Sam is five foot three.

[Elliot Smith]

Baby, let me be.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I'm literally taller than you. Okay, I'm taller than you. Okay, continue. You're five foot one times. Okay, continue. Just in case any girl and there are no girls watching. Sam is five foot one. Okay, continue.

[Sam Adam]

I think, I think Khan's good player. I think Stones is a good player. I think terrible in this World Cup. Again, like, I don't, I don't really agree with terrible. I don't think he's a fantastic player, but I think he's Premier League proven and I like, I like the body, I like the speed and I think he's got good technical quality for a center back as well. I think the main issue for Norway is the strength of their game against Brazil was essentially Odegaard. Odegaard ran the show. They couldn't press him, they couldn't get Bruno and Casemiro could not get near him. I think when you have Rice, Jude and Anderson pressing, it's a different story. I don't see him sort of dictating the game in the same way. And I don't think, as you said, Elliot, the Norwegian defense is good enough to hold off an attack of Gordon, Kane, Bellingham, Rodgers, Saka, even our boy Noni Madueke.

[Elliot Smith]

He does a good job holding himself off. But no, look, the fact is where I really agree with you, right, is you got a Brazil midfield that was not able to control the game Against Norway they played Martinelli nominally in midfield. So it was really a two man midfield with Guimaraj and Casimiro. And Bruno, as good as he is, I think cannot make up the ground that Casamiro seeds. So it was very easy for the. The three technical players at the heart of the midfield for Norway. Sanderberg, who plays for Fulham, he's a. He's a good on ball midfielder. Berg. So there's Berga and then there's Pattenberg from Boda Glimt. Really good on the ball. And odegaard who had 100 passes in the game. They could hold the temple of that game.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

What a player.

[Elliot Smith]

Tremendous player. What a player.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I mean, I think his transfer value is skyrocketing. I would Say Odegaard is maybe at 120, 130 million pounds at this point.

[Elliot Smith]

Street swap for Vinnie with Real Madrid.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I'm saying that any team would be stupid not to take him. Yeah, I'm trying to do here. If, if I'm Real Madrid, I'm calling and I'm saying straight swap for him and maybe Arda Guler.

[Elliot Smith]

Well, I'm not doing that.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

But yeah.

[Elliot Smith]

Plus, look, England has a much more combative athletic midfield with Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice. They're going to be able to recover the ball. They're going to be able to, I think, Bosh, the midfield a little bit more right, especially with Jude is in there as well. That's a big, physical athletic midfield. But that means Holland is attacking space more and England have looked like they can be hit on the counter. They have. They do not defend in space well for me, Gay, he and Kansa, if that's who it winds up being in, in the middle. And even the best defenders, just ask Gabriel Magaliais struggle when Erling Holland gets a run on you. So maybe England has too much for what is. I agree, Sam, a weak Norway defense. But I just think at the current moment, Holland is good for a goal every game. I don't see. I don't see England keeping him out. I just don't.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

And Pickford has this magic where he could put on that. He's like. It's like Christian Romero when he puts on the Argentina shirt. It's different as he was the captain of spurs and he was like, I don't want to be here no more. Like he tried to go. He tried to go watch a Sunday league match in Argentina instead of play the game that would keep them up in the league. But somehow like Pickford, for me, looking at that roster prior to the World Cup, I'm like, Pickford is due like a kind of the. Like a US third goal or Belgium third goal in the US match.

[Elliot Smith]

He was beaten at his near post already once, poorly.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think that there's something about him where I'm like, this could be more of a disaster than it's been. The first save against Mexico. I think, like, wow, Pickford like that, that completely changed the profile of that game and, you know, credit to him. The keepers matter a lot in knockout stages. I think people forget that every time. And you know, we have Emmy, Emmy Martinez at Argentina. I think he's good for any penalty shootout. Arsenal legend, FA cup winning Emmy Martinez, who was injured or who came in because of an injury against Brighton. It's really crazy how the world changed because of. Because of that. That Bern Leno injury at Brighton and the famous Arsenal fan TV clip about Mope is a cheat. You know, literally Messi won the World cup as a result of that. That one moment. So it's crazy. The butterfly effect. I want to talk real quick about Argentina, Egypt before we talk about Argentina. Switzerland, the team that I keep forgetting is still in the World Cup, Switzerland. Zoran Mamdani does not look healthy for this match. Is that correct?

[Sam Adam]

I think Menz Zombie may or may not be fit. We'll see. Sorry. Zora.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Zora might not be fit, I think. Is he going to Newcastle?

[Sam Adam]

They say it's an agreed fee. They say they've agreed terms. But I think someone might come in and steal him still. I mean that is already one of the.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

But they're selling their whole midfield. What is going on?

[Elliot Smith]

Can I ask you a question, Sam?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

They have.

[Elliot Smith]

Joel. Have you watched much, much of. Can I call him Manzambi? Is that okay?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Or do I have to call him Zora Momdani? He was Sam's pre tournament pick and I was like, look at this freaking socialists over here. But yeah, it's on the rise.

[Elliot Smith]

But can I ask you because I haven't watched really much of if any of him at Freiburg and as I understand it, he plays in a deeper midfield role there and he's looked so explosive for Switzerland as an attacking player. Is he a 6? Is he a deeper midfielder? Or is this someone who's going to naturally have their game evolve into be more of an attacker like a winger or a 10?

[Sam Adam]

To me he's just a modern midfielder in the sense that he's positionless. It's like in the Enrique system. You could see him playing any one of those three. You could play him off the left. As far as what I've seen of him at Freiburg originally, I was just looking at his statistics and before they took down the FB reference like percentiles, I was interested in him because they were just off the chart.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Why did they do that? Because of betting in the World Cup.

[Sam Adam]

Because of sports betting. It was giving like too much valuable information.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

We should make a clone website.

[Sam Adam]

I think it might be too.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

We were so stupid, Elliot. We could have made a clone website.

[Sam Adam]

But he. Yes.

[Elliot Smith]

Yeah. No one thought of that. Actually. It's the first time it's been thought of.

[Sam Adam]

He. When they. When they played Villa in the Europa. In the Europa final, despite them getting absolutely crunched, he was the best player on the field by A mile. And that's on a field with, you know, Rodgers, Onana, Tielemans, Watkins. He was the best player and it wasn't close and I was like, okay, he's going to explode for the Swiss team and that's what's happened.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah. So he's potentially out. Argentina, Egypt. I mean, it's been two fucking heart stoppers in a row. Siempre, Leo, Siempre. This is the easiest path to the World Cup Final. All they've had is basically the potential of England in the semifinal. I'm sorry, Norway. The way that Messi kept that ball down. Any other player who takes that, who takes that, who fucking swings it, like, it goes fucking, as Elliot would say, rosette. You know, like, rosette rose. I mean, the way it just clipped the bottom of the bar. I'm like, you just saw it rising and like when he snaked, like, he was like coming down the. Down the right and he snaked that defender, I was like, it's. It's really just. I. I keep gushing about it, but it's really just awesome. We get to keep watching him play. Play ball. And guess what? If the VAR has to. Has to help us out. I. I don't.

[Elliot Smith]

Yeah, it's always. It has to cheat.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Every opponent always been corrupt. Okay. It's always. They just have Kissinger threatening the Peru team's labs. Okay, what'd you make that last 10 minutes, guys? Of the. Of the Egypt match?

[Elliot Smith]

I loved it. I thought it was captivating football theater. It was. It was why we come to the World Cup. I mean, obviously a lot of people feel it was tarnished by the overturned goal, but you had the Egypt counterattack that was blown where they could have made it safe. You know, you had the Messi goal, which is obviously the moment of the tournament so far. Enzo's, Enzo's header. And anyone who watches football a lot has been on the Egypt side of this. You're winning, but, you know, the nerves are there and, you know if they get one, you're in trouble. They say 2 nil is the most dangerous lead in football. And you know why they say that? Because anyone who has supported a team that's trying to defend the lead late knows that quicksand feeling, that this team hasn't scored a goal against us all game, but somehow there's an avalanche of them coming. And I felt for Egypt because we've been on the other side of that certainly, as Arsenal fans down the years and like it, that, that feeling of inevitability in football Is such. It's such an extraordinary thing when it's palpable like that. I. I thought it was captivating. Yeah, I loved it.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah. We have been on the other side of that. Yes. He was just reminded.

[Elliot Smith]

I mean, there was a 44 at Newcastle, if you want to relive it,

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

where Arsenal were 4 nil up. You know, he's dead. Tyota is dead.

[Elliot Smith]

Oh, yeah.

[Sam Adam]

What do you think about the precedent of VAR going that far back now? I know technically it's still in the same phase of play because number 12 on Egypt, who had a great game, was, you know, dribbled by four people in that sequence through the, you know, back third to the middle third to the front third. Do you think that that opens a can of worms potentially for how VAR is used moving forward?

[Elliot Smith]

So here's the thing. The way I look at it, if you want to look at the American sports angle, like, forget this is football, pretend this is NFL. American sports would absolutely rule that game out, rule that goal out. Because it'd be like, well, the foul is how they got the counterattack.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, it was offside.

[Elliot Smith]

It was a much more fluid. It's a much more fluid game in terms of how it thinks about the application of the laws. I don't like the precedent of going that far back to overturn it, but I understand the logic that that foul is how they start the counter attack that leads to the goal. So it felt very contrary to the traditions of football.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Against Liverpool, I don't know. Against Liverpool, on the edge of the box, I think there's this time where Martin Odegaard had a handball and, well,

[Elliot Smith]

I didn't see United that was ruled out. There was a similar situation. Martinelli had a great goal at Old Trafford to. To what would have been, I think, once the game in Old Trafford and. And there was a foul that I think Martin Odard committed, taking the ball off United and they brought it back for that foul.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think I was someone. I sent Nick Wright. He was talking about the red card against Baligan, and I just sent him the David Louise red card against Wolves. And I was like, you think? What do you think?

[Elliot Smith]

Red card and penalty and penalty.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I have not. I think that's the worst one. Guys, we gotta stop. No, but. Oh, my God, I have nightmares of that one. Just how.

[Elliot Smith]

How.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I still don't see it. Okay, guys, there's no way that's worse

[Elliot Smith]

than the Rice sending off for kicking the ball away, but for being.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

For being assaulted in an alleyway at night by Joel Veltman. Joel Veltman, who, you know, just, just got, I mean, a kick from him might, might feel like, like, it's like, you know, like swung through him.

[Sam Adam]

I was shocked. He wasn't sent off in that game.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

He was attacked. He was attacked by him in broad daylight. And then they blame us, they blame the agenda. And, and guess what? This year they finally started calling it, right? Because something, because they definitely wanted Man City to not win. Okay. Anyway, okay, guys, let's go ahead. Just finally, Argentina, Switzerland. Shaka still looks like, I think, their best midfielder. I would say at this point, you know, Argentina just have better players across the 11. Is that, I mean, it's as fair, you know, that necessarily doesn't translate all the time in the World cup, but, you know, it's going to take, I think probably some sort of freak, weird thing, but we've seen that happen.

[Elliot Smith]

I mean, I think without Manzambi, this is, this is game over. They, they need an X factor. Sorry, Mandami. If Soren is not able to play for Switzerland, then I think it's, it's, it's game over.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, you know, we're gonna see him in the final. I, I, I, I, I think. What is Johnny baby one? I mean, in a final, I think ratings wise, I think you want the rematch. You want the rematch. And I think I'm really excited. I mean, in a semifinal, I think it sounds pretty much like we all have Spain, France and then we have the, the geezers versus Argentina.

[Sam Adam]

Is this the worst World cup quarterfinal draws that we've seen?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

It does feel like a round of like 16 or 32 or whatever.

[Elliot Smith]

Are you guys not excited for England, Norway? Like, I, I feel like I'm on an island by myself thinking that that's a fascinating.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think they might have to walk it for a while because the best

[Elliot Smith]

record of any team in Euro qualifying. They scored like a million goals and conceded almost none today. Why are they being taken for granted?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Well, Sam and I went to Norway, Senegal, and they looked pedestrian. So I might have a little bit of a bias against Norway, but, you know, granted, they have, they have the best.

[Sam Adam]

I mean, Elliot, how many, how many players from Norway get into the England team besides Holland?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

1. And he was born there.

[Sam Adam]

And he was born there, but maybe even Holland doesn't.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Right.

[Sam Adam]

Like depending on the personnel, you might want Kane and stuff.

[Elliot Smith]

Stop that.

[Sam Adam]

No, you think Erling Holland is definitely without doubt a better footballer than Harry Kane?

[Elliot Smith]

By a big margin. Yes. Yeah.

[Sam Adam]

I don't know. To me, they feel Pretty equal as well. But I think they are. I think they are of the same level of players.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

It's. I think it's different aspects of the game.

[Elliot Smith]

Play them together. I'd play Kane and Holland together and like a nine and a half.

[Sam Adam]

But then where's Jim?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I mean, now you're starting, now you're thinking Deshaun.

[Elliot Smith]

Now I've got the Gareth Southgate problem, right? I'm leaving. I'm picking Foden and Palmer.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, I don't know what I'm doing.

[Elliot Smith]

But it's all very FIFA too. Like, yes, they've got a lot of talent, but if you, if you tell me that you think Rice, Anderson and Bellingham is a coherent midfield, I can poke holes in that. I don't think that those profile. I think you need a proper eight to connect Rice and Bellingham. Otherwise Bellingham is either coming too far back and trying to do Roy of the Rovers, everything which worked against Mexico, but I want him higher up, closer to Kane. And I don't think Elliot Anderson and Declan Rice both need to be in there. There's duplicative qualities in there that I

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

think what we're seeing. I think what we're seeing is Rice because he's. He can. He's so comprehensive. I mean, the thing that Rice does and he does it for us is he. He fixes like 20 fuck ups a game, right? And they're little. Little like fuck ups that could just lead to like a leak. That could just lead to like a. Like just the entire dam breaking. I think, because he's that guy. Elliot Anderson can then roam and hunt, right?

[Elliot Smith]

The funny thing is you should put Anderson on Norway for Sandberga and put Odegaard into England.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I would say. I was going to say, if I could say, Sam, the answer to your question, who would I. Who would get into the England team? I would start Ode over Jude. I mean, it's simple. And if you're not a Real Madrid, Anderson, if you're Real Madrid, I think you want. I think you want Odegaard and then I would swap him for Jude. Eddie.

[Sam Adam]

Okay, but even, Even if you put Odegaard into the team. And by the way, Elliot, I think you're. I think you're right. I think that is a more balanced midfield. Rice, Odegaard. Jude is better than Rice, Anderson, Jude,

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think you're right too.

[Sam Adam]

But who else gets in? So you say Holland, you say Odegaard. I don't think. And the funny thing for me is I don't know that any other Norwegian player is Even that close to being substituted is even like an impact player off the bench.

[Elliot Smith]

I don't know how many make the team. I agree with you. I mean, I think.

[Sam Adam]

But that's, that's why I think England. England. If England played well, would you, Would you, Would you. They play okay. They'll probably win.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Would you rotate in Oscar Bob on the right?

[Sam Adam]

Yes.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, I think Oscar Bob and I think this is Oscar Bob could maybe be a rotation piece on the right.

[Sam Adam]

Oh, for England.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah.

[Sam Adam]

No, you would just take Cole Palmer if you wanted Oscar Bob.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

No, I would, I would, I would put in. I would put in. Yes, you're right. I would say Noni Madawake is looking like a 250 million pound.

[Sam Adam]

But noni madawake walks into that Norway team. That's the funny thing.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

He does everything so well. Except for one thing.

[Sam Adam]

The most important thing.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

How many guys have we had like that?

[Elliot Smith]

I mean, Gabby J, I mean he's, he's a domitraore. Like it's, it's, it's the same kind of situation.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Jabby J does everything perfectly except for one thing and that's the thing that his striker needs. Anyway, enough about Arsenal. Guys. Elliot, thank you for joining us. We're gonna do a real fun game. Wants to play a game with us, I think. Elliot, you'll do a round? I'll do a round.

[Elliot Smith]

I just, I just want to make sure you have me back when England win 5 nil over Norway. So I can disavow anything I've said about.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah. We will, we will. We're going to have a mea culpa segment on Tuesday with cr. We're going to do what is a game of What? This or that?

[Sam Adam]

This or that?

[Elliot Smith]

The.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Him or that? Him.

[Sam Adam]

Him or her?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Him or her? Okay. So yeah, yeah. So we're talking 21st century footballers. Yes. Elliot will take the first one, I'll take the second and this will be really fun.

[Sam Adam]

Okay, Elliot, Michael Olise or Bukayo Saka.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Well, fuck, why are you starting there? Because I want to test his ass right now.

[Elliot Smith]

This is who I like. If I'm starting a team, I have to pick one of these players.

[Sam Adam]

So in the 21st century, let's say view it most importantly over like the peak of a three year run. But 21st century, Bukayo Saka, Michael Lise, who do you think is a better player now?

[Elliot Smith]

You know what? This is going on the Internet. I'm just going to the stop thing and say kyo Saka.

[Sam Adam]

Why?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Stop it, Sam. Why are you being so mean to us?

[Sam Adam]

He loves answering questions. What do you mean?

[Elliot Smith]

Because I love him. And I believe that if you ignore

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

England's player, player of the season twice

[Elliot Smith]

issue, if you ignore the Achilles issue, I think Bukayo Saka has the ability to be a Muhammad Salah level wide player if he can just get back to full fitness. For what it's worth, I actually think Michael Alise maybe one of the three best players in world football as well. But I'm still picking Bakaya Saka because I love him.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

There's really no other reason.

[Sam Adam]

Have we ever seen evidence and.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Stop it, stop it, stop it. Next.

[Sam Adam]

Okay. Riyad Mahrez or Vinnie Junior?

[Elliot Smith]

Vinnie junior.

[Sam Adam]

Vinnie junior Or Sadio Mane?

[Elliot Smith]

Vinnie junior.

[Sam Adam]

Vinnie junior. Alexis sanchez.

[Elliot Smith]

Alexis sanchez.

[Sam Adam]

Alexis sanchez or antonio di maria?

[Elliot Smith]

Alexis sanchez.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

On hell. On hell.

[Elliot Smith]

On helen.

[Sam Adam]

Oh, on hell, yeah. I don't know why I said antonio.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Oh, I got you. I sammed you.

[Sam Adam]

Yeah, you did. Okay, alexis sanchez or dembele?

[Elliot Smith]

Alexis Sanchez.

[Sam Adam]

Sanchez or Robin?

[Elliot Smith]

Iron Robin.

[Sam Adam]

Robin or Kvaratskalia?

[Elliot Smith]

Iron Robin.

[Sam Adam]

Robin or Hazard?

[Elliot Smith]

Iron Robin.

[Sam Adam]

Robin or Bale?

[Elliot Smith]

Iron Robin.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Whoa.

[Elliot Smith]

I think iron Robin, when fit, was the closest thing we had to like, a messy level player for a couple of years. So are you saying his peak.

[Sam Adam]

It's up to your interpretation? I think the only player who's really ever seemed like, messy to me was Neymar. Neymar. Yeah, exactly. So, okay, Robin or Mohamed Salah? Salah Salah or Yamal Salah Salah or Neymar?

[Elliot Smith]

Neymar.

[Sam Adam]

Neymar or Ronaldinho?

[Elliot Smith]

Ronaldinho.

[Sam Adam]

Ronaldinho or Cristiano Ronaldo?

[Elliot Smith]

Ronaldinho.

[Sam Adam]

Ronaldinho or Messi?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Messi.

[Sam Adam]

Okay, so Elliott thinks that Messi is the best winger of the 21st century.

[Elliot Smith]

I think he's the best any player on the pitch of the 21st century.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think he's the best goalkeeper.

[Elliot Smith]

This is like the people who commentate on football and go, Is it time to discuss whether Messi might be the greatest of all time?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I think it is time. I think it's about damn time. All right, Sam, hit me. Midfielders, you want.

[Sam Adam]

You want attacking mids or center?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Mids. Center Mids.

[Sam Adam]

Okay.

[Elliot Smith]

Adam, do you know any of those?

[Sam Adam]

Tiago or Yoshua? Kimmich.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Thiago. Alcantra. Yeah, Thiago.

[Sam Adam]

Thiago or Schweinsteiger?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Schweinsteiger.

[Sam Adam]

Schweinsteiger. Vidal.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Vidal.

[Sam Adam]

Vidal or Makalele?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I didn't really watch as much.

[Sam Adam]

Okay, Vidal. Or rice?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Rice.

[Sam Adam]

Rice or Purlo?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Comprehensively. Rice.

[Sam Adam]

Rice or Skulls?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Oh, fuck you.

[Sam Adam]

I think you know the answer.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Skulls. Rice. Rice it is. Rice it is. Rice it is.

[Elliot Smith]

Rice.

[Sam Adam]

Okay, Rice or Alonzo? Jabby Alonso.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Jabby Alonso.

[Sam Adam]

Xabi Alonso or Roy Keane?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I didn't watch Roy, but like Jabby Alonso.

[Sam Adam]

Alonso or Xavi?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Xavi Hernandez. Yeah, I would say Alonso, Alonso or Gerard. I might be wrong, but I, I didn't watch as much, Steve.

[Sam Adam]

Okay, Alonso or Kante?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Kante.

[Sam Adam]

Kante or Vieira?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I mean,

[Elliot Smith]

if you don't pick Patrick Vieira, I'm walking off the show.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Patrick Vieira.

[Sam Adam]

Why?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Because he's our. No, Conte. I think, honestly, Kante is Kante and Torre the best midfielder.

[Sam Adam]

Kante went Leicester. Prem. Chelsea. Prem. World Cup, Champions League.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Okay, fine, yeah.

[Sam Adam]

Conte or Cruz?

[Elliot Smith]

Well, Vieira went invincible.

[Sam Adam]

World cup, World Cup 98.

[Elliot Smith]

Premier League, Premier League, Invincible.

[Sam Adam]

But it's World Cup 98. He won a Euro and two Prems and then he sort of sputtered out in Italy.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

He kind of was, he was fading by the time I started watching. He's on Juve. When I started watching.

[Sam Adam]

Yeah, Juve and then what? Inter and then Man City. Man City legend Patrick Vieira.

[Elliot Smith]

Yeah, okay, I think we're. Patrick, just to make a point about him, I don't think he was a holding midfielder strictly. I think Conte was better deeper. But I think bringing the ball forward,

[Sam Adam]

I think was definitely a better player than Kante.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

But as far as Conte was good for a fucking rocket, though. He was good for a pop. Yeah, he had a couple.

[Sam Adam]

I don't know. When did Kante.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Vieira. Vieira.

[Sam Adam]

Vieira. Vieira or Cruz? We're almost done.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Vieira.

[Sam Adam]

Vieira. Rodri.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Vieira Rodri. Okay. What? He won Euro, Rodri won Euro.

[Sam Adam]

He won what, four or five Prems, Champions League. Ballon d'.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Or. He didn't win a knockout until this year.

[Sam Adam]

In the World Cup. In the World cup, yeah, but they might win it.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Vieira.

[Sam Adam]

You're, you're that confident that Spain can't beat France?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

I don't know. I, I with the drinks, breaks. I don't know. Continue. Just say the one. Say the one I love. Say the one.

[Sam Adam]

Rodri or Modric? No, no, you have to answer this one first.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

It's hard.

[Sam Adam]

What's the point,

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Luka? Modric.

[Sam Adam]

Modric or Busquets?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Oh, but he, oh, oh, you like Larry David. Iniesta, Yaya Toure. One, two. You, you. Yaya Torre. The best player I've ever seen. Vanger wanted to make him a nine. He played center back.

[Elliot Smith]

I once said if you had to have 11 of any player on the pitch, you'd pick 11 Yaya Torres.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

He's the best player I've ever watched.

[Sam Adam]

What about 11 Cesar Espilicue?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

What about 11?

[Sam Adam]

It's a deep cut, Adam. You probably wouldn't get it. Do you remember where that's from, Adam?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

From what? Chelsea?

[Sam Adam]

Yeah. No. Mourinho said that if he could pick any player, he'd want 11 SSR azpilicuetas dude.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Marino said if he could, I would want 11 Mario Balotellis. That's who I would want. That'd be awesome. All right. Elliot has been great. Sam, it's been great. You've sir you how let's give Sam fought mob rating. I would say you're. That was a 9. 2.

[Sam Adam]

Really?

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Yeah. 92 8.8. You had a hat trick of assist.

[Sam Adam]

What did I do wrong, Elliot? What can I do better?

[Elliot Smith]

First of all, you forced me to pick Sack. You forced me to pick Sack.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

You're such an ass.

[Elliot Smith]

Down. You put me down. I didn't enjoy that at all. You went with Antonio Di Maria. That's another one. It wasn't.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

Oh yeah, Antonio Di Maria. That's a howler. That was a howler. That was a lone goal. Guys, thanks for joining us. We'll be back next Tuesday with cr. Guys, I'm really bummed. It's one game a day and then it's two tomorrow. And then. And then we're going to stop having games every day. And what are we going to do? Talk to our families?

[Elliot Smith]

Go to Dublin and watch Arsenal Ray Albert us in the preseason.

[Host 1 (Possibly a lead host or main commentator)]

You're amazing. You're a man with a code. Elliot. Thanks for joining us. Check out Elliot's podcast, Arsenal Vision podcast, Post match podcast, whatever the fuck it's called. They have the best club specific podcast. I think they are award winning club specific podcast. If that's right, you won that at the AVN awards. The best club specific. Okay. All right. Thanks a lot, guys. Bye. 21 plus and President in select states for Kansas in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino or 18 and present in DC, Kentucky or Wyoming. Gambling problem. Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY RESET. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org chat in Connecticut or visit mdgamblinghelp.org in Maryland. Hope is here. Visit gambling helplinema.org or call 1-800-327 for 247 support in Massachusetts or call 1-877-8-HOPE New York or text Hopeny in New York. For Louisiana, call 1-877-770-7867. This episode is brought to you by Whole Foods. It's hot out there, folks. Whether you're planning a family road trip, backyard barbecues, or a watch party, you'll find everything you need to beat the heat with the quality you expect from Whole Foods Market. Find sales on Best of Summer Fruit, stock up on cooler friendly drinks, and discover no antibiotics ever meets for the grill. You know, something like a New York strip steak plus made in House kebabs, skewers and sausages. Shop Whole Foods Market in store or online. Get your first delivery free with prime terms. Apply.