THE HERD – HOUR 3 – Argentina’s Easy World Cup Path, Top 5 NFL Head Coaches

Summary

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THE HERD – HOUR 3 – Argentina’s Easy World Cup Path, Top 5 NFL Head Coaches

Podcast: The Herd with Colin Cowherd
Date: July 15, 2026
Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Brad Friedel (USMNT legend, soccer analyst), regular on-air contributors

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Episode Overview

This episode delves into two major topics: a comprehensive preview and analysis of the impending Argentina vs. England World Cup semifinal (including discussion of Lionel Messi’s phenomenon and the strength of England and Spain), and a breakdown of the Associated Press’s list of the top five NFL coaches. Colin and his co-hosts also touch on high-profile college football quarterback prospects, review NBA Summer League standouts, and wrap with analysis on team culture in soccer and football.

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1. Messi & Argentina’s World Cup Prospects

[03:48] – [07:59] Colin’s Opening Monologue & Analysis

• The “Messi Experience”:

  • Colin reflects on Messi’s ability to “hover and wait for opportunities” as he walks through much of the game due to age, but still “explodes” at the right moments, exemplifying the difference between “good and great.”
  • “His score percentage on those [tiny openings] is like there’s no opening there...it looks so clean and obvious.” (Colin, 04:24)
  • Colin compares Messi’s instincts and ease to sports legends like Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.
    • “Why can't everybody do what Tom Brady did?...So much of it is pre snap, so much of it is instincts and homework. So you don't have to think much. It comes naturally to you and that's Messi.” (05:11)

• Stopping Messi:

  • England manager Thomas Tuchel remarks:
    • “He can explode in every minute. He can go from...He’s a silent killer. He can also kill you while he's walking. That's just what it is. You can never fall asleep. You can never underestimate the burst of energy.” (Colin quoting Tuchel, 05:36)
  • Former Premier League defender Warren Barton’s take: assign a player to Messi wherever he moves, even “if he goes in the restroom, you follow him in there.”
  • Colin highlights how many have tried to stop Messi man-for-man, yet “he’s always found a solution and an answer.”

• Spain vs. England Potential:

  • Spain is praised for their “buttoned-up” approach, with stats putting them “first, second, first, second” in key categories across levels (05:56).
  • The culture of Spanish soccer federation compared to European icons: “Thierry Henry said at all levels...they're just so completely buttoned up as a soccer federation.“

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2. NFL’s Top 5 Head Coaches List

[12:32] – [17:49] Breakdown of AP’s Best Coaches (with D & Colin)

• The List (AP, 2026):

  1. Andy Reid (Kansas City)
  2. Sean McVay (Rams)
  3. Mike McDonald (Seahawks – Super Bowl winner)
  4. Kyle Shanahan (49ers)
  5. Sean Payton (Broncos)

• Discussion Highlights:

  • Three of the top four coaches are in the NFC West.
    • “Good luck, Arizona.” (Colin, 13:34)
  • Andy Reid is considered #1 but, due to age, McVay is “#1 choice” if age is factored for long-term hires.
    • “If every football coach in America was on the market, college or pro, Sean McVay would be the number one choice.” (Colin, 14:36)
    • “There’s a greater separation between McVay and the rest of the league as a coach than there is Josh Allen and the rest of the quarterbacks.” (14:46)
  • Coaching Trees and Secret Sauce:
    • Shanahan: offensive system genius
    • McVay: culture builder, “a++ culture”
    • Matt LaFleur: “B at everything, but he didn’t have a hole.”
    • “But it was McVay a plus plus culture, Shanahan a plus plus schemes.” (16:18)

• Other Notables:

  • Discussion of the role of a city’s attractiveness in recruiting (Green Bay not being a destination).
  • Mike McDonald’s connection to Harbaugh coaching tree.
  • McDonald is praised for being “great culture, super bright, good looking, confident and excellent with schemes...really a rock star.” (Colin, 17:58)

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3. College Football Quarterbacks with the Most to Prove

[18:11] – [21:09] Debating the List (w/ D & Colin)

• Controversial List (Bleacher Report):

  • Arch Manning, Dante Moore, Julian Sayin, Bryce Underwood, Lenora Sellers, Jaden Mava, Fernando Mendoza

• Key Debates:

  • Colin and D are skeptical:
    • “Some of these lists, man, I don’t know who’s...I should just be the king of lists on the Internet, because some of this stuff is goofy.” (D, 19:19)
  • Colin: “There’s not a single one that I would say that’s going to work in the NFL...really, really talented college quarterbacks.”
  • Underwood is highlighted for hype and “insane talent.”
    • “Underwood is the guy to the tops of list, cuz. Remember the hype around him coming out of high school. Wasn’t there a bidding war?” (D, 20:04)
  • Sam Levitt (LSU transfer) is labeled “the one kid here that...could be the number two or three pick in the draft.” (Colin, 20:36)

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4. NBA Summer League: Caleb Wilson’s Standout Performance

[21:09] – [23:12] Colin & D on NBA Prospects

• Caleb Wilson of the Chicago Bulls is emerging as a Summer League star, drawing big comparisons:
  • “He’s got a little KD, he’s got a little KG.” (Colin, 22:44)
• Wilson’s attitude praised:
  • “I mean, I feel like I’m different than all of them…I love [basketball]. I’m gonna play as much as I can, as much as my team will let me…I don’t want to let [the fans] down too.” (Caleb Wilson, 21:59)
• Wilson reportedly shot “2,000 three-point shots a day” during injury downtime in college (22:50).

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5. In-Depth Soccer Culture & Spain’s Secret Sauce (Interview with Brad Friedel)

[28:54] – [37:41]

• Spain’s National Team Dominance:

  • Brad Friedel attributes Spain’s ongoing success to system-wide continuity and humility:
    • “Their youth national teams are taught from young levels the technical abilities, then they’re taught the tactics of what they want with their senior team.” (Brad Friedel, 29:19)
    • “There’s a style to their play, there’s a structure to their play. There’s also humility to their play.” (29:57)
  • Spain’s approach: Lose the ball, you track back, play “delayed, fouled at the right times…brilliantly coached country.”
  • They’ve had “downs” between periods of dominance, but “stayed focused” and kept their system and identity (30:39).

• England vs. Argentina Preview:

  • England favored on “legs and physicality;” Argentina’s older midfield is seen as vulnerable.
  • “I think the legs of Bellingham...and Kane I think will be a little bit too much for Romero and Lisandro Martinez...I think England is marginally better, but that doesn't mean they're going to win.” (Brad Friedel, 33:12)
  • Game predicted to be “more of a war of attrition than this silky, glamorous box-to-box football match...lots of fouls...referee on center stage.” (34:15)

• England’s Media Pressure:

  • “This English team is together...This World Cup is a bit surreal right now because all the players respect the manager, the manager respects all the players...We're finding it hard to find something negative.” (Brad Friedel, 32:26)
  • England’s pressure is “just British and English soccer.”

• USMNT Analysis:

  • Calls for Mauricio Pochettino’s ousting are “ludicrous.”

    • “I thought the United States delivered everything that we thought they would...I think Mauricio has started changing the culture inside the U.S. national team. I think if he gets four more years...you'll see an even better team.” (Brad Friedel, 36:16)

  • On goalkeeper Matt Fries: Only one error in five games; “It happens. It’s just one of those things...There’s a lot to build on from this World Cup.” (36:53)

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6. Final World Cup Predictions, Player Profiles, and Closing Thoughts

[39:14] – [40:53]

• Colin predicts: “England 2, Argentina 1.” (39:18)
• D expects a lower scoring affair, possibly overtime or penalties, and highlights pressure on England.
• Jude Bellingham profiled as the “ideal modern soccer physical specimen...lean, long, fast, strong, athletically dynamic.”
  • “If you could build the perfect soccer player, it would not be Messi. It would be Jude Bellingham.” (Colin, 39:57)

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Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Messi:

  • “He can explode in every minute. He can go from...He’s a silent killer. He can also kill you while he's walking.” (Thomas Tuchel as quoted by Colin, 05:36)

• On McVay’s Superiority:

  • “There’s a greater separation between McVay and the rest of the league as a coach than there is Josh Allen and the rest of the quarterback.” (Colin, 14:46)

• On Spain’s Soccer Culture:

  • “They’re just a brilliantly coached country, if that’s such a thing. Every national team player knows...exactly what’s expected of them.” (Brad Friedel, 29:57)

• On England’s Team:

  • “If you could build the perfect soccer player, it would not be Messi. It would be Jude Bellingham.” (Colin, 39:57)

• On U.S. Soccer:

  • “I think Mauricio has started changing the culture inside the U.S. national team. I think if he gets four more years...you’ll see an even better team.” (Brad Friedel, 36:26)

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Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Time | |--------------------------------------------------------------|--------------| | Messi’s unique greatness and England’s approach | 03:48–07:59 | | NFL Top 5 Coaches breakdown | 12:32–17:49 | | College QBs with the most to prove | 18:11–21:09 | | NBA Summer League: Caleb Wilson segment | 21:09–23:12 | | Brad Friedel on Spain’s “secret sauce” | 28:54–31:20 | | Friedel: England v Argentina detailed tactical breakdown | 31:20–34:15 | | Friedel: USMNT, Pochettino, and goalie analysis | 35:14–37:41 | | World Cup score predictions, player profiles (Bellingham) | 39:14–40:53 |

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Episode Highlights

• Explains the Messi phenomenon for both soccer die-hards and casual fans.
• Lively, candid comparison of today's best NFL coaches, including inside info on coaching philosophies and “secret sauce.”
• Realistic, nuanced take on college QB prospects and the difference between college and NFL success.
• Colorful praise for NBA rookie Caleb Wilson’s attitude and training ethic, with fun KD/KG comps.
• Brad Friedel’s first-hand analysis of Spain’s federation-wide consistency, England’s strengths and pressures, USMNT’s World Cup campaign, and the realities of modern soccer culture.

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This summary captures the spirit, expert commentary, and sports storytelling for which The Herd is well-known—essential listening for sports fans examining today’s World Cup and NFL landscape.

Transcript

[Colin]

This is an I Heart podcast.

[B]

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[Colin]

Now let's get this party started.

[B]

You're listening to Fox Sports Radio. Yeah, the Messi experience is a unique one. Everybody knows it's his last World Cup. Everybody knows he's 39 years old. He has walked 60% of the matches for Argentina. He plays every minute. He doesn't get hurt, but he kind of hovers, walks and finds his spot. We saw a little bit of this with Erling Haaland of Norway where you know, he, he's highly efficient. You know, Messi sort of hovers and waits for opportunities. And he's got incredible technical skill. He's got insane instincts. And you know, this is the difference between good and great. When he gets opportunities, they're goals. There's these little crevices like right there. There's just little tiny openings and crevices. And his score percentage on those is like there's no opening there. Some of these goals, there's just nothing. And yet when he kicks it, it looks so clean and obvious. And I've, I've told the story. Years ago when I watched Michael Jordan, it was in the series against the Phoenix Suns and I, and I was talking to somebody, I said, you know, he's not the tallest guy, he's not the best ball handler, he's not the biggest guy, the strongest guy. I said, he's a six, six guy, big hands, kind of slick. I'm like, he makes it look so easy and like that's what the great ones do. Like, why didn't everybody complete all those little seven yard curl routes like Tom Brady did? Brady made it look, made completing 65% of his throws against great pass rushes look so easy. Why can't Everybody do what Tom Brady did. Didn't have the biggest arm, didn't run. So much of it's pre snap, so much of it is instincts and homework. So you don't have to think much. It comes naturally to you and that's messy. So many games, so many moments, so many World Cups and Thomas Tuchel, the England manager, on trying to slow down Messi today. He can explode in every minute. He can go from. He's a silent killer. He can also kill you while he's walking. That's just what it is. You can never fall asleep. You can never underestimate the burst of energy. He's showing it on highest level and we have to find a way to stop it and to overcome it. We are not here to congratulate him. We are not here to build him a throne. We are here to take the game away from him. It's just going to be something else. Warren Burton, a former Premier League player, he was a defender on English teams on, on Tuchel's plans to stop Messi. What Thomas Tucker was talking about is actually put a player on him. You're going to nullify one of your own players and you're going to say, follow Messi wherever he goes. If he goes in the restroom, you follow him in there. If he goes off the field, you go and follow him. That would be your job. More coaches, more teams than we can count that have been able to do that with Messi or try to do that. And he's always found a solution and an answer. I mean, he's the best that we've ever seen, so we should appreciate that. But that's where England and maybe Thomas Tuchel was saying, let's go man for man and don't allow him to get on the ball. Well, Spain has advanced, so if it's Argentina and Messi, the greatest scorer, the greatest technical, superior star would face the, the Spanish defense. I just. England, Spain feels like it. The best, the best England team in forever. The entire federation of the Spaniards. I was looking at some of their stats this morning on everything from, you know, shots on goal, clean sheets. And they're just first, second, first, second, first, second on everything. And it's like Thierry Henry said at all levels. Youth soccer in Spain, women's soccer, Olympic soccer. They're just so completely buttoned up as a soccer federation. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd, weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific on Fox Sports Radio, FS1 and the iHeartRadio app. Hey, it's Ben, host of the Fifth Hour with Ben Maller would mean a lot to have you join us on our weekly auditory journey. You're asking what in God's name is the fifth hour?

[C]

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[C]

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[Colin]

Turn on the news.

[B]

This is the Herdline news.

[D]

I got butterflies with the match coming up in about 35 minutes, Kyle, but we're gonna start in the NFL because, hey, it's listed season, AKA July and Harold. Here we have a list of the best coaches in the NFL and wouldn't you know it, according to the Associated Press and their voters, Andy Reid remains the top coach in the NFL, his fourth straight season with the award. Reed is a friend of the show, of course he called me out last time he was on here, so I'm not going to really put him on blast.

[B]

Can I guess, can I guess the order?

[D]

Please do, please do. Okay, one is Reed, obviously.

[B]

Okay, let me, let me just. Okay. Number two is Sean McVeigh.

[D]

Bang.

[B]

Okay, hold on now. Three is tough because it could be. It could be Shanahan.

[D]

It is.

[B]

Okay. Jim Harbaugh. Sean, pay. I'm gonna go. Kyle Shanahan.

[D]

Close. He was four.

[B]

Who is it? Okay.

[D]

Mike McDonald, the Super bowl winning coach of the Seals.

[B]

Oh, he's already getting props. I like that. Mike McDonald. Shanahan. God. So the two, three, and four coaches are all in the NFC West. Good luck, Arizona.

[D]

Peyton is the last one, and he's in the AFC West.

[B]

Okay, so Gary. Gary Payton. So it goes.

[D]

Sean Payton. Sean.

[B]

Yeah, Sean Payton. Not Gary Payton. I'm just thinking of that. Michael Jordan. Gary Payton. Bite. I saw this week. That popped up on TikTok Reed. Sean McVeigh. Mike McDonald. Kyle Shanahan. Sean Payton. Is there a six? Can I guess the six?

[D]

I don't have the six in front of me. I think they just probably do top five. They don't want to embarrass anybody. But remember, we had college football where they had Kurt Signetti Lepton number one because he won the title with Indiana. Not the same respect for McDonald. Interesting. I mean, McDonald was tremendous.

[B]

Every one of these coaches. AFC West, NFC West. Every single one. Yeah, that's a. That's. And by the way, offense, Offense. Offense, Defense. Offense.

[D]

Okay, six might be Jim Harbaugh.

[B]

I don't know. I would. I would say that's a pretty good guess.

[D]

Or your guy Ben Johnson. I don't know if he's done enough to crack track the top six.

[B]

Ben Johnson's interesting. So Ben Johnson doesn't have a problem telling you how he feels. That's Sean Payton. And I think sometimes on lists, when it gets very subjective, and if a coach or an executive like Sean Payton will call people out, first of all, it's like Emmys and tv. I mean, there's a lot of great people that have never won them. There's some average people that have won him. I don't get too caught up on lists. I mean, we all know I always look at lists like this. Now, take Andy Reid out because of his age. If every football coach in America was on the market, college or pro, Sean Payton would overwhelmingly be the number one choice of his age. Sean McVeigh would be number one. Sean Payton would be way up there. But Sean McVay, college or pro, if you. If it was a blank check for every NFL owner and every athletic director that knew what he was doing, McVeigh would be the number one choice. Andy Reid may have been seven years ago, but it's an age thing now, But I think McVeigh, there's a greater separation between McVay and the rest of the league as a coach than there is Josh Allen and the rest of the quarterback.

[D]

So another under discussed aspect here. So McVay's tree, if you will, his coaching tree is robust. So is Shanahan's. That's a huge edge for those guys who basically they have a secret sauce and they share it with their, you know, their coaches and then they go on to success. That was the one big knock on Belichick. His guys never were able to move on and do well. And listen, let's be honest. Andy Reid's assistant Ms. Haven't really had the success of Shanahan and McVeigh's guys.

[B]

Well, it's funny. Shanahan has an offensive side system. Okay. What McVeigh's secret sauce is, is culture building. When, when, when Shanahan, McVeigh and Matt Leur were in the same building the reputation, I heard from a couple of different people in the league, Shanahan was the scheme ACE. McVeigh was the culture superstar who could do schemes. But he was about culture. Shanahan could do culture. He's about schemes. LeFleur was a little of both. Good schemes, good culture. But it was McVeigh a plus plus culture, Shanahan a plus plus schemes. And Lafleur was kind of B at everything, but he was, he didn't have a hole. He wasn't weak at anything, but he wasn't quite as good as McVeigh culture, not quite as good as McShanahan schemes. And there's some real pushback in Green Bay with lafleur because, you know, he's, he's barely sneaking into the playoffs.

[D]

It should be noted that is goofy.

[B]

I know.

[D]

Just because he's a jack of all trades, master of none. Let's not knock him, okay? He's had a ton of success. He's very kill for his success that he's had in Green Bay. Give me a break.

[B]

And also Green Bay does have one disadvantage that is understood league wide is it's not a free agent destination of note. And sometimes, I mean, Aaron Donald, you know, retires Pittsburgh kid. I'm going to stay and live in la. I'm going to hang around the facility now. You know, I may come back. Like, I mean there's, there's no question around the league. Players like playing coaches like coaching for McVay and players like playing for McVeigh.

[D]

McDonald, for the record, came from the Harbaugh tree. I'm almost certain he was with Jim at Michigan and John in Baltimore.

[B]

Yeah.

[D]

And obviously they're, they're those coaches.

[B]

He is the defense of McVay. Great culture, super bright, good looking, confident and excellent with schemes. He is really a rock star.

[D]

I think we did. If we did the bottom five, Zach Taylor from the Bengals would be an.

[B]

Oh, God.

[D]

All right, let's go to college football. College. Now this is interesting. The Bleacher Report has talked about the quarterbacks with the most to prove entering this season. I, I don't know about this list. I'll let you go first. I. This is tough. Like Arch Manning has something to prove. Really? Dante Moore has something to prove.

[Colin]

You might as.

[D]

I mean, Julian Saiyan is a name that's interesting. Bryce Underwood for me would have to lead.

[B]

Okay. For our radio audience, the quarterbacks, you know, there's a lot of them you've heard of, like Alabama's.

[D]

Whoever the starter is at Alabama, which it sounds like as of now, it's not a lock that either of those is a starter. But we'll see.

[B]

You know what I notice on this list, there are no locks in terms of great NFL quarterback.

[D]

Well, there's no, no, don't lock in anything. By the way, how is Lenora Sellers not at the top of this list? The kid at South Carolina looks the part and then comes on the field and just walks into sacks. Jaden Mava doesn't have anything to prove. Colin, he's an awesome quarterback who carried a USC team last year and tried to overcompensate for a bad defense. Like he's got nothing to prove. Some of these lists, man, I don't know who's. I should just be the king of lists on the Internet because, you know, some of this stuff is goofy.

[B]

Well, I think all of these are super talented college quarterbacks. There's not a single one that I would say that's going to work in the NFL. When I watch Fernando Mendoza, that's going to work in the NFL at a high level. Caleb Williams, Drake May, that's going to work in the NFL at a high level. I even like Bo Nix more than everybody. I'm like, Bo Nix is going to work in pro football with Sean Payton. This list is really, really talented college quarterback. I'm not sure. Bryce Underwood or Julian sand at Michigan, Ohio State, I'm not sure they're great. Pro quarterback, staying small. Underwood's got insane talent.

[D]

Underwood is the guy to the tops of list, cuz. Remember the hype around him coming out of high school. Wasn't there a bidding war?

[B]

Some like tech executive, he is talented.

[D]

Got involved. It's like he's got the tools. We need to see it now. Michigan, as a side note, is going through a lot of crap.

[B]

Oh, it's a mess.

[D]

Their basketball coach left. The football coach. We know Shiron Moore had some issues. The ad, you know, I'm sure you follow that saga. So I don't know what Underwood's mindset is, but he, he's got a tall order. Dante Moore, come on. He had one really awful game in the playoff.

[B]

I, I, if you, if you told me none of these guys. The kid that's fascinating to me is Sam Levitt at lsu. I, I, I thought he was so interesting at Arizona State. Sam Levitt is the one kid here that I'm like, if you told me he ended up being the number two or three pick in the draft. You know, he's got Lane Kiffin. Lane Kiffin. So you're gonna have a real. By the way, one of the things Jackson Dart excelled at had Lane Kiffin for three years. Who was the surprise in the draft? Jackson Dart.

[D]

He went 25th, though. Come on now, now, now. Levitt's interesting because there was some chatter about his departure from asu and it wasn't pretty. Some of the behind the scenes stuff leaking out. We'll see. Lands at LSU and he could thrive. But anyways, final story. Colin, let's go to summer league. So the staff is telling me you are now a Chicago Bulls homer and this Caleb Wilson is taking over right now and just putting on a show. Colin, I mean, his performances. So he had 35 in his opener. He had 19 and eight in his next one. In a game, AJ Debonzo reportedly was three.

[B]

Oh my God, it's Durant. Is that Durant or Caleb Wilson?

[D]

I thought he would be like a Kevin Garnett coming out, but he's hitting threes at a rate that nobody anticipated. Anyways, after the game last night, he had some interesting comments. Here's Mr. Chip on his shoulder.

[Colin]

I mean, I feel like I'm different than all of them. Like I actually, I can't say they don't enjoy basketball, but like I enjoy basketball. Like I love. So I mean, I'm gonna play as much as I can, as much as my team will let me. I mean, I'm not the type to go away from a game because I don't feel like I feel good because I know in the NBA I'm not going to feel good some games. And as long as I don't have an injury or something that's actually wrong with me, I'm going to play every time because, you know, people come from all over the world to come see me play, so I don't want to let them down too.

[B]

Oh my God, I love this kid. I love that guy so much. Unbelievable. And a lot of these guys, they play a summer league game and they're like, yeah, I don't need the summer league. Caleb Wilson's like, I'll take your minutes. Yeah, I'll take them. I'm telling you, this kid's got a little kd, he's got a little kg.

[D]

He wants to dunk on everyone all the time.

[B]

Oh, my God, it's spectacular.

[Colin]

This is.

[D]

He's gonna hear this.

[B]

So he didn't shoot threes in college and he got hurt in college. So what did he do with the off time? Shot 20003 point shots a day. A day? Yeah.

[D]

So, you know, that sounds like me in like sixth grade. It didn't quite work out for me,

[B]

but I was shooting a lot. Yeah. Huh. This kid's six.

[D]

I didn't hear what you said, but that didn't sound nice. If it's what I think it was.

[B]

J. Mac with the news. Well, that's the news. And thanks for stopping by the herd lie news. I'm just saying. Sports. I moved to Los Angeles just winners. It was a parade of winners. Now the Bears are good. The Cubs are good. Caleb Wilson is Kevin Garnett. White Sox are good. White Sox stunk. When I moved to town, they were like they were going to get relegated. Luckily we didn't have relegation like the English Premier League. They were Triple A. Now they lead their division, aren't they? Don't they lead their division? Their first or second? Their attendance on the south side has been unbelievable. It's a scene there now. Be sure to catch live editions of the Herd. Weekdays at noon Eastern, 9am Pacific. All right. You know what deserves more attention? The assists. Everybody talks about the goal. A big moment that gets replayed on the highlight reels. But too often we overlook all the contributions and collabs that happen along the way. That's true in soccer and honestly, true in life. Halion is shining a light on the assists. As official partner of U.S. soccer, they got a whole lineup of brands ready to deliver for you. So here they are. Sensodyne, dentist recommended. Defense of your sensitive teeth. Centrum. Fueling your day with science backed nutrients Advil, of course. Powerful inflammation Fighting Pain relief Voltaren Arthritis Gel helps penetrate deep, keeps the joints moving and tums ready to counterattack with fast heartburn relief. These are brands that are ready to deliver your essential wellness assists because every goal starts with an assist. Learn how Halion can assist your game day [e-mail] Con alright, quick quiz for

[C]

the hiring managers out there. What's worse, being understaffed or being poorly staffed? Well, that's a trick question because both are recipes for chaos. Either way, just say to yourself this is a job for Indeed sponsored Jobs. You'll get matched with candidates that meet the skills, certifications and everything else you're looking for. Or go a different way and get no traction. Seriously? Sponsored Jobs posted directly on indeed are 95% more likely to report a hire than non sponsored Jobs. It really is a no brainer. Spend less time searching and more time actually interviewing candidates who check all your boxes. Less stress, less time, more results when you need the right person to cut through the chaos. This is a job for Indeed Sponsored Jobs and listeners of this show will get a $75 sponsored job credit to help your job get the premium status it deserves@ Indeed.com podcast just go to Indeed.com podcast right now. Indeed.com podcast terms and conditions apply. Need to hire? This is a job for Indeed Sponsored

[B]

Jobs Alienware's Back to School Events the perfect time to score top gaming gear with incredible features and Intel Core processors to go beyond performance, save big on gaming desktops, laptops and more. Start your Alienware journey with the Alienware 15 gaming laptop featuring Intel Core processors. Smoothly game live stream and multitask for hours on end. Plus play through every game exactly how you want with customizable Alien FX lighting across your Alienware ecosystem, creating your very own gaming profile and more. Finally, pair your incredibly smooth gaming experience and immersive visuals and sound by saving on sleek Alienware monitors, headsets and more. This limited time sale awaits you [e-mail] deals. That's alienware.com deals plans can be a maybe for people with chronic migraine 15 or more headache days a month, each lasting four hours or more. Botox Onobotulinum toxin a prevents headaches in adults with chronic migraine. It's not for those with 14 or fewer headache days a month. It prevents, on average, eight to nine headache days a month versus six to seven for placebo. Prescription Botox is injected by your doctor. Botox effects may spread hours to weeks after injection, causing serious symptoms. Alert your doctor right Away as trouble swallowing, speaking, breathing, eye problems or muscle weakness can be signs of a life threatening condition. Those with these conditions before injection are at highest risk. Side effects may include allergic reactions like rash, breathing problems, dizziness, neck and injection site pain and headache. Don't receive Botox if there's a skin infection. Tell your doctor your medical history, muscle or nerve conditions like als, myasthenia gravis or Lambert Eaton syndrome and medicines like botulinum toxins which may increase the risk of serious side effects. Make a plan and ask your doctor about Botox. Visit botoxchronicmigraine.com or call 1-844botox. After the 2002 World cup he got the nickname the human Wall. It's Brad Friedel, as great a goalie as we've ever had. 82 career appearances for the United States men's National League team. Excuse me. 310 consecutive starts in the Premier League. So he was in Dallas for the Spain game. And let's bring Brad Friedel in in. It's just a remarkable performance by Spain. We were saying this is that youth level, women's Olympic, European Championships, World Cup. There is something about Spain in their federation and the symmetry of it. They all stylistically play kind the same and Terry Henry was talking about it yesterday. He goes, when you face a Spanish team, it doesn't matter what level it is, what is the secret sauce? I mean, were you shocked by that outcome yesterday?

[Colin]

No, no, I wasn't shocked at all. It was one of those, one of those games I was asked, I was on the talk sport earlier before the, before the game yesterday and they asked me to predict and there wasn't a way to predict this game. It could have been 5, 5, could have been 5, 4 could have been 2 nil to either side. Could have been 1 nil. Could have been nil, nil going to penalties. It was, I think it was a nightmare for the bookies to try to put the odds on a game like this, to put in perspective what Spain does. So their manager, De la Fuente, when I was the head coach of the US men's under 19 national team, he was the coach of Spain's under 19 national team. So we, we played against each other on two occasions and that team has this had the same system that the senior team plays now. So their youth national teams are taught from young levels the technical abilities, then they're taught the tactics of what they want with their senior team. Yes, they had that unbelievable little era with Xavier and Iniesta. So they could probably play any formation they wanted with those two in the team and they would have kept the ball. But there's a, there's a style to their play, there's a structure to their play. There's also humility to their play. If you see when they lost the ball, it didn't matter what the name was on the back of your shirt, you tracked back and you chased. People delayed, people tackled, they fouled at the right times to stop the play, not in an over aggressive manner. They're just a brilliantly coached country, if that's such a thing. And every national team player knows when they go in, whether they're at the U20 level, U23 level, or if they go into the senior men's team, exactly what's expected of them. And, and they've created some incredible teams along the way. But don't, don't forget as well, they've had a couple of downs also because, you know, they won the World Cup a while ago and then it took them a while to come back and, but, but they stuck to everything that they're good at. They didn't panic, they didn't go out and, and hire somebody that didn't understand the internal system, the eternal makings of Spain. They get a lot of pressure from their media and a lot of pressure from the fans, but they stayed focused and they stayed calm and now they have, you know, they have the Euros with this same team, this coach, and now they find themselves in the World cup final.

[B]

Yeah, it's got a Duke basketball Belichick Patriots feel where there's a great deal of humility. Oklahoma City Thunder, I've heard that about them. There's, there's not about celebrating, it's about grinding discipline, commitment to your teammates and that's very hard culture to create. I want to talk about Argentina and England. Argentina's played a weaker schedule. They're very messy, Reliant. They are older. England's. I mean, Azteca, 107 degrees in Miami. But, and also there is, I feel like when you win a World cup and the understanding that it's hard to win back to back, there's a little less pressure on Argentina. I mean, there's always pressure, but England's different. This is Kane and Bellingham. It's the two headed monster. They've got wanted. Azteca, their road has been tougher and the pressure from the English press, tabloid press is brutal. Thomas Tuchel's intensity. Jude Bellingham saying, lighten up. I can feel the Brad. I can feel the pressure. Do you think that's too daunting or that's just, that's just British and English soccer.

[Colin]

No, that's just British and English soccer. I saw, I was in an elevator at Foxborough Stadium with Henry Winter. I'm not sure if you know him, he's one of the most renowned journalists over in England and he said, this World cup is a bit surreal right now because all the players respect the manager, the manager respects all the players. The players are respecting the press. We're finding it hard to find something negative. So finally the English found something to cling onto it with this little sound bite of Tuchel and they gave it to Bellyrum. But this, this English team is together and now if you take, if you take the hand of God out of it, if you take the Falklands War out of it, if you take, you know, all the, all the issues off the field and you just look at the two teams and if you were to see this game without any sound and out any emotion, I think England is actually a better team right now. I've covered both the teams on co commentary and when Argentina finally was presented against a tough test and that was a good, well balanced, defensive, structured Switzerland team, they found it awful difficult to get Lionel Messi the ball. Now, when Lionel Messi does get the ball, he's electric, as we all know. But the second from the time he created the assist for McAllister on the, on their goal, he didn't touch the ball a lot until Imbola was sent off. I find that Paredes, who's, who's a man of steel in the middle and has been a great player, has lost a little bit of his legs. DePaul has lost a little bit of his legs. And when I'm talking about a little bit Colin, I'm not talking about. They're gone and you know, past their incredible best, they're still very good players. But I think the legs of Bellingham and what he can do, and Rice fully fit and Elliot Anderson, how he's been playing and Kane I think will be a little bit too much for Romero and Lisandro Martinez, Martinez, I think is very good. I'm not one of these that has a big problem with his height, but, but Kane and Bellingham are physical specimen and really strong and I think, though Romero and Martinez will find it really difficult to play against them. So when all said and done, I think England is marginally better, but that doesn't mean they're going to win. It's just that's just what, that's just what my opinion is. I wouldn't be surprised if Argentina won as well. But I think this game is going to be more of a war of attrition than this silky, glamorous box to box football match. I think there's going to be a lot of fouls, a lot of cards. I think the referee is going to be on center stage. He's going to have to manage this game incredibly well. And there are going to be emotions outside the stadium, inside the stadium and on the pitch. I think it's a fascinating contest.

[B]

I gotta ask before we let you go. Brad Friedl has been so good for us and just so fantastic. His knowledge, his insight, his honesty is that I am a believer in. Listen, the World Cup's every four years when you lose, even if you're the United States. I mean I can't imagine what they're dealing with in Paris today. The Parisians are going crazy. Like, I mean Mbappe disappeared. I don't even. I wouldn't even want to. I'd stay out of France if I was Mbappe for a month. But I look at Mauricio Pochettino and there have been calls that he didn't deliver and might take his guys. We played reserves against Turkey so we really would have won four games and we had an awful half and there was a really bad moment for our goalie. If we would have lost a Belgium two one and we would have played starters, which I, I think we smartly didn't. Against Turkey our reserves were excellent. It would have been four wins and a loss to an excellent Belgium team. I think the calls for Pochettino feel overwrought to me. What say you on that?

[Colin]

Ludicrous. It really is. I thought the United States delivered everything that we thought they would. A little disappointed in the Belgium game with the. With a little bit of a lack of fight, but we're, we're not as good player for player to Belgium and Belgium really wanted to beat us on the day. I thought Mauricio has started changing the culture inside the U.S. national team. I think if he gets four more years to do it, you'll see an even better team go through qualifying and in the 2030 World Cup. I have no idea if he's going to stay or go, but I'm not one of the believers, Colin, that people should be on his back. I'm actually quite the opposite. And you mentioned something with Matt Fries as well. And I messaged Matt just to tell him to keep his head up. I mean, I've. I've watched back all the games again and the goals and the highlights. I mean, it made one error in five games and you tell me, look at Nilan for Norway. He made a mistake. He had an outstanding tournament. I don't see people killing him. Lomond's had an incredible year for Man United. Unfortunately, he made a mistake for Belgium. It happens. It's just one of those things. But as I think if they keep Mauricio, he will, he will find ways to continue to grow the program. As far as all the negativity around it, I'm more of a glasses half full kind of guy, as you could probably tell, Colin. And I think there's a lot to build on from this World Cup.

[B]

Well, I know where you're at right now. I'm not going to divulge that. But why don't you fill a glass for your excellent work tonight, where you're at. I'll be thinking.

[Colin]

I will, actually. It's going to be in about five minutes, Brad.

[B]

Thank you.

[Colin]

All right, thanks, Colin.

[B]

Yeah, he was in Dallas for the Spain game. Wanted to get home, see the fam. He's been so good for us. Yeah, it's. Maybe I've been. Maybe I'm a little hard on Matt. Freeze. Listen, I watched that French goalie yesterday and I mean, when these guys come out of the box aggressively, I'm like, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa. Put on the brakes. Like, there was a couple of moments where the French goalie, I'm like, yeah, don't love the judgment at all here. So you get into these weird spaces and, and, and again, you get into weird spaces as a goalie, you don't want a one on one against Mbappe. Like, so when the goalie can sniff it and sense it and there's a long pass and you're like, oh, this is not good. This is going to be a moving penalty kick. I'm going to go way up top in the box and be hyper aggressive. Boy, you better, you better nail it because if you don't, it gets embarrassing really fast. And I thought the French goalie, he didn't, he didn't surrender an ugly goal. But there were a couple of moments where I'm like, bro, you're in a bad space right here. Your spacing is not good. So England, Argentina, today at 3 Eastern on Fox. I'm sitting in the studio here. I'm going to watch it from here. I'm not even going home, J. Mac. I'm committing to staying at work.

[D]

What are you thinking on the over? Under it it's two and a half goals, which is pretty much standard.

[B]

I think it's 2. I'm going to go England 2, Argentina 1.

[D]

So everybody has the over. Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, Messi Sharp. Books are looking at the under. Colin a one one headed to overtime, possibly 00.

[B]

I don't know if England can handle that. I don't know if they can handle that. They have to turn the TVs off in Buckingham palace or wherever. Just we can't take this kind of tension and drama.

[D]

Did the staff get you an England jersey to wear for the match? I know you're a big jersey guy.

[B]

I got a bunch of World cup stuff in the office. Yeah, it's. Holy Lord, boy. Bellingham has been absolutely on fire. And he. Look at. When you look at Jude Bellingham, just the length and the shoulders like he is. If you could build the perfect soccer player, it would not be messy. It would be Jude Bellingham. Just this lean, long, fast, strong, athletically dynamic player like that is. That is what we want. Our next great American star. That's what we want. Jude Bellingham. All right. You know what deserves more attention? The assists. Everybody talks about the goal. A big moment that gets replayed on the highlight reels. But too often we overlook all the contributions and collabs that happen along the way. That's true in soccer and honestly true in life. Halion is shining a light on the assists. As official partner of U.S. soccer, they got a whole lineup of brands ready to deliver for you. So here they are. Sensodyne Dentist recommended. Defense of your sensitive teeth Centrum. Fueling your day with science backed nutrients. Advil, of course. Powerful inflammation fighting pain relief. Voltaren arthritis gel. Helps penetrate deep, keeps the joints moving and tums ready to counterattack with fast heartburn relief. These are brands that are ready to deliver your essential wellness Assists. Because every goal starts with an assist. Learn how Halion can assist your game day goals at. Make your game day legendary with MGM Rewards. From unforgettable tailgate and viewing parties to world class dining, thrilling nightlife and entertainment that keeps energy going long after the final whistle. This is where fans come to celebrate, show off your team spirit, cheer with friends and earn rewards on every experience you love. Because every play is bigger and every moment feels unforgettable in Las Vegas. So what are you waiting for? Make your game day legendary with MGM Rewards. Visit mgmrewards.com for details.

[Colin]

This is Tony Ayo from the Real Report with Tony Ayo and Uncle Murder. You ever notice how everything keeps going up? Rent, streaming, even extra Sosa at your favorite burrito spot.

[B]

But with Boost Mobile, you don't have

[Colin]

to play the Willis Go up soon game. Boost Mobile offers an unlimited talk, text and data plan at a price that'll never go up. It's the same price you'll pay for life.

[B]

Switch now for unlimited wireless at a price that'll never go up. Only at boost mobile. After 30 gigabytes, customers may experience slower speeds. Customers will pay $25 a month as

[Colin]

long as they remain active on the boost unlimited plan. 150 years ago, they were hunting us

[B]

down to kill us.

[Colin]

And now they're hunting down immigrants to deport them.

[B]

This is First America, the true story of how the United States came to be and how we got to this present moment. Listen to First America on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

[Colin]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[B]

Guaranteed Human.