Will Harry Kane win the World Cup for England?

Summary

Podcast Summary: The Rest Is Football

Episode: Will Harry Kane win the World Cup for England?

Date: June 8, 2026
Hosts: Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards
Theme: A spirited discussion about England’s World Cup prospects, the legacy of Harry Kane, comparisons with past legends, analysis of top contenders like France, Spain, Argentina, and Brazil, as well as standout players and tactics.

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Episode Overview

This episode sees Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards sharing candid opinions, anecdotes, and tactical analysis ahead of the upcoming World Cup. They drill into England’s strengths and challenges—especially Harry Kane’s role—compare footballing greats, and size up the threat from traditional and emerging powerhouses. Expect strong opinions, chemistry, dressing-room stories, tactical debates, and plenty of laughs.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Opening Banter & Argentina’s 2022 World Cup Final

[01:16–05:01]

• The trio’s dynamic shines as they joke about attire and punditry snubs.
• Micah recalls missing out on 2022 final coverage (“How’s Big Mix not on the big stage?” – Micah, [01:52]).
• The 2022 Argentina-France final is widely hailed as the best ever:

  “The best final that I’ve been involved with, there was just so much to talk about.” — Alan Shearer [04:48]

• Gary breaks down the drama: Argentina’s dominance, Mbappé’s heroics, and parallels with the 1986 final (“I’d written it all down. And then Mbappé does that—ripping up again.” – Gary, [03:24]).

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2. Comparing Argentina: 1986 vs. Present

[06:04–07:52]

• Panel debates the differences:

  “Both had periods of great cohesion and success... but the style and key figures are quite different.” — Gemini AI [06:04]

• Is it one World Cup too far for Messi?
• Age and leadership contrasted with Maradona’s 1986 influence.

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3. Messi vs. Maradona

[07:00–10:03]

• Gary provides a nuanced comparison:

  “I think Messi's all-round game and his longevity of career... has made him. He’s given himself the best possible chance.” — Gary [07:05]

• Personal anecdotes about Maradona’s aura and technical brilliance, including a dressing-room story at Wembley:

  “His presence—honestly, you could see people like Zico and all going ‘oh’... Everyone’s looking at him just flicking his socks up.” — Gary [08:11]

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4. Golden Boot Stories & World Cup Goals

[10:03–13:07]

• Lighthearted debate about tap-ins and the value of all goals.

  “Doesn’t matter, Micah, they all count the same. I don’t know whether anyone’s told you that.” — Gary [10:12]

• Gary’s first-hand narrative of each World Cup goal scored for England in 1986.

  “Changed my life. Genuinely changed my life.” — Gary, on winning the Golden Boot [12:35]

• Micah humorously laments never playing at a World Cup.

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5. Harry Kane’s Role for England & Comparing to Shearer

[13:07–18:35]

• Gemini AI gives tactical analysis:

  “Harry Kane’s versatility is a huge factor. He’s not just a pure goal scorer. He can drop deep, has excellent passing skills, and is very effective in the air.” — Gemini [13:26]

• Discussion: is Kane better than Shearer?

  “I think there’s no doubt if England are going to go far in this tournament, Harry is going to be key.” — Alan [14:25]

• Winger usage, midfield runners, and the need to balance Kane’s playmaking tendency with directness (especially Rashford and Saka).
• Bellingham’s late runs and the importance of timing.

  “If Harry Kane gets the ball in the middle, then Bellingham has got to go.” — Micah [16:00]

• Candid stats debate:
  • Kane’s goal totals vs. Shearer’s (Kane: 78 England goals, 8 at World Cup finals; Shearer: 30 for England, 2 at World Cups).
  • Shearer: “In World Cups, how many goals did you score?” — “Two.”
  • Micah: “It’s not good enough... Harry Kane scored 78 goals for England.” [17:16]
• The trio jokes about “flat-track bullies” and value of goals against weaker opposition.

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6. England’s Hopes: Pickford and Penalty Shootouts

[18:35–20:27]

• Gemini AI praises Pickford:

  “Pickford has saved twice as many penalties in major tournament shootouts... His big game temperament is a massive security blanket.” — Gemini [19:30]

• The panel agrees Pickford is a tournament asset, crucial for penalty shootouts.

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7. France, Spain & the Maverick Factor

[20:27–23:06]

• France’s depth and individual talent lauded, but with warnings about squad harmony:

  “Sometimes having the best team and best players isn’t enough” — Alan [20:44]

• Mbappé’s extraordinary talent but defensive work-rate questioned:

  “Off the ball, he doesn’t do his work. It affects the whole team.” — Micah [20:51]

• Maverick players like City’s Cherki discussed (“He is a maverick... Skill and taking risks.” – Micah [22:23–22:48]).
• The challenge of integrating “mavericks” while maintaining team discipline.

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8. Zidane, Brazil & Tactical Analysis

[23:13–26:40]

• France’s 1998 win recalled, with Zidane hailed as “the best player I ever played against.” — Alan [23:13]
• Gemini AI weighs in on Brazil’s system under Ancelotti:

  “Flexible style... adapting to get the best from his players.” — Gemini [24:00]

• Brazil’s main hopes pinned on Vinicius Jr., with depth provided by Raphinha, Cunha, and others.
• Skepticism about Brazil’s current “unit” versus historic individual brilliance.

  “When the ball goes to them, everyone’s expecting Vinici to do something great... I don’t know if it’s going to click.” — Micah [25:06]

• Nostalgia for legendary 2002 squad: Ronaldo, Rivaldo, Dunga.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

[03:24] Gary (on the 2022 final):
“I’d written it all down. And then Mbappé does that—ripping up again.”

[04:48] Alan (on World Cup finals):
“That’s the best final that I’ve been involved with, there was just so much to talk about.”

[07:05] Gary (on Messi vs Maradona):
“I think Messi’s all-round game and his longevity of career... He’s given himself the best possible chance.”

[08:11] Gary (on Maradona):
“His presence—honestly, you could see people like Zico and all going ‘oh’... Everyone’s looking at him just flicking his socks up.”

[10:12] Gary (about tap-in goals):
“Doesn’t matter, Micah, they all count the same. I don’t know whether anyone’s told you that.”

[12:35] Gary (on Golden Boot):
“Changed my life. Genuinely changed my life.”

[14:25] Alan (on Kane’s role):
“If England are going to go far in this tournament, Harry is going to be key.”

[16:00] Micah (on Bellingham):
“If Harry Kane gets the ball in the middle, then Bellingham has got to go.”

[19:30] Gemini (on Pickford):
“In a tournament where margins are razor thin, his big game temperament is a massive security blanket for the squad.”

[20:51] Micah (on Mbappé):
“Off the ball, he doesn’t do his work. It affects the whole team.”

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Timestamps for Important Segments

• [01:16] – Panel get together & World Cup final reminiscence
• [03:00–05:01] – 2022 Argentina vs France breakdown
• [06:04] – Comparing Argentina squads: 1986 vs. now
• [07:00] – Messi vs. Maradona: debate and stories
• [10:03] – Lineker’s World Cup goals & impact
• [13:07] – Kane vs. Shearer & England’s tactical conundrum
• [15:34] – Rashford, Saka, Bellingham — England’s attacking setup
• [18:35] – Jordan Pickford's tournament reputation
• [20:27] – France, squad depth, and the “maverick” problem
• [23:13] – Alan Shearer on Zidane
• [24:00] – Brazil’s formation & attacking talent
• [25:06] – Brazil individualism vs. team unity
• [26:29] – Legendary Brazil squads, nostalgia & leadership

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Episode Tone and Takeaways

• The episode is full of friendly banter, nostalgia, and unsparing opinions.
• The chemistry between Gary, Alan, and Micah results in sharp, self-deprecating humor and spirited debate.
• The panel expresses hope—but measured skepticism—on England’s World Cup chances, emphasizing the pivotal role of Harry Kane and the need for tactical balance and leadership.
• France and Spain are identified as top favorites, but team unity and ego management could be pivotal.
• Brazil’s individual quality isn’t matched by team cohesion, but Ancelotti’s managerial experience could be a game-changer.
• Legends like Messi, Maradona, and Zidane still loom large in all comparisons.

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For Those Who Haven’t Listened...

If you want a mix of analysis, banter, and insight into World Cup tactics as well as football’s greatest legends, this episode is a must. England has a real chance if Kane fires—and if the Three Lions manage the tricky balance of individual brilliance and disciplined team play. France and Spain are formidable; Brazil remain an enigma. There’s nothing these three won’t debate, and every laugh and story is laced with decades of football wisdom.

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Transcript

[A]

This episode is brought to you by Gemini, Google's personal AI assistant. If you've listened to the show for a while now, you'll know we love to debate the finer points of football. Let's bring in Gemini, shall we? Did Gary Lineker ever leave the six yard box?

[B]

That's a common joke about Gary Lineker. While he was known for scoring a lot of goals from close range, he was a very talented player with more than just poaching abilities. His positioning and finishing were world class.

[A]

World class. Take it.

[C]

Did you think you were world class?

[A]

I know I wasn't for any goal. Download the Gemini app today to unlock the power of Google AI on your phone. Sequences shortened check responses, Setup required. Compatibility and availability varies. 18 terms and conditions apply. Hello and welcome to the Resties Football with Micah Richards, Alan Shearer and me, Gary Linnick, all in the same room.

[C]

Feels good, didn't it?

[A]

It feels really good.

[D]

Nearly there. We're nearly there.

[A]

The big one's coming up very shortly. We're going to have a little bit the chat about possible winners by looking back a little bit. So I think we should probably start on Alan.

[C]

Can we start on Alan's attire first? Well, it's the best. I've seen it.

[A]

You're matching.

[D]

Didn't get the memo or no?

[C]

Didn't get the memo.

[A]

Yeah, no, I didn't, which is a bit of a shame. But I just thought I'd go with a little bit. Argentina. Yeah. Do you think?

[C]

Yeah. So should we start there? Argentina, let's start there.

[A]

Because do you think that was the best? I think that's definitely the best final we've seen.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

I was sulking though, wasn't I? Do you remember I told you this because you. I didn't get picked for the big one did at the World cup final and I was supposed to do radio and the radio binged me too. So I was just there, World cup final effing and Jeff into myself thinking, how's big mix? Not on the big stage. I've gone there.

[A]

I remember when the guys came over to me chat about the final team.

[C]

You have some. You got to pick the pundits as well. How could you not pick me?

[A]

You must have been so bad. You've been ditched on TV and radio. And he wasn't on either because he was co commentating.

[C]

Oh my gosh. But you know.

[A]

So what's your excuse?

[C]

You know who did the final? You know who did the final? Rio, Argentina. And he was all Pablo. He's all nicey nicely. Pablo. Oh, Pablo was so good. He was such a great player.

[A]

A lovely guy as well. Great to work.

[C]

It doesn't matter though. You prefer me.

[A]

Come on, say we do now.

[C]

Finally do now.

[A]

He was a better player, but not at all.

[C]

The game, though.

[D]

Oh.

[C]

Oh, it was ridiculous. What do you remember about the game? What do you. What.

[D]

What was it? 2 nil to late on, wasn't it?

[A]

Dominated. I was one of the most comfortable World cup finals I have imagined or have ever seen. And they were dominant throughout the game. Argentina. And then one moment turned things the penalty. Then they got nervous. Then Mbappe scores the brilliant ball with the kind of volley finish. Volley.

[C]

Not again, please.

[A]

It did go over his shoulder and didn't bounce, so I think even you would call that a volley. But then it was two, two out of nowhere. And then he said, oh, my God. I'd written, because I generally when I'm covering any big game, just three, four minutes before, when it looks like it's all done, I write down a little like 30 seconds, 60 second. So because you want to get it right. And I'd written it all down. And then Mbappe does that. Yeah, ripping up again. And then Argentina got ahead in extra time. So I thought, right, so it was different. Now I was comparing it to the final in 1986, and I was going to do a whole comparison with Maradona and Messi, how the finals were almost identical if, I mean, you weren't born. But in 86, Argentina went ahead, right? So they went two goals clear and then they were cruising. And then Germany came back and scored two goals in the last 10 minutes or so. So similar to this game. And then it went to extra time. Maradona pushes through and Burechaga scores. They win 3, 2. So then when Messi scored, I thought, this crush, this is three, two, it's going to be exactly the same. So I wrote this whole big thing and then give a penalty. Then they give him a penalty and it makes a 3, 3 again. I thought I'd rip it up again and then wait till the pen shoot out anyway, but it was some game.

[D]

Probably the best. Yeah, I mean, I. I've. I've been doing it on TV for 20 years and that's the best final that I've. That I've been involved with because there was just so much to talk about. It was brilliant. It was amazing.

[A]

I know you managed to get in

[C]

and see, I managed to get a ticket. It was demoralizing. I was bad because all the. Because the radio thing was there and I was sat just, I don't know, five seats down. And then I could see the studio where you numpties in there. So I was just. But then the game made up for it.

[D]

So can we just say from that rejection, you've bounced back so well.

[C]

I mean, bounce back.

[D]

You've shown a great attitude.

[C]

That's what I do.

[A]

All right, let's bring it onto this year's competition. Let's bring in today's sponsors. Gemini. Gemini, who do you think are the top teams to look out for this summer?

[B]

According to recent rankings, France and Spain are considered top contenders. Argentina is also highly ranked, with England and Portugal close behind.

[A]

How would you compare the Argentinian squad of 1986 with the present Argentina?

[B]

The 1986 squad was famously driven by Maradona, who had a monumental impact on their success. The current team has different strengths, with star players like Messi leading them and a more balanced approach across the squad. Both had periods of great cohesion and success. Both. But the style and key figures are quite different.

[A]

I mean, I think that the real parallels between 86 and the team that won it four years ago, and it's not really much changed since then, except for Messi being four years older.

[D]

That's the only thing is that. Is it one World cup too far for Messi?

[A]

Well, he has won one.

[D]

Well, absolutely, yeah. But will we see that same incredible player still, ability wise, I guess. But will we see that same player in the latter stages when we'll need him most?

[C]

You two have seen them both, haven't you? Who's better, Messi or Maradona?

[A]

I think it's a really, really hard question to answer because there are real similarities. Both got great left foots, diminutive. I never thought I'd ever see a better player than Diego because he just did stuff that I'd never seen anyone do and I've never seen anyone do subsequently until Messi came along. I think Messi's all round game and his longevity of career because Maradona had a flaw. You know, his personality was addictive and he got into trouble with, you know, prediction, et cetera. So you have to sort of take that into account. Ability wise, so similar. But I think Messi's probably been more professional, lived better and has made him. He's given himself a best possible chance, I think. But Messi's just.

[D]

You played against him, didn't you? And Maradona? Yeah, the aura. I mean, were you talking about him before the game, before the tournament? Before it's like what was his aura? His aura.

[A]

I actually played with him half a game for the rest of the world at Wembley and I was playing for the rest of the world because I was in Barcelona at the time.

[D]

I know you used to play for Barcelona.

[A]

Three years. Yeah, I'm saying that. But the thing is all these players that, you know, world class players and me, we're in the dressing room and Diego walks in. He's presence, honestly you could see people like Zico and all going oh you know, that's incredible. And he walks in and he just sits, sits in his chair like just, just his shorts on and he's you know, you roll your socks up and he's just. Everyone's looking at just flicking his socks up. Then he gets out, doesn't do his laces and walks onto the pitch and he starts this thing where he bashes the ball right up into the sky and he came straight down. He bashed it straight up in the sky again. He did it about 12 times with barely moving. He had to walk a little bit to get the. And even we were all just like. Sounds simple. I've seen it. It's ridiculous.

[D]

Have you tried doing that? Kicking the ball up high and then doing it again.

[A]

First time

[D]

few yards.

[A]

It's like if you did two or three which we tried in training the next day at Barcelona when we all went back, he'd do two or three. That was the best anyone did and that's running after it. But he just had this incredible aura and his ability. He didn't win the World cup single handed. I think that's quite unfair to say that about Diego in 86 because you know they were good side the Jorge Valdano, you know, lots of really good players. The Bat Rougerie and Brown but a chugga was really good. A lot of good chair, a lot of excellent players. But he was so, so dominant in that tournament. He you know, without him that have had no chance. But even then, you know what did he score five goals in the tournament? It's one behind the guy who got the gold.

[C]

We lost a bet.

[D]

We said it was going to be what, two or three minutes before we mentioned that.

[C]

What were your goals like? Were they tapping?

[A]

Yeah, of course they were tap in. I think the combined, combined yardage would have. There was six. So probably about an average. Might be four or five yards. So yeah, probably 24, 25 yards. Doesn't matter Mike, they'll count the same. I don't know whether anyone's told you that.

[C]

What were the goals then? What, we're talking poaches back posts.

[A]

Never seen them.

[C]

Come on. I've never seen them.

[A]

The first goal was against Poland and in the Mexico World cup we would. We were struggling the first two games. Did nothing. I thought he'd leave me out, but he didn't. Bless him. Bobby stuck with me. First goal, it was an Everton goal at the time. Trevor Stephen got it knocked out to Gary Stevens and then I made a dot move and darted towards the near post. Gambled on where it was. It was my classic goal. Five yards out probably and just got in front of the defender and the keeper knocked it in. Second goal was a great move as well. Kodgy was involved. Then Beardsley hit a great. Yeah, Beardsley hit this great ball to Steve Hodge. He went down, left hand crossed.

[C]

And that's why.

[A]

That's why he never scored that many World cup goals, because he could never concentrate for long enough. That's why. He asked me to talk me through the goal. That's what I'm supposed to do.

[C]

Yeah, I like it. What else we got?

[A]

Yeah, well, yeah, that and a brilliant finish. Actually the second one because the ball bounced before I had to take the weight off it.

[C]

You know, just. Just guide it.

[A]

Yeah, yeah. I mean, honestly. So good. And the third one, it was the goalie dropped it and it's chest and half volley. Half folly.

[C]

Micah, half volley. Okay.

[A]

Genuine half folly. Yeah. I don't want to Paraguay go cuz they.

[D]

You still got the golden boot? Yeah, yeah.

[C]

And how does that work, the golden boot? I know, yeah. It's generally interesting to me. So did you go up and. And get it at the end or how does it work? The descendants?

[A]

No, there was. There was a kind of. Where was it? This is a function. I think it was embarrassed. Might have been embarrassed where Diego received his golden ball for best player and I got the golden boot for scoring more goals than Maradona.

[D]

Really?

[C]

Honestly, not. They must have been proud, though.

[A]

Changed my life. Changed my life. Genuinely changed my life. You know, I was doing well in the English league and stuff, but then you suddenly on the world stage. Within two weeks after the World Cup, I'm in Barcelona. I mean, that's what it does. I mean, few tappings, eh?

[D]

Al all count, guys.

[C]

They all count.

[A]

They all count. That's enough about my goal. I don't want to talk about my golden boot effort.

[C]

Can I talk about me? I never played at a World Cup. So moving on swiftly,

[A]

England have another Golden Boot winner. Of course. Harry Kane, who's going to be, I think, really important for England. Let's get Gemini's opinion. Gemini. Why is it so difficult for defenders to mark Harry Kane?

[B]

Harry Kane's versatility is a huge factor. He's not just a pure goal scorer. He can drop deep to create play, has excellent passing skills and is very effective in the air. Is there a specific aspect of his game you're curious about?

[A]

Yes, actually, there is an aspect of his game I'm curious about. Is Harry Kane better than Alan Shearer?

[B]

That's a tough comparison, as they played in different eras. Alan Shearer was a phenomenal pure striker, known for his power and incredible finishing. Harry Kane has also achieved great scoring heights, but offers more versatility in terms of. It really depends on what qualities you value most.

[C]

Interesting.

[A]

I've always thought Harry Kane's way more versatile than Alan Shearer.

[C]

They say you were stiff. Basically saying you're stiff. Number nine that couldn't move. Is that fair?

[D]

No, that's not fair.

[A]

No.

[D]

But I understand the comparison. I think there's no doubt if England are going to go far in this tournament, that Harry is going to be key to that and also how other players react. Because I think in the last tournament, what we lacked was players running off Harry Kane and running beyond him. And it's perfectly summed up, isn't it, is that he does love to come deep, but when he comes deep, if you don't get runners going in behind, then it won't work.

[A]

I mean, Tuchel obviously coached him at Bayern Munich, which is that an advantage?

[C]

Yeah, he knows his game, doesn't he? I totally agree with your point in terms of coming deep, but when you've got wingers like Alise, you know, who constantly running in behind, it helps, doesn't it? Or Gnabry or whoever it may be. I think at the World Cup, Harry Kane is key, isn't he? He's England's main man, essentially, so you've got to work around his strengths or weaknesses. He knows he wants to get on the ball. You know, he gets frustrated. You know, he goes really deep. Just play two wingers. I'm looking at Rashford. Rashford.

[A]

Now, what he do, he loves to

[C]

get behind for Barcelona. Unbelievable. Running behind.

[A]

And Saka can do that?

[C]

Yes, Saka can do it, but he likes to get on the ball too much. You can't have two of them coming towards the ball unless you play someone who's willing to run in behind from a midfield area. And that's the sort of conundrum with Jude Bellingham because he wants to get on the ball, but he wants to arrive. So it's just getting that balance right, isn't it?

[A]

But Jude will bomb forward.

[C]

But it's at the right time, though. You know, he wants to be involved in the play and then he wants to get. If Harry Kane gets the ball in the middle, then Bellingham has got to go.

[D]

No, that's right. I think that's key. I mean, whether he starts, whether Rodgers or whoever that may be, they have to get beyond him and they have to get into forward positions when Harry vacates that area.

[A]

Who you picking? Prime. Alan Shearer. Prime Harry Kane.

[D]

No pressure. Big M. I won't be offended.

[C]

Oh, I don't mind fighting you. That's very true. I've always said Alan Shearer, you know, Always. Alan's my man. He's my guy.

[D]

Don't change your mind, then. Don't change your mind.

[C]

However.

[A]

I love it when Micah says however, you know something's coming.

[C]

England stats. How many goals have you scored for England?

[D]

30.

[C]

It's not good enough. Well, for the great Alan. Alan the man.

[D]

He will back me up on this. I think with the number of countries you're playing against now and smaller countries, it's perhaps easier to score goals.

[C]

He's finally agreed to me on that one. Yeah.

[D]

Would you? You would, wouldn't you?

[A]

Well, yeah, that's why I only scored 18 more than you.

[C]

But in World Cups, how many goals did you score?

[D]

Two.

[C]

Two in four games?

[A]

Yeah.

[D]

Yeah.

[C]

It's not good enough. Harry Kane scored 78 goals for England.

[A]

Eight. Eight in the World cup final.

[C]

Yeah, but 78.

[A]

Yeah, but most of them against rubbish. So the only way you can really judge it is in tournament football, I think. So In World Cups.

[C]

Hold on. He just said a minute ago, the old count. So you're going to use your argument for which. Which part? He scored 78 and he scored eight in World cup finals. So if you're judging off that, you have to say Harry Kane. But he was my guy. Yeah, but was. Yeah, it was.

[A]

Yeah. Mikey, you know when you Discover who scored 10 goals in World cup finals?

[C]

Did you score 10?

[A]

Yeah. Harry's gonna go past me. But he has, like, more World Cups. It'll be. It'll be.

[D]

His name will be brought up again on TV screens when Harry goes past him

[C]

as well.

[A]

We need him to score for England to do well, don't we?

[C]

260 in the Prem, though.

[A]

260. No, that's good.

[C]

It's not. It's not. It's astonishing. So it is. No, I say, I'd say, Alan, Premier League.

[A]

Al's more of a. Perhaps a flat track bully. Just Premier League where Kane does it, but Kane, internationally.

[C]

Yeah. I've got to go with. With Harry Kane.

[A]

It's funny comparing people.

[D]

And with the season he's had as well. It's like your season he's had with

[A]

B. Unbelievably fun all round football. I mean, He's. He's a 10, really. Yeah, he's a 10. You know what, you could play Bellingham and Kane just switching around. Yeah. So that'd be quite interesting to do that, I think. One thing we can say, we've got a very good goalkeeper who's. Who's performed brilliant for England. I wonder what Gemini thinks. Gemini, how important do you think Jordan Pickford will be for England in the forthcoming tournament? Gemini says the following about Pickford. Quite interesting. His importance often peaks in the knockout stages. Statistically, Pickford has saved twice as many penalties in major tournament shootouts, four out of 14 as all the other England goalkeepers combined between 1990 and 2012. In a tournament where margins are razor thin, his big game temperament is a massive security blanket for the squad. You have to agree with that. Whenever he's played for England in big tournaments, he's not afraid of it, he's confident. I think he's one of England's great strengths.

[D]

Yeah, he's never. I don't think he's done much, if anything, wrong for England. It's all been very, very positive for him. And let's hope that continues because again, if England are going to go far, then he's going to have to play a major part, as all goalkeepers do, whether it's in a penalty shootout or what. Because you almost can say, if England are going to win it, which we hope, then there will be a penalty shootout. And he's brilliant at them.

[A]

One of the big favorites at the World Cup. France, obviously. I mean, the talent they've got right across that squad.

[C]

They've got the best team, best individual talent right the way through.

[A]

They can implode, though, occasionally.

[D]

Yeah. Sometimes having the best team and best players isn't enough to.

[A]

They sometimes have that clash of egos, don't they, at the time? You can see that possibly happening. You know, you've got people like Mbappe

[C]

there and it's hard because Mbappe is my favorite player in the whole of football now. I think he's. I think he's the best. I think he's got all the attributes to be the best left winger, best striker. Whether he's running behind, where he's taking someone on, however. Off the ball, it doesn't do his work. It doesn't. And it affects the whole team. And if I was looking at France, I'd be looking at targeting that area. And do you remember in the last tournament where Bakola was playing on the left? We did it many times and then Mbappe was going out there, and then when they lost the ball, Mbappe was just going to stand up front.

[A]

They never really worked it out in that tournament. Deschamps still in charge, I think probably his last tournament.

[C]

And then the only thing now is we've got Ballon d' or winner, Dembele as well. If Mbappe's not doing his work, it sounds ridiculous, but he's gonna have to go on the bench.

[A]

It could create a problem in the camp, though.

[D]

Just about to say that you can imagine if he's not playing, then similar

[A]

sort of thing possibly with Portugal and Cristiano. Maybe. Maybe.

[D]

I agree with that. Yeah. If he's not going to be playing, I think that would be a big issue.

[C]

Another one. You know where I'm going. Go on, say it.

[A]

It must be City Cherokee.

[C]

Of course it is. How good's he been this season?

[A]

He's been really good, hasn't he? Ridiculous. I mean, he's got some.

[C]

We're talking about Mavericks. We talk about Maverick. He is a maverick.

[A]

How many mavericks can you. You have in one team?

[C]

It depends how much you keep the ball.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

If you keep the ball, you can have a couple.

[A]

Yeah. But you're going to lose the ball on occasions. Then what happens?

[C]

Recovery pace.

[A]

Yeah. Do we think the word maverick means basically, you're a little bit on the lazy side.

[C]

Yeah. When you get the ball, you entertainers off the ball, you're useless.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

And that's. But Shirky's a lot better off the ball now. He's running back.

[A]

He looks trim. Won't stand for that way.

[C]

Exactly that. But he. Yeah, he's my favorite player to watch in the Premier League. Just for skill and taking risks, taking

[D]

his feet, hasn't he?

[C]

Yeah.

[D]

Quick feet.

[C]

Right or left.

[A]

Fancy the French.

[D]

Is that your tip after all? France or Spain? Yeah, without. Yeah, those two.

[A]

Yeah, I'd probably agree with that. You played in the World cup, didn't you, with Francis? World cup win in the home country.

[D]

Yeah. Zidane. Best player I ever played against.

[C]

Zizu.

[D]

No. Doubt about it.

[A]

He was beautiful footballer. He's so elegant.

[D]

Outrageously good.

[C]

Do you think he was the best ever midfielder to touch the grass?

[A]

He's up there. Depends what you call Maradona. He's like a 10.

[C]

No, it. Forwards.

[A]

Levo, he's a midfield actually. That's a good chance. Best.

[D]

His feet, left foot and right. His balance was like.

[A]

They're just the best. You can't have a major tournament and not discuss Brazil. Five times winners.

[C]

Well, that's you.

[A]

Yeah. Let's find out how Gemini fancies their chances. Just wondering what kind of system they might play under Ancelotti.

[B]

Ancelotti often favors a flexible style, possibly building on a 4, 33 or 4 or 4, 2, 31 setup, adapting to get the best from his players. Given the talent Brazil has, especially in attack, you could see a system that allows creative players to flourish and potentially dominate possession.

[A]

Who are the most likely goal scorers for Brazil this summer? Right, the front runners got Vinicius junior. No surprise there. So their main man, isn't he, for Brazil after that you've got Raphinha. He's obviously got injured a little bit lately, but he's just coming back over 30 goals a season. And Matthias Cunha. They've got real options up front.

[C]

Vinicius is the one though, isn't he?

[A]

He's a superstar.

[C]

He's a superstar, yeah.

[A]

He's definitely a superstar. What do we think about Brazil then? I mean, they've got individuals, but they're not really highly fancied, are they, this time around? But they've got Ancelotti, who's won more than even the likes of Pabri. Pep Guardiola across the board. He's won everything.

[C]

I watched him the other week. I feel as though they've got individual talent, but they don't play as a unit. I feel like when the ball goes to them, everyone's expecting Vinici to do something great in that game. Danilo was amazing in midfield. It was at Forest. He was really good. The one at Forest midfielder was really good.

[A]

Central defenders. Not you. Gabriel Morris. Marinos.

[C]

Yeah, that's good. Marinos is. Is good. Subconsciously you always think Brazil are going to be good, but then when it comes together, I don't. I don't know if it's going to click. Individual talent they've got for sure. I'm. I'm not too sure how that's going

[D]

to play my first game, is it? Yeah.

[A]

Brazil.

[D]

Brazil. Morocco.

[A]

Oh, that's a good game, is it?

[D]

Yeah. First One on this. Yes.

[A]

Saturday.

[D]

Don't forget Bruno Guimara.

[A]

He's a good guy. Do you think they've got this superstars that they've had in the past, though? I mean, you know, some of the

[D]

great Brazilians, but that doesn't mean they can't win it because they haven't got the superstars. They might, but. But they haven't. No, no. Yeah.

[C]

But expectation.

[D]

Yeah. Well, that's always going to be high.

[A]

It's just Brazil, isn't it?

[D]

Their fans are amazing. Going to games with their fans is another level as well, isn't it?

[A]

24 years since they've won a World cup and they've won five, so they. I think the pressure mounts as well. Yeah.

[C]

That team, though, of Ronaldo Rivaldo 2002

[A]

team was incredible, wasn't it?

[C]

Even going back further, Dunga, remember, Dunga was not a Brazilian style, but he was a leader in midfield.

[A]

He was a leader.

[C]

Capitan.

[A]

Yeah. And coach, I met him in Mexico. And recently when I went out there in November for to get accepted into the world football, you in that voice. I actually, you know what they asked me, who do you recommend? Right. I'll mention you are.

[D]

Really.

[A]

I was just. I was just about to say. So I genuinely did. And they went, who should what? English. And I think Wayne Rooney was already in one or two others. Who should we have which? And I went, alex. Yeah. Sorry all about what I said about you. Just couldn't do it.

[D]

Yeah.

[A]

Well, we're really looking forward to the World Cup. We might need bit of Gemini's help along the way at some point, I'm sure, but for this episode of the rest of football, that's it. Goodbye from me.

[C]

Goodbye from me.

[D]

Goodbye from me.