Essential Football

It’s the final Sky Sports World Cup podcast! Lionel Messi has his hands on the trophy at long last. Joining Ron Walker to look back on a sensational five weeks of football is Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett.Up for discussion are the final itself, where France got their second wind and how Messi shut down the GOAT debate once and for all, as well as what’s next for Didier Deschamps and how Kylian Mbappe still showed his greatness in defeat.Also on the agenda is the legacy the tournament will leave – for good and bad – the nightmare transport issues at the Lusail Stadium and whether progress really is on the agenda for human rights in Qatar.Finally, there’s reaction to the news Gareth Southgate will stay on as England manager, the reasons for his decision and his hopes of keeping fans onside ahead of Euro 2024.

On the latest episode of Sky Sports' World Cup podcast, host Joe Thomlinson is joined by Gary Neville to discuss who he thinks has been the tournament's best player, best youngster, biggest flop and many more. Plus, he grades the overall performance of England and has his say on the future of manager Gareth Southgate. Sky Sports News' Pete Graves also joins the podcast to run through the players whose stock has risen the most throughout the tournament and who he thinks will be top of the Premier League clubs’ wishlist come January.

Following England's defeat in the World Cup quarter-finals, Ron Walker and Nick Wright are joined by Kaveh Solhekol to discuss Gareth Southgate's future, whether he will stay in post for the Euro 2024 campaign and the legacy he has created around the Three Lions.Geraint Hughes also joins us to assess the semi-final line-up and ask whether Morocco can continue to make history, if France are better than they thought, how Croatia are defying the odds again - and whether it's written in the stars for Lionel Messi.

On the latest episode of the Sky Sports World Cup podcast, host Joe Thomlinson is joined by Jamie Redknapp to dissect England’s devastating 2-1 quarter-final defeat to holders France.They discuss Harry Kane’s pivotal missed penalty, whether Bukayo Saka should have been substituted and if Gareth Southgate’s time in charge is coming to an end.Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett then provides an insight into the England dressing room following their heartbreaking loss.

On the latest Sky Sports World Cup podcast, host Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports senior reporter Melissa Reddy and French football expert Jonathan Johnson to look ahead to England’s huge quarter-final clash with France on Saturday. They discuss if England’s squad depth gives them the edge, whether Kyle Walker can limit Kylian Mbappe's influence and how Gareth Southgate’s tournament success could prove vital.Sky Sports News reporter Geraint Hughes then previews the other three quarter-finals as Brazil meet Croatia, Argentina take on Netherlands and Portugal face Morocco. Is Cristiano Ronaldo's future from the bench, and will Lionel Messi get the all-important final jewel in his crown?

On the latest episode of the Sky Sports World Cup podcast, host Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports News senior reporter Rob Dorsett to chew over the fat of England's 3-0 win over Senegal in the last-16 on Sunday night.On the agenda are the big celebrations which marked the Three Lions' return to base camp, and why Gareth Southgate might not have enjoyed them too much, Jude Bellingham's sensational form and whether England might just stick with a 4-3-3 against world champions France on Saturday - plus much more.

Joe Thomlinson is joined by Dharmesh Sheth and James Allcott to look ahead to Sunday's huge knockout game against Senegal. They discuss the selection conundrums facing Gareth Southgate, the threat posed by the Aliou Cisse's side and Harry Maguire's future after the tournament.

In episode seven of Sky Sports' World Cup podcast, host Joe Thomlinson is joined by Jamie Redknapp to discuss a Marcus Rashford inspired England win over Wales and the threats that await Gareth Southgate's men in the next round.Sky Sports News' Geraint Hughes also joins the podcast from Doha to discuss where Wales go from here and what next for their ageing talisman Gareth Bale.

In episode six of Sky Sports' World Cup podcast host Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports News reporters Kaveh Solhekol and Geraint Hughes. They debate whether England should be concerned by the USA performance and if Wales big players will peak on Tuesday night?

In episode five of the Sky Sports World Cup podcast host Ron Walker is joined by Sky Sports News' Rob Dorsett and Geraint Hughes to look back on a tough day for the home nations. They discuss if Harry Kane was injured and is Wales' World Cup adventure over already?