The Rest Is Football

40 Episodes
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By: Goalhanger

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, and Micah Richards discuss football's biggest stories.From last-minute winners to transfer sagas, fantasy football gems, and the drama behind the scenes.With strong opinions, brilliant chemistry, and decades of Premier League experience, The Rest Is Football serves up three episodes every week packed with insights, dressing-room stories, and proper laughs.Whether it’s VAR controversies, title races, European nights, or England’s hopes in international tournaments, no topic is off the table. It's the essential podcast for football fans.For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com.

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Defeat for Scotland and Cunha at the double for Brazil
Today at 6:35 AM

Gary Lineker is joined by Joe Cole, Harry Maguire, Patrick Vieira and Sex Education star Asa Butterfield to reflect on Scotland's narrow defeat to an impressive Morocco side - where does that leave Steve Clarke's men heading into their final group game with Brazil?

Speaking of Brazil, they put three past Haiti to keep pace with Morocco, with Matheus Cunha bagging a brace. There's also a look at USA's dominant win and performance over Australia.

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England off to a flyer as Bellingham and Kane take centre stage
#171
Last Thursday at 6:35 AM

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer, Micah Richards, Harry Maguire, Joe Cole and World Cup winner Patrick Vieira reflect on a brilliant night for England as they opened their campaign with a 4-2 win over Croatia in Dallas.

Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane were at the heart of it all but they also look at Tuchel's selection in defence, his use of the substitutes, and the stern words he had for the team as they went in level at the break.

Plus we look at Cristiano Ronaldo failing to impress as Portugal limped to a 1-1 draw...


Harry Maguire on the facetime with Tuchel which ended his World Cup dream
#170
Last Tuesday at 6:35 AM

Gary Lineker, Alan Shearer and Joe Cole were joined on Netlifx in New York by Harry Maguire who lifted the lid on the conversation where Thomas Tuchel delivered the news that he wasn't in the World Cup squad and how it happened over facetime!

There's also discussion of England's chances, the importance of Jordan Henderson, and what Jude Bellingham is really like behind the scenes

Plus the team reflects on the amazing performance by Cape Verde in battling to a 0-0 draw with European Champions Spain

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Scotland's crucial win and Niall Horan's rondo with Neymar
#169
06/14/2026

Scotland won their must-win game against Haiti and now find themselves top of Group C after Brazil and Morocco's 1-1 draw. Gary, Alan, Micah and Joe Cole look at both of those games as well as reacting to USA's impressive 4-1 over Paraguay on Friday.

We're also joined in the studio by Niall Horan with tales of partying with Neymar and Messi

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Frank Lampard & Joe Cole join us as the World Cup kicks off
#168
06/12/2026

The World Cup has finally started and it was a very lively opener as Mexico beat South Africa 2-0 in a game with three red cards.

Gary, Alan and Micah are joined live in their Times Square studio by Frank Lampard and Joe Cole to look at the game and get the pair's thoughts on who Thomas Tuchel should select for England's game against Croatia

There's also a look at the challenge ahead for Lampard as he tries to keep Coventry up next season and the ex-Chelsea duo give us their take on Jose Mourinho...


Will Harry Kane win the World Cup for England?
#167
06/08/2026

Gary, Alan and Micah get into World Cup mode as the tournament approaches, breaking down key talking points and setting the scene for what’s to come on the biggest stage in football.


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Terry Butcher: Invisible Wounds
#166
06/05/2026

Gary is joined by his former England teammate Terry Butcher to discuss his powerful new documentary, Butcher: Invisible Wounds. Terry opens up about the devastating loss of his son, Chris, and explains how sharing his story in the documentary has helped him cope with his grief and continue the healing process.


The pair also look back on Terry's remarkable football career, from the glory years at Ipswich Town and Rangers to his unforgettable experiences with England. They revisit some of the most iconic moments in English football history, including the infamous "Hand of God"...


QUIZ: Most Brazilian Appearances In The Premier League
#165
06/03/2026

The season's final quiz is here, and it's make-or-break for Alan. The topic: the Brazilians with the most Premier League appearances. With only one victory to his name all season, can he finally topple Micah and salvage some pride before the curtain falls?


Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips f...


Penalty heartbreak for Arsenal as PSG go back-to-back
#164
06/01/2026

Gary and Micah review the Champions League final as Arsenal had their dreams dashed in a penalty shootout and PSG became only the second team to win the competition in back-to-back seasons


Did the referee get the big penalty calls right? Was it a victory for PSG's style of football over Arsenal's attempt to rely on their defence? And what sort of player does Arteta need to add to his squad in order to go one better next season?


We also react to the news of Liverpool deciding to...


Quiz: Most Left Footed Premier League Goals
#163
05/29/2026

Arch rivals Alan and Micah go head-to-head once again in this week’s quiz, tackling one challenge: naming the Premier League players with the most left-footed goals.


With Gary officially retired from quiz duty after a run of disastrous performances, the pressure is on. But when Micah’s own teammate lets him down at a crucial moment, could it hand Alan the victory?


The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football.


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Jose Mourinho to calm the chaos at the Bernabeu?
05/27/2026

Real Madrid's shambolic season has featured Tchouaméni and Valverde fined for scrapping, Xabi Alonso sacked, a underwhelming caretaker spell from Alvaro Arbeloa, fans booing the players, no trophies, and a distant second place finish - so naturally the man to bring order to the chaos is...Jose Mourinho? Gary and Alex Aljoe look at the latest coming from the Bernabeu as Mourinho looks set to return, but he may have to wait for Florentino Perez to be re-elected as President first.


To add insult to injury the World Cup will be the first n...


Trophy for Arsenal, Heartbreak for West Ham & Tuchel's England Shocks
Trophy for Arsenal, Heartbreak for West Ham & Tuchel's England Shocks episode artwork
#161
05/25/2026

Gary and Alan break down a dramatic final day of the Premier League season.


West Ham tried their best to survive by beating Leeds 3-0, but it wasn't enough as Tottenham beat Everton to avoid relegation on the final day. So the Hammers are down for the first time in 14 years.


Arsenal finally got their hands on the trophy after 22 years, with a record 19 goals from corners and 19 clean sheets.


They covered Pep Guardiola's emotional final goodbye at City, Mohamed Salah's record-breaking Liverpool farewell...


QUIZ: Most Portuguese Appearances In The Premier League
#160
05/22/2026

Gary returns to the quizmaster’s chair as Alan and Micah go head-to-head once again, this time testing their knowledge on the Portuguese players with the most Premier League appearances.


After Micah’s dramatic comeback in their last showdown, can Alan bounce back and even the score, or will Micah continue his winning streak and take another W?


The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football.


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ARSENAL: PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONS
#159
05/20/2026

Arsenal are Premier League champions at last. After 22 years of waiting, Mikel Arteta’s side finally get over the line following Manchester City’s draw at Bournemouth. Gary and Alan break down how Arsenal ignored the pressure, silenced the doubters, and delivered when it mattered most.


The guys also react to the growing reports that Pep Guardiola could be set to leave Manchester City, discussing the legacy he leaves behind and the enormous impact he’s had on English football, not just on the Premier League, but the game as a whole.



Pep’s 20-Trophy Decade & Are West Ham Heading Down?
#158
05/17/2026

Manchester City beat Chelsea at Wembley to complete the domestic double, with Pep Guardiola claiming his 20th trophy at the club in just 10 years. Has Pep cemented himself as the greatest manager in Premier League history? And with fresh speculation surrounding his future, will he still be at the Etihad next season?


At the other end of the table, West Ham’s problems continue after a heavy defeat to Newcastle. With defensive issues mounting and confidence draining, are the Hammers heading for relegation — or is there still hope of a dramatic escape?


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JAMIE VARDY: EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW
#157
05/15/2026

Gary sits down with Jamie Vardy to talk about Jamie's new show on Netflix: Untold UK: Jamie Vardy, and reflect on one of football’s most remarkable journeys. From being released by Sheffield Wednesday and working in a factory, to rising through the non-league system, joining Leicester City and becoming a Premier League champion, Jamie opens up about the highs, setbacks and defining moments that shaped his career.


Together, they look back on Leicester’s historic title-winning season, what made Jamie such a deadly goalscorer, how adversity fuelled his mentality, and the unforgettable Premier Leag...


Quiz: Most Expensive Premier League Exports
#156
05/13/2026

Alan Shearer hosts this week’s quiz as Gary and Micah battle it out over the 10 most expensive Premier League exports of all time. Can Gary Lineker finally dig deep and claim a rare victory, or is he destined to return to life as the permanent quizmaster? Meanwhile, Micah Richards enters with just one defeat to his name, but can he continue his dominant run and come out on top once again?


The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/fo...


Barcelona: La Liga Champions
#155
05/12/2026

Barcelona are crowned La Liga champions after defeating Real Madrid at the Camp Nou. How has Hansi Flick galvanised this exciting young Barcelona side, and just how far can this new generation go in the seasons ahead?


Meanwhile, the pressure is mounting on Real Madrid CF after one of the most disappointing campaigns in the club’s recent history. Reports of dressing-room unrest, including an alleged bust-up between Federico Valverde and Aurélien Tchouaméni, have only added to the chaos. With questions being asked from top to bottom, could José Mourinho be the man t...


Arsenal On The Brink: Drama In East London
#154
05/11/2026

Huge controversy at the London Stadium as Arsenal snatch a massive three points away to West Ham. The Hammers thought they had rescued a dramatic injury-time equaliser, only for VAR to rule it out after a lengthy review. Was it the correct decision, and could VAR ultimately decide the Premier League title race?


Meanwhile, Manchester City kept the pressure on with a win over Brentford to remain five points behind with a game in hand. But has that costly draw against Everton F.C. already sealed their fate?


Elsewhere...


Arsenal vs PSG: The Champions League Final Is Set
#153
05/07/2026

Arsenal beat Atletico Madrid to set up a Champions League Final clash with PSG. Mikel Arteta’s side overcame Diego Simeone and his men to reach their first final in 20 years, and having gone unbeaten throughout their European campaign so far, can they stop the most in-form team in Europe to finally lift the trophy?


PSG booked their place in Munich after seeing off Vincent Kompany’s side in style. With so much firepower in their squad, do they go into the final as favourites against Arsenal , and can they become the first team sinc...


Quiz: Who Has The Most Assists In The Premier League
#152
05/06/2026

Big Meeks takes the hot seat as quizmaster for this week’s challenge: who has the most assists in Premier League history?


With Gary stepping up as his opponent, can Alan finally secure a quiz win, or will Gaz make it one from one? Two goalscorers trying to guess who has the most assists… What could go wrong?


The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. 


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Real Madrid take the title race to the Clasico
Real Madrid take the title race to the Clasico episode artwork
05/05/2026

Real Madrid's 2-0 victory at Espanyol means that the title race continues for at least another week and gives Barcelona the opportunity to win it in next week's Clasico in the Nou Camp. Gary and Alex look at an impressive performance from Vinicius Jr in the absence of Mbappe and an eye-catching assist from Jude Bellingham.


There's also a look at Barcelona's last gasp win at Osasuna with another big contribution from Marcus Rashford, plus Atletico Madrid managed to win at Valencia despite Simeone making 11 changes ahead of the Champions League semi-final second leg...


Man City Drop Points, Arsenal Edge Close To The Title
#150
05/05/2026

Manchester City sit five points behind Arsenal, and after Monday night’s draw with Everton, their fate is no longer in their own hands. Are Arsenal now on the brink of their first league title in over 20 years, and could they go even further by achieving immortality with a historic Premier League and Champions League double?


The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https://www.fuseenergy.com/football. (fuse march question)


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Arsenal’s Resurgence, Spurs’ Reprieve & Marvellous Mainoo
#149
05/03/2026

Arsenal stretch their lead to six points at the top of the Premier League with one of their most complete performances of the season. Is this the momentum Mikel Arteta needs as his side push for both domestic and European glory?


At the other end, Spurs climb out of the relegation zone after a crucial win over Aston Villa. With Roberto De Zerbi making it two wins from two, belief is building, could their resurgence spell danger for West Ham United?


Plus, Gary, Alan & Micah break down the derby...


PSG vs Bayern: A Game For The Ages
#148
04/30/2026

Did we just witness one of the greatest football matches in recent memory as PSG edged Bayern 5–4? And after a season of cautious, passive Premier League football, how refreshing was it to see two elite sides go all-out attack?


In Madrid, Arsenal head back to the Emirates with a result, but was the game defined more by VAR controversy than football? Were Arsenal unlucky not to go into the second leg with an advantage?


Plus, Gary, Alan and Micah break down the electric front threes of PSG and Bayern Mu...


Quiz: Most Goals From Non-English Players In The Premier League
Quiz: Most Goals From Non-English Players In The Premier League episode artwork
#147
04/29/2026

Alan and Micah go head-to-head once again in this week’s quiz. Will Alan’s Premier League experience and eye for goal give him the edge, or will Micah’s memories of trying to stop these stars prove the difference?


Join The Players Lounge: The official fantasy football club of The Rest Is Football. It’s time to take on Gary, Alan and Micah for the chance to win monthly prizes and shoutouts on the pod. It’s FREE to join and as a member, you’ll get access to exclusive tips from Fantasy Football Hub...


Barca Edge Closer To Title Despite Yamal's Injury
Barca Edge Closer To Title Despite Yamal's Injury episode artwork
04/28/2026

Barcelona stretched their lead to 11 points after a 2-0 win over Getafe, with Marcus Rashford on the scoresheet again, but the joy was tempered by Lamine Yamal's season-ending hamstring injury.


Real Madrid's title hopes were effectively ended on Friday night as Héctor Bellerín's 94th-minute equaliser for Real Betis snatched a 1-1 draw, leaving them 11 points behind Barcelona with just 15 left to play. Gary and Alex ask if losing the title this weekend would actually be kinder than watching it be confirmed by a defeat in El Clásico.


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Manchester City’s Treble Charge Is On
#146
04/27/2026

Manchester City staged another comeback, beating Southampton in the FA Cup semi-final to set up a showdown with Chelsea as they chase their second domestic trophy of the season. With silverware already in sight, the big question looms, are we witnessing the early signs of yet another City treble? And what is it about Guardiola’s side that makes them so relentless when it matters most?


Meanwhile, Arsenal secured a crucial win against Newcastle to stay top of the league, but the performance raised concerns. Despite getting the result, their lack of creativity is be...


Leicester Relegated, Ownership Under Fire & Ronaldinho on Netflix
#145
04/24/2026

Football club ownership has come under intense scrutiny this season. From Manchester United’s staff cuts to Tottenham flirting with relegation, does failure always start at the top and trickle down?


Elsewhere, Leicester City have been relegated to League One just ten years after their remarkable Premier League triumph. The guys revisit the role of ownership and ask how much of the club’s decline can be traced back to the tragic death of Khun Vichai Srivaddhanaprabha.


Gary, Alan and Micah also turn their attention to the new Ronaldinho Netf...


Liam Rosenior Sacked!
#144
04/23/2026

Was it a case of damned if he did, damned if he didn’t for Liam Rosenior at Chelsea? Did the problems start with the ownership, and was he ultimately doomed from the off? Or was he simply too inexperienced to manage a top-six Premier League dressing room?


Gary and Alan analyse the sacking of Liam Rosenior, looking at where things broke down and the deeper financial problems surrounding Chelsea.


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Eden Hazard: The Moments That Made Them
#143
04/22/2026

Eden Hazard vs Mo Salah: Who’s the better footballer? Was Hazard the greatest dribbler the Premier League has ever seen? And should he have achieved more in his career?


We look back at the career of one of the Premier League’s most electrifying and easy-on-the-eye players. From dazzling defenders to dominating at his peak, Eden Hazard had it all… but did his laid-back approach ultimately hold him back from true all-time greatness?


The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and co...


Man City Down Arsenal: The Race Is On
#142
04/20/2026

Manchester City edge Arsenal at the Etihad to move within three points, with a game in hand. Mikel Arteta tweaked his tactics to be more on the front foot, but is it too little, too late? Pep Guardiola and City, on the other hand, now look to be in the driving seat, with a very real chance of securing another treble.


Elsewhere, the race for European football is tighter than ever, with just three points separating 6th and 12th. Who will secure a place in Europe next season?


At...


Does The Champions League Put The Premier League To Shame?
#141
04/17/2026

We saw some thrilling football in the Champions League this week and it was mostly from Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, PSG and Barcelona so why do the English teams look so sluggish by comparison? Or does Arsenal's safe passage to the semi-finals and six-point lead at the top of the Premier League prove that Arteta's conservative approach is still paying off?


Liverpool are out of the Champions League and looking at a season of relative failure, what now for Arne Slot and will they have to spend big in the summer again? And what...


Cristiano Ronaldo: The Moments That Made Them
#140
04/15/2026

Is Cristiano Ronaldo the greatest player to ever grace the Premier League? How did he transform his game from a flashy, unpredictable winger into one of football’s most lethal number nines? And to what extent did his iconic rivalry with Lionel Messi drive him to reach unprecedented heights?


Gary, Alan & Micah look back at Cristiano Ronaldo’s short but unforgettable Premier League career. From his early days as a skinny winger, to becoming a relentless, goal-per-game machine across Europe, and one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.


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More Boos At The Bernabéu - Real Madrid Fall Nine Points Behind Barca
#139
04/14/2026

Real Madrid were booed off at the Bernabéu on Friday night, and not for the first time this season, after they failed to beat Girona in a 1-1 draw. Gary and Alex look at what this latest setback means for Alvaro Arbeloa's chances of remaining in charge next season, and whether they have any hope of going to Munich and overturning the 2-1 deficit against Bayern.


Barcelona went nine points clear at the top after a 4-1 win over Espanyol, with Hansi Flick taking no chances and playing Lamine Yamal and Pedri for 90 m...


What Mentality Do You Need To Win The Premier League?
#138
04/13/2026

After Arsenal’s setback against Bournemouth, there are questions about their mentality, what mindset do they need to carry them over the line in the Premier League title race? Should they embrace the pressure rather than shy away from it? Meanwhile, Manchester City’s experience in high-stakes run-ins could prove decisive. Having been there and done it before, does their winning know-how give them the edge as the season reaches its climax?


At the other end of the table Spurs have slipped into the relegation zone for the first time this season, raising serious conc...


Languid Liverpool, Olise On Fire & A Pivotal Week for Arsenal
#137
04/09/2026

PSG dismantled Liverpool at the Parc des Princes and were unlucky not to score even more. Did Arne Slot get it wrong with a back five, or are PSG simply on another level?


Elsewhere in Madrid, a brilliant performance from Michael Olise helped Bayern Munich take a crucial lead back to Munich. Another goal for Harry Kane brings his tally to 49 for the season, could he become the first English Ballon d’Or winner since Michael Owen?


Gary, Alan and Micah also look ahead to a pivotal week for Ar...


Harry Kane: The Moments That Made Them
#136
04/08/2026

Could Harry Kane return to the Premier League and break Alan’s all-time scoring record? Is he already England’s greatest-ever striker? And could he become the first England captain since Bobby Moore to lift the World Cup?


Gary, Alan and Micah take a look back at Harry Kane’s incredible journey—from his early loan spells to becoming England captain and one of the greatest goalscorers in Premier League history.


The Rest Is Football is powered by Fuse Energy. To sign up and for terms and conditions, visit https...


Real Madrid Stunned In Mallorca As Barcelona Pull Away
#135
04/07/2026

Barcelona move seven points clear at the top of La Liga after coming from behind to beat Atlético Madrid. Marcus Rashford returned to the starting lineup following Raphinha’s injury and capped off an impressive display with a goal, if he maintains this form, is he a shoo-in for England’s left side this summer?


Real Madrid, meanwhile, suffered a shock defeat to relegation-threatened Mallorca. Why do Los Blancos continue to struggle in the league while consistently delivering in the Champions League? And if they fall to Bayern Munich, could Álvaro Arbeloa find himsel...


Arsenal Out, Haaland’s Brilliance & Liverpool’s Struggles
#134
04/06/2026

Arsenal’s FA Cup exit, coming just two weeks after their Carabao Cup disappointment, leaves their season at a crossroads. With two trophies already gone, could Mikel Arteta’s side really finish the campaign without silverware, and should there be growing concern at the Emirates?


Meanwhile, Manchester City delivered arguably their performance of the season in a statement win over Liverpool. Are Pep Guardiola’s men hitting top form at exactly the right moment, and does the result leave Arne Slot under pressure?


Elsewhere, Chelsea ran riot with seven agains...