Welcome back to the new season of football language podcasts from Languagecaster – this is our 11th year. This weekend sees the start of some of the European football leagues, the Community Shield in England and of course the final of the Women’s European Championship in the Netherlands and we’ll be looking ahead to those games in this week’s show. We’ll also be explaining some football words and phrases – the verb to fancy, the phrase financial fair play and the nickname the Lionesses – asking a quiz question and of course talking about our predictions for the big games from this weekend. There is also a transcript for those who wish to practise their reading and listening skills (Damian = DF, Damon = DB).

Football Language Podcast: 2017 Women’s European Championship Final

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Transcript of the show

DF: You’re listening to Languagecaster’s football-language podcast. Hello everyone and welcome back to a new season – our 11th – of football-language podcasts for all those who love the beautiful game. My name’s Damian and I’m here in London where the weather is bright and sunny. Hello Damon, how are things there in Tokyo?

DB: Hot, Damian. Very hot indeed, but it’s good to have the season to look forward to. Very exciting indeed! How are things over in London?

DF: Well, the mood here in east London is one of shock and anticipation. Shock as Usain Bolt was defeated last night in the final of the 100 metres at the World Athletics Championships taking place here in Stratford.

DB: And anticipation?

DF: Well, the 2017-18 football season is almost here and fans up and down the country are hoping that their team can do better than last year. I wonder whether that will be the case for our teams Damon? What do you think of Liverpool’s chances this season?

DB: There’s no reason they can’t do well. I like their their new signing Salah, but maybe they lack a little bit in defence, so I’m guessing a 4th or 5th place finish. And what do you feel about Tottenham now they are an established top four side?

DF: Well, regular fans of the podcast will know that I am always a little pessimistic about Spurs’ chances and with the team playing their home games at Wembley Stadium this season and no signings having been made yet I don’t think there is any change there. I would be happy with a top four finish but I am also hopeful – there’s that word again – that they could spring a huge surprise and win the title for the first time in over 50 years.

DB: Yes, it’ll be interesting to see if Spurs can turn Wembley into a fortress,