Welcome to Kiss the Badge: After Review… — your weekly look back at the biggest results, performances and talking points from the Premier League weekend.This week, Arsenal take centre stage after coming from behind to beat Chelsea and preserve their perfect start to the season. Was this simply another important victory—or a statement from the champions that they remain the team everyone else has to catch?I also discuss Manchester United surrendering the lead twice in their draw with Everton, Tottenham’s worrying start continuing with another goalless performance, and Liverpool making an immediate impression against Ipswich.Elsewhere, there are thoughts on Manchester City’s narrow victory over Coventry, Aston Villa’s continued struggles in front of goal and the growing pressure on the teams already searching for their first win.Subscribe and let me know in the comments: can anybody stop Arsenal this season?For football romantics—past and present.

This week, Tottenham are bottom of the table after suffering two defeats from their opening two matches without scoring a single goal. Following another disappointing performance against Newcastle, how concerned should Spurs supporters be—and why has Roberto De Zerbi’s heavily rebuilt side made such a poor start?I also look at Liverpool’s 2–2 draw with Nottingham Forest and the questions it raised about their attack. With Bradley Barcola expected to arrive for an enormous fee, how much pressure will there be on him to deliver immediately—and is it fair to expect one player to solve Liverpool’s early problems?Chelsea maintained their winning start with a thrilling 4–3 victory over Brighton. Their attacking football has brought excitement back to Stamford Bridge, but are they genuinely ready to challenge for the Premier League title—or do their defensive vulnerabilities remain too significant? There are also thoughts on the arrival of Emi Martínez and what his experience could add to Xabi Alonso’s developing team.Finally, Manchester United responded to their opening defeat by beating Ipswich Town 5–2 at Old Trafford. I discuss Bruno Fernandes’ magnificent hat-trick and ask whether he should already be considered one of United’s great Premier League players. Despite the emphatic scoreline, did the two goals United conceded demonstrate that Michael Carrick still needs further defensive reinforcements before the transfer window closes?After Review… arrives every Monday at 7PM, with Kiss the Badge: Déjà Vu following every Wednesday at 7PM.Subscribe and let me know your thoughts on the weekend’s football in the comments.For football romantics—past and present.

Welcome to Kiss the Badge: After Review... — your weekly look back at the biggest matches, results and talking points from the Premier League weekend.

This week, the main focus is Manchester United’s disastrous opening-day defeat at newly promoted Hull City. United conceded twice from set pieces, struggled to create meaningful chances despite dominating much of the ball, and were unable to find a way through Hull’s organised defence. Was this simply one bad performance, or did it expose deeper problems with Michael Carrick’s team and the business United still need to conduct before the transfer window closes?

Tottenham also endured a miserable start, losing 3–0 at Brentford. After spending heavily during the summer, Spurs looked disjointed, vulnerable defensively and unable to impose themselves on a far more cohesive Brentford side. What does such a concerning opening performance tell us about Roberto De Zerbi’s new-look team—and where does it leave Spurs already?

It was an equally alarming afternoon for Aston Villa, who found themselves 4–0 down at Brighton before half-time and were reduced to ten men following João Gomes’ red card. After significant changes during the summer, I discuss the scale of the rebuilding job facing Unai Emery and whether Villa’s opening-day collapse points towards a difficult season ahead.

Finally, there’s a look at Newcastle’s dramatic 2–2 draw with Liverpool. Newcastle led twice and appeared set for a statement victory, only to be denied by Dominik Szoboszlai’s stoppage-time penalty. Despite the late disappointment, did the performance provide some much-needed encouragement after a turbulent summer at St James’ Park?

After Review... arrives every Monday at 7PM, with Kiss the Badge: Déjà Vu following every Wednesday at 7PM.

Subscribe and let me know your thoughts on the weekend’s football in the comments.

For football romantics — past and present.

The Premier League is back—and so is Kiss the Badge! ⚽️🔥In the first episode of the new season, I say a huge thank you for all your support during the World Cup, share a little of what I’ve been up to over the summer, and look ahead to the new Premier League campaign.I’ll also be revealing what’s coming up on Kiss the Badge over the next few months and what you can expect throughout the season.Who will win the title? Who will exceed expectations? And which teams could struggle? Here’s what I think will happen…Let me know your predictions in the comments—and don’t forget to subscribe for new episodes of Kiss the Badge every Monday and Wednesday at 7pm!#PremierLeague #PremierLeaguePredictions #KissTheBadge #FootballPodcast

England are out of the World Cup… and for England fans, it feels like Groundhog Day.

Different manager. Same old England.

In this episode, I explain why I believe this defeat isn’t on the players—it’s on Thomas Tuchel. England abandoned what was working, retreated into a low block for the final 30 minutes, surrendered the initiative to Argentina and ultimately paid the price.

We analyse England vs Argentina, Tuchel’s tactics, the low block, substitutions, game management and why England keep repeating the same mistakes at major tournaments. From the Golden Generation to Gareth Southgate and now Thomas Tuchel, the story feels painfully familiar.

Do you agree? Was this another tactical failure, or are England destined to repeat history?

#England #ThreeLions #EnglandvsArgentina #Argentina #WorldCup #ThomasTuchel #FootballPodcast #FootballAnalysis #Tactics

After a sensational victory over Mexico, we're asking the question every England fan is thinking...Is THIS finally England's year?In this episode, we relive a night that will live long in the memory, breaking down one of the biggest wins in England's recent history, the key performances, the turning points, and why this result could be the moment Thomas Tuchel's side truly announced themselves as genuine World Cup contenders.We also tackle the controversy surrounding the Balogun red card rescindal, discussing why the decision has sparked outrage, what it means for the integrity of the tournament, and whether FIFA's disciplinary process is letting the game down.

England are through to the World Cup Round of 16 after beating DR Congo, but is their toughest test still to come?

In this episode, I break down why Mexico could be England's downfall and why this knockout tie is about far more than just the football. From the intimidating atmosphere at the Azteca Stadium, the altitude, the weather, and Mexico's outstanding home record, to England's defensive concerns and whether the back four can cope under real pressure, there's plenty to discuss.

I also look at Mexico's recent form, the tactical battle that could decide the game, and whether England have what it takes to reach the quarter-finals.

Elsewhere, I react to Germany's shock exit, the Netherlands' disappointing World Cup campaign, Scotland's elimination, and the biggest talking points from the tournament so far.

If you enjoy World Cup analysis, England reaction, football debate, match previews, tactical analysis, and international football discussion, don't forget to subscribe, follow the podcast, and share the episode with fellow football fans.

#England #Mexico #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup2026 #ThreeLions #EnglandFootball #MexicoFootball #FootballPodcast #FootballAnalysis #EnglandvsMexico #WorldCupPodcast

England have underwhelmed in their second week at the World Cup, but does everyone need to take a deep breath? This week, I look at England's performance, why there are genuine areas for concern, and why some of the reaction has been completely over the top.

Elsewhere, the tournament's biggest names are finally taking centre stage. From Lionel Messi to Cristiano Ronaldo and the rest of football's elite, the stars have arrived and are beginning to shape the story of this World Cup.

I also look at some of the players and teams who have failed to live up to expectations so far, ask who's flopped, who's surprised us, and what we can expect as the tournament moves into its next phase.

Plus, a return to a familiar subject: the BBC's World Cup coverage. Has it improved, or is it still falling short of what football fans should expect from a major international tournament?

The World Cup is up and running, and after the first week there's already plenty to talk about. We discuss the remarkable story of Cape Verde's goalkeeper and the performance that had everyone talking, weigh up the perennial BBC versus ITV debate as viewers pick their preferred World Cup home, and assess England's convincing opening victory and what it might tell us about their chances in the tournament. We also get into the increasingly controversial hydration breaks, some of the biggest surprises from the opening round of matches, and the stories that are beginning to shape this World Cup.

The World Cup is finally here! In the 1st special World Cup 2026 edition of Kiss the Badge, I share my excitement ahead of football's biggest tournament and discuss some of the major talking points and controversies surrounding the competition. I also reveal my plans for Kiss the Badge throughout the World Cup, including what listeners can expect from the podcast over the coming weeks.And, because no tournament preview would be complete without a few bold calls, I make my full World Cup predictions — from the group stage right through to the final — picking the teams I think will progress, the surprises that could shake up the tournament, and ultimately who I believe will lift the trophy.Will my predictions age like fine wine or be completely torn apart by the opening round of fixtures? There's only one way to find out.Welcome to World Cup 2026. Here we go!