The Total Saints Podcast returns with a special World Cup episode as Glen de la Cour is joined by Steve Grant and Alfie House. Before turning their attention to England, the panel catches up on the latest developments at Southampton, including Ross Stewart’s departure, the released list, James Bree’s new three-year contract and the opening run of Championship fixtures. They also discuss the uncertainty surrounding Tonda Eckert, Saints’ new home shirt, record season-ticket sales and the disappointing reduction in funding for the club’s women’s team and academy.

Attention then turns to England’s World Cup campaign. Steve reflects on following the team across North America and being inside the Azteca for the extraordinary 3–2 victory over Mexico, while the panel assesses England’s performances against Croatia, Ghana, Panama and DR Congo. They debate whether the Mexico win has shown that Thomas Tuchel’s team can win the tournament and look ahead to a quarter-final against Erling Haaland’s Norway.

There is also discussion of France, Argentina and the remaining contenders, alongside the wider controversies surrounding the tournament. The panel takes aim at FIFA, the expanded 48-team format, hydration breaks, questionable officiating, contrived countdowns and manufactured fan culture, before picking out the teams, pundits and moments they have most enjoyed so far

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