The University of Your Boys Took a Hell of a Beating throws its door open to yet another new department at the ever growing campus of football learning, as fashion takes centre stage.

TNT Sports commentator Adam Summerton takes us through his favourite World Cup kits, while he also goes into his love of Snap! (The German Eurodance band, rather than the erstwhile card game), and Neighbours.

Steven Scragg nods in approval of Adam's kit selections.

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The Your Boys Took a Hell of a Beating World Cup department continues in full swing, as it adds a jukebox element to the You Have to Say That's Magnificent classroom.

First up, the ITV and Sky Sports commentator, Seb Hutchinson, drops a coin in, as he nominates France '98 as his World Cup scene setting yardstick.

Toni Polster's hair is high on the agenda, while Aidan Williams and Steven Scragg will never look at the B*Witched song, C'est La Vie in the same light ever again.

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Scotland make their long-awaited return to the World Cup this summer after a 28 year absence filled more with misery than near misses.

Aidan and Steven are joined by the excellent Lewis Ness to discuss Scotland's lengthy spell in the international wilderness. We talk disappointing results, disappointing coaches, 4-6-0 formations, and the lows, as well as the occasional high points before the rise under Steve Clarke, and Lewis' very specific predictions for the coming summer.

Will Scotland be coming home too soon, or can they boogie their way to the knock out rounds?

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Three teenagers and four 20-year-olds in Sky Blue take on the Red machine. How’s that going to go?

Unexpectedly, is the answer.

Meanwhile at Elland Road, the home fans are displeased and start throwing things at Forest’s Peter Shilton. Fortunately, it’s at the near post, so he never gets near them.

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The final part of our trio of podcasts about the upcoming World Cup hosts heads down to Mexico to talk El Tri and their World Cup history: a tale of repeated frustration amid the occasional high point.

Dr. Pete Watson joins Aidan to delve into why Mexico so often flatter to deceive, and to celebrate some of the fabulous players to have played for Mexico at the World Cup.

We talk Hugo Sanchez, Luis Hernandez and Rafa Marquez, and the hosting of two of the most loved World Cup tournaments. Join us as we do our Blanco bunny-hops and try our best to replicate Manuel Negrete’s wonder strike.

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We head into the USA for the next edition of our ventures into the histories of the three 2026 World Cup hosts.

Aidan is joined by Ivan McDouall to discuss their surprisingly rich World Cup history, with incredible exploits in the very first World Cup, the stunning victory over England in 1950 and the rise from the ashes of decades of despair to hosting in 1994 and becoming tournament regulars, mostly.

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“You have to say that’s magnificent” is heading to the World Cup as we delve into the World Cup histories of the three host nations for the upcoming party across the pond.

First up, Canada, whose World Cup history may be limited but is no less interesting for it.

Aidan and Steven are your guides to the Canadian adventures in World Cup land for stories of much frustration and the occasional moments of glory.

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This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit yourboystookahellofabeating.substack.com

A bitterly cold Upton Park sees Graham Taylor raiding Elton’s wardrobe and combining sunglasses and sleeping bag as we head for the glories of the Second Division once again. A linesman takes a projectile to the back of the head and crumples to the turf before continuing. Police protection arrives for him before the referee shows solidarity with his colleague by refusing to mention it in his match report, unless the FA ask him to according to Brian Moore.

At Stamford Bridge, while the car boot sale is in full swing in the one corner, visitors Newcastle have most of the play while Chelsea have most of the goals, which tells you all you need to know about possession statistics. Colin Lee scores three for Chelsea on the third anniversary of the day he scored four for Spurs. John Motson is, as you would expect, like a canine with an additional appendage at this half-coincidence.

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This time, more than any other time, this time, we’re talking all things England 1982, as the Three Lions make their return to the World Cup after a twelve year absence.

As Ron Greenwood and his gang of Admiral-clad heroes headed off to Spain to conquer the world, they did so with the Falklands war rumbling along, with a backdrop of hooliganism and with a generation of hugely successful players at club level. What could possibly go wrong?

Steven Scragg and Joe Byatt join Aidan Williams to talk chaotic knife-edge qualification, early Bryan Robson goals, injured heroes, goalless draws when it came to the crunch, and an unbeaten exit.

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An unchanged Liverpool side for the 13th game in a row – there’s an idea Arne – host fourth placed Southampton at Anfield.

Phil Boyer chooses the occasion to score his 20th goal of the campaign, but his first away goal in 13 months – and they said Terry Paine was a homer.

If you had Alan Ball getting booked for dissent on your bingo card – and let’s face it, we all must have – you’ve won.

Meanwhile at the City Ground, West Brom go into Mission Impossible mode – this defence will self-destruct in five seconds…

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