Tottenham - Home and Away

Back to the proper stuff on Tottenham – Home and Away as Graeme and Glen look back at Spurs’ two pre-season tour matches in Sydney and discuss the latest transfer activity around the club.
We review the games against Sydney FC and Chelsea, including Glen’s trip to the Allianz Stadium, the atmosphere in Sydney, the penalty shootout, and the late Richarlison winner against Chelsea.
There’s plenty of discussion around the players who impressed on tour: Williams-Barnett, Mathys Tel, Dubravka, Kinsky, Robertson, Tonali, Fernandez, and some of the young players getting minutes under Roberto De Zerbi.
We also dig into the transfer window so far: the big-money arrivals of Tonali, Fernandez and Van Hecke, the smarter free transfers like Dubravka, Senesi and Andy Robertson, and the ongoing worry that Spurs still look light in attacking areas.
On the outgoings side, we discuss Vuskovic to Brighton, Will Lankshear, Tyne and Thompson, Veliz, Alfie Devine, Ashley Phillips, plus rumours around Romero, Bergvall, Jed Spence, Mikey Moore and possible attacking targets including Savio, Gakpo, Osimhen and the inevitable Harry Kane dream.
With pre-season nearly done, Spurs look stronger in defence and midfield — but do we still need serious firepower before the season starts?
Please like and subscribe for more Spurs chat from both the match-going and international supporters’ view.
Come on you Spurs.
 
Timestamps
00:00 Intro — Sydney tour and transfer market00:21 Glen prepares for his trip back to England00:41 Graeme’s busy week00:54 Glen’s Sydney FC story teaser01:22 Back to proper Spurs talk01:40 Spurs transfer activity goes quiet after the World Cup01:47 Big spending and ready-made signings02:06 Concern over lack of attacking signings02:32 Richarlison looking lumpy up front02:43 The dodecahedron first touch03:17 Spurs still need one or two attackers03:20 Are the attacking links good enough?03:48 Savio and Gakpo questions04:02 Still needing an out-and-out striker04:13 Kane and Osimhen links04:24 Working through Spurs’ new signings04:35 Dubravka on a free04:40 Senesi as a ball-playing centre-back04:50 Andy Robertson’s winning mentality05:03 Van Hecke and Romero uncertainty05:22 Fernandez, De Zerbi and a big future05:40 Fernandez’s quality on the ball06:09 Tonali, Arsenal interest and big money06:30 Where does Tonali leave Connor Gallagher?06:44 Tonali and Fernandez as a double pivot07:02 Possible midfield outgoings07:11 Villa interest in Pape Matar Sarr07:16 Spurs’ complete transfer-window change07:43 Backing De Zerbi properly08:21 De Zerbi compared with Conte08:53 De Zerbi pushing for attacking players09:01 Two transfer plans: relegation or survival09:29 Van Hecke and De Zerbi after last season09:49 Tonali, money and De Zerbi’s influence09:58 Vuskovic leaves for Brighton10:08 Sell-on and option details10:19 Van Hecke replacing Vuskovic10:31 Vuskovic attitude and unproven Premier League level11:00 Concerns over Vuskovic’s pace and turning11:20 Good profit on a player who never played11:26 Will Lankshear to Middlesbrough11:47 Tyne and Thompson to Man United12:03 Why Tyne and Thompson may have needed a move12:15 Veliz finally leaves12:42 Devine and Ashley Phillips move on13:29 Ashley Phillips’ early promise13:53 Phillips add-ons and Middlesbrough promotion hope14:26 Wishing the young players well15:05 Savio rumours and social media signs15:35 Attacking signings arriving late16:03 Early business done, but attack still waiting16:12 Tel likely to start the season16:23 Tel’s promise and poor decisions16:39 Tel and Mikey Moore both look stronger16:47 Scotland loan helping Mikey Moore17:08 Gakpo links and Liverpool’s stance17:35 Would Spurs overpay for Gakpo?17:48 Kane return dream unlikely18:03 Kane, Champions League football and timing18:23 Was this Kane’s last World Cup?18:52 England after Kane19:15 Bellingham as a possible false nine19:40 Romero rumours and Arsenal links20:03 Why selling Romero to Arsenal cannot happen20:29 Romero’s value and attitude concerns20:57 Inter interest and Italian clubs lacking money21:24 Alvarez links and possible Romero swap idea21:43 Alvarez unlikely without European football22:03 Lucas Bergvall rumours22:19 Ready-made midfielders blocking Bergvall22:44 Bergvall’s strange start at Spurs23:10 Bergvall and Archie Gray already past 50 games23:22 De Zerbi clearly fancies Archie Gray23:45 Liverpool interest in Jed Spence24:02 Spence criticism during the World Cup24:10 DR Congo goal and unfair blame24:29 Spence’s big World Cup tackle24:41 Why Spence may still leave25:13 Porro likely to start at right-back25:42 Spence also blocked at left-back26:10 Spence’s valuation26:22 Homegrown player concerns27:03 Bergvall and future European squad rules27:16 Which players count as homegrown?27:53 Glen’s Sydney FC trip begins28:02 Work chaos before the game29:00 Late pub meet-up before the match29:55 Going straight from work trip to Spurs match30:21 Matt appearing on TV30:40 Sydney FC game atmosphere30:51 Williams-Barnett impresses31:02 Williams-Barnett’s passing range31:12 Dubravka impresses in goal31:41 Tel scores a good free-kick31:45 Robertson’s crossing31:49 Ben Davies back in action32:14 Tonali nearly misses the penalties32:43 Matt’s brother appears at the game32:57 Australian football season timing33:15 Allianz Stadium and old White Hart Lane vibes34:02 Spurs at the MCG comparison34:27 Sydney manager on De Zerbi34:40 Glen hoping to run into Spurs players35:39 Glen misses Chelsea for wine tasting in a jail36:34 Chelsea game review begins36:45 Tonali goal and advanced midfield role37:15 Estevao equalises for Chelsea37:34 Spurs compete well with Chelsea’s midfield38:00 Danso red card in a friendly38:15 Was the referee technically right?38:47 Spurs under pressure after the red39:00 Kinsky’s saves and distribution39:05 Rio Kyerematen’s mazy run39:34 Kyerematen injury concern39:44 Richarlison’s late winner40:06 No more pre-season penalties40:12 Crowd reaction and Chelsea support41:24 Overall tour reflections41:54 Players who travelled but did not play42:04 Getafe friendly preview42:19 Getafe as Spain’s Millwall42:51 Hoffenheim double-header43:31 Players still needing minutes44:03 Romero and disruptive influence44:38 Mikey Moore loan to Cologne44:56 Germany as a good development path45:01 Cologne and possible Ben McFadyean insight45:23 Spurs still need a striker45:34 Graeme finds a studio for in-person recording45:49 New Spurs clock reveal46:22 Glen looking forward to UK weather and Spurs46:43 UK summer and brown gardens47:07 Australia winter vs UK heat47:39 Packing a jumper for England48:07 Outro — like, subscribe and COYS

Normal service resumes on Tottenham – Home and Away as Graeme is joined by returning regulars Richard and Hamish from Kiwi Spurs to look back on Tottenham’s pre-season tour of New Zealand and discuss what feels like the start of a very different Spurs season.
We hear first-hand what it was like having Spurs in Auckland: the open training session, fan events, shirt signings, Kiwi Spurs hosting Ledley King, appearances from Antonin Kinsky, Archie Gray, Mikey Moore, Brandon Austin and others, plus a record crowd at Eden Park despite classic English weather arriving with Tottenham.
There’s plenty of discussion around Roberto De Zerbi, his hands-on coaching style, how the young players performed, and whether the club finally looks more aligned around football rather than off-field business.
We also get into the squad: Archie Gray, Mikey Moore, Takai, Malachi Hardy, Tyrese Hall, Jamie Donley, Dane Scarlett, Richarlison, Solanke, Van Hecke, Van de Ven, Udogie, Souza, Robertson, Bentancur and the players who may still leave before the window closes.
Finally, we discuss the bigger picture: Tottenham’s transfer strategy, academy pathways, loans, selling young players, whether the club has become more ruthless, and why — despite everything we went through last season — there is suddenly some cautious optimism around Spurs again.
Please like and subscribe for more Spurs chat from both the match-going and international supporters’ view.
Come on you Spurs.

In this final World Cup Special episode of Tottenham – Home and Away, Graeme and Glen are joined by returning guest Jeremy Oster from Colorado Spurs to look back on the tournament now that the final has been played and Spain have won the World Cup.
We discuss the World Cup as a whole: the brilliant football, the strange kick-off times, the Americanised feel of the tournament, FIFA’s influence, Trump’s involvement, hydration breaks, adverts, music, halftime shows, ticket prices, and whether the tournament was enjoyable despite everything around it.
There is also plenty of England reflection after the semi-final defeat to Argentina and the third-place playoff win over France. We talk Tuchel’s tactics, the decision to sit deeper against Argentina, taking off Anthony Gordon, not using Kobbie Mainoo, the Messi problem, whether Tuchel should stay, and what England might look like after Harry Kane.
Then we turn to the final: Spain as worthy winners, Argentina’s conduct, Enzo Fernandez, Messi, the controversy around refereeing and discipline, and the wider debate about whether Argentina damaged their image during the tournament.
Finally, we look ahead to 2030, ask whether this World Cup format worked, reflect on the passing of Kevin Keegan, and bring the World Cup Specials to a close before returning to Spurs and pre-season football.
Thanks to everyone who joined us through the World Cup Specials. Normal Spurs service resumes now.
Come on you Spurs.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro — final World Cup Special00:22 Glen’s relief that the tournament is over00:36 Back to club football00:47 Spurs pre-season and MK Dons on SpursPlay00:59 Jeremy joins from Colorado Spurs01:12 Enjoying the football despite FIFA and Trump01:47 Four quarters, hydration breaks and halftime shows02:25 Denver missing out as a host city03:01 UK kick-off times and the Mexico pain04:07 Why US kick-off times made little sense04:51 England vs Argentina semi-final regret05:28 Argentina’s early aggression and refereeing06:07 Was the referee too lenient?06:45 MLS referee selection questioned07:31 Was the semi-final fixed or just favoured?08:20 Argentina’s cards and foul stats08:45 Two balls on the pitch and tournament organisation09:05 England at the Azteca and the route to Argentina09:32 Argentina’s easier travel and fixture times10:14 Trump, FIFA and trust in the tournament10:38 England going too deep against Argentina10:58 Gordon coming off and losing the out ball11:18 Six defenders and no route back11:32 Tuchel’s gamble and players dropping too deep12:03 Messi as the difference-maker12:19 Giving Messi too much space12:46 Why Kobbie Mainoo should have been used13:14 Starving Argentina of the ball13:42 Inviting pressure with no escape route14:00 Should Tuchel stay or go?14:31 Glen says Tuchel failed14:52 FA contract extensions before tournaments15:16 Jeremy makes the case for keeping Tuchel15:55 Third-place playoff and winning bronze16:23 Was England vs France just Soccer Aid with better players?16:36 What Tuchel may have learned17:08 England’s DNA and keeping possession18:19 Saka in the third-place game18:49 France collapse and England’s 6-4 win19:45 Life after Harry Kane20:02 Is Jude Bellingham the future false nine?20:23 If not Tuchel, then who?21:09 Attacking instead of shutting up shop21:28 Adam Wharton, Elliot Anderson and midfield control22:16 England’s striker problem after Kane22:39 Waiting for the next Owen or Rooney23:23 Ollie Watkins and Fenerbahce links23:39 Transfer market chat and Spurs temptation23:59 Spain win the World Cup24:25 Argentina’s behaviour in the final24:56 Argentina, gamesmanship and football culture25:26 Where gamesmanship crosses the line26:18 Spain’s cynical fouling26:34 Enzo Fernandez refusing to leave the pitch27:07 Messi and Cucurella incident27:28 Argentina having no shots in 90 minutes27:57 Argentina vs England in rugby comparison28:13 Were Argentina desperate to win it for Messi?28:57 The Argentina semi-final banner controversy29:07 Falklands, politics and football30:27 Argentina living rent-free in England’s head?31:19 Generational differences around England-Argentina history32:18 Did Argentina damage their global image?32:57 South American reaction to Argentina33:12 Richarlison celebrating Spain’s goal33:20 Infantino’s reaction to Argentina losing33:39 Argentina after Messi33:51 Possible 64-team World Cup concerns34:20 Did the expanded format work?34:39 Cape Verde and respect for smaller nations34:50 Germany and Netherlands disappointing35:15 Were Spain worthy winners?36:01 Top four ranked teams in the semi-finals36:11 Looking ahead to World Cup 203036:41 One word to sum up the World Cup37:01 Graeme’s World Cup rant list37:29 Halftime show and goal music complaints37:59 Trump, Infantino and unfit governing bodies38:09 Referee visa issues and ticket prices38:31 $72,000 final tickets38:52 Million-dollar VIP seats39:13 Trump touching the World Cup trophy39:24 FIFA as football’s drug dealer40:03 New US fans discovering football40:46 World Cup vs Super Bowl global reach41:45 No more hydration breaks?42:14 Jeremy’s “Britain vs France” rant42:45 Kevin Keegan tribute43:21 Keegan’s Superstars bike fall43:37 Keegan as a trailblazer abroad44:34 Keegan’s impact in Germany45:03 English players going abroad then and now45:30 Final World Cup Specials reflection45:58 Back to Spurs and pre-season46:00 Outro — like, subscribe and COYS

In this World Cup Special episode of Tottenham – Home and Away, Graeme and Glen are joined by Chris Herrera from Buenos Aires to preview a massive England vs Argentina World Cup semi-final.
We discuss the build-up from both sides: the mood in Argentina, how Buenos Aires has reacted to the tournament, whether Argentina are relying too much on Lionel Messi, and why this current side looks slower and more fatigued than the team that won the last World Cup.
There’s also plenty of England talk after the quarter-final win over Norway: the heat, the conditions, Jude Bellingham stepping up again, Morgan Rogers’ impact, Dan Burn, England’s squad depth, and why the Azteca win over Mexico may have given England a new level of belief.
We also get into the history and emotion of England vs Argentina: 1966, 1986, Maradona, the Hand of God, the Goal of the Century, 1998, Beckham, Simeone, and why this fixture still feels like proper football theatre.
Elsewhere, we look back at the other quarter-finals, including France beating Morocco, Spain grinding past Belgium, and what the Spain vs France semi-final might look like. Finally, we give predictions for both semi-finals and ask whether England vs Argentina could be one for the ages.
Please like and subscribe for more World Cup specials from a Spurs perspective.
Come on England — and come on you Spurs.
 
Timestamps
00:00 Intro — England vs Argentina semi-final preview00:23 Glen gets the semi-final he wanted00:34 Graeme looks ahead to Wednesday00:49 Finally, a reasonable UK kick-off time01:03 Chris joins from Buenos Aires01:16 Argentina vs England excitement builds01:46 The mood in Buenos Aires02:11 Did Argentina only wake up in the quarter-finals?02:41 Argentina’s miraculous comeback against Egypt03:09 Argentina not playing at their brightest03:39 Fatigue in the Argentina squad04:08 Enzo Fernandez, Mac Allister, Martinez and Romero04:55 Weather, workload and winter in Argentina05:54 Kane, Bellingham and players outside the Premier League06:34 Chris on England’s football and mentality07:04 France, Spain and Argentina comparisons07:59 Tuchel, mentality and England’s manager08:18 Poor journalism after the Mexico game08:49 Bellingham’s response to criticism09:05 Which Argentina players would improve England?09:56 Which England players would improve Argentina?10:10 Argentina’s winger problem10:39 Missing Di Maria’s role11:08 Messi moved wide to unlock games11:50 Saka or Madueke for Argentina?12:10 Why Argentina need runners, not technicians12:37 Messi still carrying Argentina13:01 Messi looking better than four years ago13:15 Would Jude Bellingham get in Argentina’s midfield?14:02 Bellingham, Madrid and club form14:22 The debate around leaving Jude at home14:51 Why Bellingham would change Argentina’s system15:28 The history and spice of England vs Argentina16:04 Chris on the fixture beyond politics16:34 Argentina’s extra motivation17:33 Expecting a great match17:42 Could this be like England vs Argentina 1998?18:24 Beckham, Simeone and the 1998 red card19:04 Previous World Cup meetings19:33 Maradona, 1986 and the Hand of God20:06 The Goal of the Century20:32 England vs Argentina 2005 friendly21:10 England vs Norway quarter-final conditions21:35 Heat, humidity and thunderstorms21:53 Declan Rice playing after illness22:19 Did England always look likely to find a way?22:43 Norway’s threat on the break23:11 England keeping Haaland quiet23:26 Dan Burn heads everything23:37 Alfie Haaland’s reaction23:51 Norway’s missed chance to square it to Haaland24:20 Chris on Norway’s performance24:57 Norway’s mentality against Brazil25:26 Norway playing tiki-taka against Brazil25:56 Why the Azteca win mattered for England26:25 Bellingham goes up another level26:54 Kane creating space for Bellingham27:24 Alvarez, Messi and shared attacking threats27:37 England’s squad depth in brutal conditions28:03 Morgan Rogers and the value of having a shot28:19 Why teams are reluctant to shoot29:03 Managing energy in extreme heat29:25 Relief that England vs Argentina is indoors29:55 Spain vs Belgium quarter-final reaction30:24 Spain’s lack of passion and dull control30:43 Spain vs France semi-final preview31:16 Could Spain smother France?31:46 Morocco’s injuries and France’s win32:18 France’s scary transitional play32:47 France playing like Brazil 200233:13 Top four FIFA-ranked teams reach the semi-finals33:21 First all-former-winners semi-final line-up since 199033:50 Spain vs France predictions34:03 Graeme predicts a cagey France win34:27 Chris wants extra time in the other semi-final35:09 Yamal yet to explode35:31 England vs Argentina predictions35:43 Glen predicts chaos after 90 minutes36:06 Graeme expects goals and extra time37:04 Chris gives Argentina the edge on penalties37:33 Emiliano Martinez and penalty danger38:00 Gary Neville and memories of 199838:30 How Chris will watch the game38:55 Watching England at home vs the pub39:24 One for the ages39:44 Why the semi-final should have been at the Azteca40:17 Canada, Mexico and safer World Cup hosting ideas40:36 Glen plans a future Argentina trip40:46 Outro — like, subscribe and back to club football soon41:16 Come on England

In this World Cup Special episode of Tottenham – Home and Away, Graeme and Glen are joined by Kjetil from Norway Spurs to preview a huge England vs Norway World Cup quarter-final.
We discuss Norway’s incredible tournament so far, their golden generation, how far they’ve come since the long-ball days of the 1990s, and why this Norway side is about far more than just Erling Haaland. Kjetil gives us the Norwegian view on Haaland, Ødegaard, Sander Berge, the Brazil win, and what this moment means for Norwegian football.
We also look back at England’s dramatic win over Mexico at the Azteca, the late-night viewing pain, Tuchel’s in-game management, Dan Burn and Jed Spence’s impact, and whether England are stronger in attack than defence heading into the Norway game.
There’s also discussion around Argentina’s chaotic win over Egypt, VAR and refereeing inconsistency, Trump’s interference around the USA red card, FIFA and Infantino, Belgium knocking out the USA, South American teams struggling, Cape Verde’s fairytale, Mexico fans, and the wider fan experience around the tournament.
Finally, we preview England vs Norway properly: Haaland vs England’s defence, Kane vs Norway, Ødegaard’s supply line, Sander Berge’s role, Miami heat and possible thunderstorms, and predictions for what could be a brilliant — and very tense — quarter-final.
Please like and subscribe for more World Cup specials from a Spurs perspective.
Come on England — and good luck Norway.
 
Timestamps
00:00 Intro — England vs Norway preview with Kjetil00:20 Glen reacts to Spain vs Belgium00:42 Graeme still recovering from England vs Mexico01:21 Kjetil joins from Ålesund, Norway01:48 Summer nights in northern Norway02:07 Norway’s World Cup run and quarter-final feeling02:57 Norway’s 1990s football history03:42 From dark years to a golden generation04:14 Norway’s incredible competitive form04:53 Norway dominating possession against Brazil05:16 Norwegian view of England and the quarter-final06:09 Glen on not being able to sit still06:39 Miami heat and humidity could hurt the spectacle07:22 Christian Thorstvedt and Spurs connections07:52 Kjetil interviewing Erik Thorstvedt08:14 Has Kjetil ever interviewed Haaland?08:35 Haaland’s early career at Bryne and Molde09:00 Solskjaer managing Haaland at Molde09:24 Haaland vs England’s defenders09:53 Dan Burn, Konsa and Haaland’s record against them10:18 How Haaland moves — or barely moves11:07 Why Haaland has Braut on his shirt11:21 Haaland born in Manchester11:42 England vs Norway as a Premier League-style game11:55 Graeme’s concern over England’s defence12:49 Guehi injury worry13:09 Tuchel’s adaptability and substitutions13:26 Dan Burn and Jed Spence against Mexico13:55 Mexico’s pressure and England’s sucker punches14:24 England defending crosses well14:49 England’s third goal and calming the nerves15:16 Brazil going out instead of facing England15:42 Modern Brazil lacking traditional Brazilian flair16:25 Mexican fans after the England game17:04 Mexico City atmosphere and fan reaction17:36 Argentina vs Egypt review18:03 Argentina sluggish but creating chances18:14 Egypt nearly shock Argentina18:54 Graeme’s Egyptian taxi driver curse19:06 Argentina controversy and officiating19:56 VAR inconsistency and red card suspensions20:13 Trump interfering around the USA red card21:13 Infantino and FIFA complicity21:55 Norwegian view on FIFA, Infantino and Trump22:19 Infantino as a wannabe Trump22:49 FIFA’s voting system and smaller federations23:50 Why smaller nations keep backing FIFA leadership24:02 Sepp Blatter taking the moral high ground24:14 FIFA Peace Prize embarrassment24:25 Enjoying the football despite the politics25:00 Host cities and positive fan experiences25:53 America beyond Trump26:38 World Cup fan culture and social media moments27:21 Hoping England fans give Trump stick if England reach the final27:32 South American teams struggling28:00 Colombia, Uruguay, Brazil and Argentina28:24 Cape Verde, Mexico and proper football stories28:44 Why the Azteca should have hosted the final28:56 Where Graeme will watch England vs Norway29:19 Possible Miami weather delays29:50 Glen’s son’s birthday and the 7am Australia kick-off30:30 Kjetil’s Norway viewing plans31:13 Norway watch parties and big screens31:29 UK heatwave vs Norwegian summer31:37 Melbourne winter check-in32:05 What kind of game will England vs Norway be?32:18 Will England sit back and counter?32:26 Should England play to their attacking strengths?32:38 England’s World Cup has been about moments33:09 Dan Burn, Haaland and the defensive line33:40 Why stopping Ødegaard matters33:59 Sander Berge’s importance to Norway34:36 Berge as Norway’s Palhinha34:43 Elliot Anderson’s role for England35:17 England confidence after winning at the Azteca35:35 Norway’s coach and tactical confidence35:38 Predictions begin35:48 Glen predicts England 2-1 Norway36:03 Graeme predicts a tight 1-1 after normal time36:19 Kjetil predicts goals both ways36:48 Could it be 3-1 either way?37:00 England unlikely to keep a clean sheet37:11 One game at a time before Argentina talk37:26 Could Norway vs Switzerland happen?37:58 Graeme would support Norway if they knock England out38:04 Wanting a new World Cup final matchup38:28 Is France the team to beat?38:44 Spain vs France and semi-final talk39:10 Spain beating Belgium through goalkeeper error39:31 Egypt goalkeeper questions39:55 Final thoughts before England vs Norway40:03 Outro — like, subscribe, come on England and good luck Norway

In this World Cup Special episode of Tottenham – Home and Away, Graeme and Glen are joined by Suneil Menon — our first non-Spurs supporting guest in over 100 episodes — to talk through the knockout stages so far.
We start with England’s Great Escape against DR Congo: the dreadful start, defensive issues, hydration-break chaos, Harry Kane’s late heroics, Jude Bellingham, Jed Spence, Madueke, Saka, and whether Thomas Tuchel’s side can survive a huge test against Mexico at the Azteca.
There’s also plenty of debate around Harry Kane’s legacy, whether he needed to leave Spurs, and what England would possibly do without him.
We then look across the knockout games so far, including Belgium’s dramatic comeback against Senegal, the USA’s chances against Belgium, France looking terrifying, Spain starting to click, Portugal’s Ronaldo dilemma, Croatia’s tournament know-how, Germany and the Netherlands going out on penalties, Japan’s unlucky exit, and the strange feeling of a 32-team knockout round.
Finally, we preview some of the next big fixtures, including Argentina vs Cape Verde, Australia vs Egypt, Paraguay vs France, Canada vs Morocco, Brazil vs Norway and, of course, Mexico vs England.
Please like and subscribe for more World Cup specials from a Spurs perspective.
Come on England — and come on you Spurs.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro attempt and restart00:19 World Cup knockout special begins00:52 Glen survives England’s Great Escape01:15 Suneil joins the podcast01:36 England coming home… or just coming home early?01:41 World Cup fever and awkward UK kick-off times02:26 Watching England vs Panama with friends03:38 Australia’s kinder World Cup viewing times03:59 Knockout-stage kick-off pain04:21 Suneil on watching England vs DR Congo live04:48 Congo take the lead and England struggle05:10 DR Congo keeper has a blinder05:41 Half-time interviews and England starting slowly06:11 Hydration breaks and Infantino’s four-quarter football dream07:04 Player welfare vs advert-friendly breaks07:51 Are Australian TV channels showing ads during hydration breaks?08:32 ITV, Emma Hayes and actual football analysis09:02 Did England need the Congo scare?09:22 Was Ghana already the wake-up call?09:52 Mexico at the Azteca preview10:33 Why England must start fast against Mexico10:47 Kane, Bellingham and England’s spine11:18 Bellingham in hostile atmospheres11:40 Brad Friedel on Mexico and altitude12:36 Mexico vs USA rivalry and bias12:45 England’s defensive problems13:25 Rice at right-back and lack of cohesion13:41 England missing Reece James and Trent14:11 Jed Spence, Madueke and the right-side issue14:47 Should Jed Spence stay deeper against Mexico?15:12 Spence blamed for Congo’s goal15:43 Madueke’s defensive awareness questioned15:47 Why not start Saka?16:24 Even an unfit Saka offers more16:40 England’s midfield setup against Congo17:03 Should Kobbie Mainoo get minutes?17:29 DR Congo’s danger and Wissa’s quality18:04 Harry Kane’s second goal18:35 Celebrating Kane without waking the kids18:53 What would England do without Kane?19:11 The lack of young English strikers behind Kane20:09 Kane looks sharp and fit20:23 Kane passes Pelé and reaches another milestone20:39 Did Kane need to leave Tottenham?21:07 Kane playing with better quality around him22:03 Kane leaving Spurs with the fans’ blessing22:23 Belgium vs Senegal drama23:23 Belgium’s ageing squad and US chances24:32 Suneil catches Belgium’s comeback late25:06 Can the USA beat Belgium?25:21 France look scary good26:29 France’s ridiculous attacking depth27:01 Rabiot and Digne still getting picked27:22 Spain start to click27:54 Is this France’s tournament to lose?28:00 Portugal vs Croatia preview28:23 The Ronaldo dilemma28:32 Suneil on Ronaldo’s role for Portugal29:27 Ronaldo changing how Portugal play29:45 Ronaldo as a late-game weapon30:28 Croatia and Modric’s tournament know-how30:53 Germany and Netherlands go out on penalties31:31 Germany’s decline32:13 Paraguay playing to their strengths32:42 Japan unlucky to go out33:07 Japan exposing Brazil’s weaknesses33:27 Expanded World Cup creating brutal early knockouts33:43 The weirdness of a 32-team knockout round34:15 Premier League pre-season already looming34:30 Spurs pre-season and missing World Cup players35:06 Scotland’s painful exit permutations35:48 Cape Verde’s incredible story36:14 Argentina vs Cape Verde preview36:36 World Cup controversy vs great football stories37:04 Trying to get the Cape Verde mayor on the podcast37:43 Could Cape Verde shock Argentina?38:15 Casual fans getting invested in Cape Verde38:34 Big Saturday of World Cup football38:45 Remaining knockout fixtures39:06 Australia vs Egypt could be a good game39:19 Paraguay vs France and Canada vs Morocco39:34 Brazil vs Norway and Mexico vs England40:06 Where Graeme will watch England vs Mexico40:59 Pre-season kick-off pain incoming41:19 Suneil’s final thoughts41:30 Squeaky bum time41:56 Cape Verde as the FA Cup underdog story42:25 Outro — like, subscribe and come on England

In this World Cup Special episode of Tottenham – Home and Away, Graeme is joined by returning guest Ben McFadyean — host of the Borussia Dortmund Fan Club London Podcast Ben was on for the Champions League preview in January prior to the meeting of Spurs and Dortmund, and he also did a really insigntful episode with us on Sebastian Kehl who was linked with Spurs. Ben is a dedicated Bundesliga writer who is a regular contributor for titles including Four Four Two, World Soccer Magazine, The Late Tackle, Flashscore and Ruhr Nachrichten. You can get access to his Podcast here -  McFadyean.Podbean.com 
Graeme and Ben discuss how the tournament has shifted from pre-tournament noise around politics, ticket prices, travel costs and commercialisation, back towards the football itself.
We look at the fan experience across the USA, Canada and Mexico, including the Scotland fans taking over Boston, the rise of World Cup fan culture online, the strange kick-off times, and why this tournament still feels distant and heavily Americanised compared with previous World Cups.
On the pitch, we discuss England under Thomas Tuchel, the draw with Ghana, the importance of beating Panama, Jude Bellingham, Harry Kane, squad depth and whether England can grow into the tournament. We also cover Scotland’s likely exit, Germany’s defeat to Ecuador, France’s strength, Messi and Argentina, Brazil under Carlo Ancelotti, Portugal’s Ronaldo dilemma, Cape Verde’s brilliant underdog story, and the Netherlands, Sweden, Japan and Norway as possible dark horses.
There is also a bigger conversation about what FIFA is doing to the game: hydration breaks, adverts, halftime shows, ticket prices, American stadium culture, VAR, refereeing, and whether the tournament has started to feel too far removed from traditional football.
Please like and subscribe for more World Cup specials from a Spurs perspective.
Come on England — and come on you Spurs.
Source: episode transcript 
Timestamps
00:00 Intro — World Cup Special with Ben McFadyean00:30 Ben returns to the podcast00:45 The football finally takes over from the World Cup noise01:27 Ticket prices, politics and fans embracing the tournament02:41 US football culture and growing interest in the sport03:35 Trump, the final and possible fan reaction04:01 MLS, Inter Miami and memories of the NASL05:46 Ticket access, corporate allocations and high prices06:34 Strange World Cup kick-off times07:28 Watching highlights vs live games07:51 England shirt chat and Panama preview08:27 England, Tuchel and breaking down defensive teams09:21 Ben on making a Thomas Tuchel documentary10:16 Tuchel’s personality in international football10:45 Big calls, Bellingham and squad balance11:08 Ghana’s Premier League links and defensive performance12:03 Tournament football and handling pressure12:39 England and arriving at the right moment14:01 Why England should beat Panama14:46 England’s squad depth and options15:29 England negativity, VAR and avoiding defeat16:08 England pressure and the Premier League spotlight16:36 Scotland, Brazil and likely World Cup exit17:33 Scotland fans and the Tartan Army18:23 Euro 2024 memories and Scottish fan culture19:22 Congo, Ecuador and fan passion19:36 Germany vs Ecuador reaction19:55 Germany’s overconfidence problem21:13 German fan expectations and the new Adidas kit22:15 Nagelsmann, Dennis Undav and Germany’s striker question23:04 Germany’s likely route and France as a ceiling23:33 France hammer Norway23:46 Dembele, PSG and France’s quality24:29 Messi, Argentina and superhuman longevity25:56 Messi possibly wasted in MLS26:10 Harry Kane and leaving Spurs for trophies26:40 Seeing Messi at Wembley against Spurs27:41 Argentina, France, England and Brazil as contenders28:20 Brazil’s workmanlike style29:24 Brazil 1982 and the magic of older Brazil sides29:52 Carlo Ancelotti and modern Brazil30:21 Vinicius Jr and Brazil’s attacking quality31:00 Portugal and the Ronaldo dilemma32:26 Why Portugal may come up short33:47 Japan, Norway and Cape Verde34:11 Cape Verde’s brilliant underdog story34:57 Spain, Sweden and the Netherlands35:56 Dutch tournament harmony and attacking questions36:21 Cape Verde and Curaçao as second Portuguese/Dutch teams37:33 Gascoigne, Bournemouth and memories of Euro 9638:11 Could England win under a German manager?38:24 Graeme on Tuchel, nationality and England coaches39:37 English managers abroad and Roy Hodgson memories40:16 Why this World Cup feels like USA 9440:44 Hydration breaks, music and American sports culture41:42 Why the tournament feels distant in England43:21 FIFA changes, adverts and hydration breaks44:15 Shakira, halftime shows and traditional football culture44:49 NFL stadium experience and commercial breaks45:43 Why ITV is not showing adverts during hydration breaks46:49 Emma Hayes’ tactical analysis47:05 Heat, player welfare and whether hydration breaks are justified48:19 Canada’s limited number of major games49:14 Toronto, Vancouver and temporary stadium upgrades49:48 Why more games should have been in Mexico50:37 American stadiums and football feeling phony51:06 Bundesliga fan culture vs American sport52:06 World Cup pricing and fan disenfranchisement53:04 Freddie, the German fan travelling around America53:42 Citizen fan journalism and viral World Cup stories54:10 FIFA ticket claims and empty seats55:26 Strange red cards and refereeing issues55:56 Referee names on shirts56:27 Fans bringing life to the tournament57:09 World Cup characters and viral supporters58:07 Germany, England and looking ahead58:34 Ben already missing club football58:48 Spurs pre-season in Australia and New Zealand59:27 Club football vs country football01:00:46 Looking ahead to the next Euros and AFCON01:01:39 Closing thoughts with Ben01:01:57 Ben’s Myanmar shirt and family connection01:02:12 Could Burma make a future expanded World Cup?01:02:44 Outro — like, subscribe and come on England

Our World Cup Special Episode 2 is here, and the tournament is finally underway.
Graeme and Glen are joined by returning guest Howie from Colorado to talk about the World Cup from three different time zones — the UK, Australia and the USA — and how different the viewing experience has been depending on where you are.
We discuss the opening week of the tournament, the quality of the football so far, and the way the games have started to move the conversation away from the controversy surrounding the build-up.
There’s a big focus on the USA under Mauricio Pochettino, their impressive opening performance against Paraguay, what “Pochball” looks like on the international stage, and how far the hosts might be able to go. We also preview the huge USA vs Australia match, including the needle created by Mike Grella’s comments.
We then turn to England: Thomas Tuchel’s attacking changes, Harry Kane’s goals, Jude Bellingham’s impact, Jed Spence’s cameo, and whether this England side already looks more front-foot than previous tournament teams.
We also cover Cape Verde’s shock result against Spain, Colombia’s late drama, Lionel Messi still looking like an alien, Ronaldo’s role with Portugal, the rise of underdog stories, World Cup fan culture, Scottish and English supporters in the US, and the best and worst of the TV coverage so far.
Please like and subscribe for more World Cup specials from a Spurs perspective.
Come on England — and come on you Spurs.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro attempt and restart00:34 World Cup Special Episode 2 begins01:05 Glen’s World Cup viewing times in Australia02:01 UK kick-off chaos and late-night viewing02:32 Football quality finally takes over03:08 Howie joins from Colorado03:38 USA and Brazil watch parties04:24 Brazilian gathering in Fort Collins05:01 World Cup ticket prices and deciding whether to attend05:41 Howie’s previous World Cup trips06:47 Waiting for knockout-stage tickets07:22 USA vs Paraguay reaction08:04 Pochball, pressing and USA energy08:41 How far can the USA go?09:13 Pochettino’s squad taking shape10:04 US momentum and fringe fans jumping on board11:35 USA compared with Wales at Euro 201611:51 Pochettino finally getting time with the squad12:39 USA vs Australia preview13:29 Australia’s threat and possible US rotation14:05 Pulisic, squad depth and tactical battle15:13 Australia vs Turkey and tournament form15:51 Mike Grella’s Australia comments16:25 Why you don’t wind up Australia16:52 Australia’s World Cup debutants impress17:08 England opener reaction17:47 Tuchel’s attacking changes18:13 Reece James, Jed Spence and tactical flexibility18:36 Howie on England, Kane and Bellingham19:00 Tottenham fans praise Jed Spence19:25 England squad depth and finishing games strongly19:54 Vuskovic’s difficult England experience20:31 Cape Verde shock Spain20:58 Cape Verde highlights and disbelief21:24 Cape Verde goalkeeper story and social media rise22:03 Underdog stories taking over the group stage22:31 Draws that felt like wins23:25 How American fans view draws23:42 Colombia vs Uzbekistan drama24:13 Anthony Taylor lets the game flow24:43 Watching Colombia fans celebrate in Melbourne25:45 Colombia’s World Cup history in the USA26:16 New Zealand’s performance and Tim Payne26:38 Lionel Messi still looking unreal27:08 Remembering Messi at Wembley vs Spurs27:36 Messi vs Ronaldo debate28:03 Ronaldo memes and Portugal’s dilemma28:31 World Cup fan culture stats28:43 England fans and 5,000 pints29:00 Scotland fans drinking Boston dry29:34 Scottish fans at Boston Red Sox30:09 Mexican and Korean fans mixing together30:26 Mexico vs Korea and upcoming games30:55 Alexi Lalas, Zlatan and TV punditry31:18 James Corden full-kit comment31:34 ITV coverage and Emma Hayes’ analysis32:09 Chalkboard tactics and awkward studio design32:34 Tactical trends: short goal-kicks and drawing the press33:13 Kick-off routines and retaining possession33:29 Canada vs Qatar live update33:54 Outro — like, subscribe and come on England

It’s World Cup time — and Tottenham – Home and Away is going international.
In this first World Cup Special, Graeme and Glen are joined by returning guest Hamish from New Zealand to look ahead to the opening stages of the tournament, the Spurs players involved, and the stories already dominating the build-up.
We discuss the viral rise of New Zealand defender Tim Payne, who went from a few thousand social media followers to millions almost overnight, and Hamish gives us the local Kiwi view — including a rather memorable golf cart story.
We also look at the less glamorous side of this World Cup: visa issues, referees and players being detained or turned away, fans having travel problems, huge ticket prices, and the growing sense that the tournament is being overshadowed by politics, FIFA, Trump, and Infantino before a ball has even been kicked.
Then we get into the football: England’s chances under Thomas Tuchel, Harry Kane looking sharp, Jed Spence’s assist, New Zealand’s low block, the opening fixtures, and which Spurs players we’ll be watching — including Son, Bentancur, Sarr, Romero, Danso, Van de Ven, Porro, Bergvall, Vuskovic, Jed Spence and new signing Andy Robertson.
We also share our earliest World Cup memories, from Argentina 1978 and Italia 90 to France 98 and Brazil 2014, before making our tournament predictions: winners, dark horses and surprise packages.
Please like, subscribe and join us for more World Cup specials from a Spurs perspective.
Come on England — and come on you Spurs.
 
Timestamps
00:00 Cold open and intro struggles00:35 World Cup Special begins01:00 Glen channels Italia 9001:19 Weather, memories and a drunken World Cup call02:28 Hamish joins from Wellington02:46 Feeling conflicted about the World Cup build-up03:41 Tim Payne’s viral social media explosion05:14 Hamish on Tim Payne and Wellington Phoenix05:39 Tim Payne’s golf cart incident07:35 From golf cart story to World Cup meme08:02 Could Tim Payne monetise his sudden fame?08:47 New Zealand’s unbeaten 2010 World Cup trivia09:30 Ryan Nelsen and Spurs’ Kiwi connection10:12 Watching the World Cup from New Zealand10:57 New Zealand broadcast rights and pricing11:51 Australia and New Zealand-friendly kick-off times12:24 UK kick-off pain and TV platform freezes13:30 England group-stage times14:23 Potential England vs Mexico knockout game15:19 Visa issues and the Somali referee sent home16:18 How should World Cup immigration have been handled?16:50 Iran travel issues and New Zealand’s group17:47 World Cup controversy compared with Qatar and Russia18:09 Possible USA vs Iran knockout match18:30 FIFA hypocrisy and “game of the World Cup” branding19:12 Positive stories: Craig Ferguson walking for charity20:03 Simon Jordan comments and backlash21:00 Scottish fans and cancelled ESTA travel issues21:21 Infantino, FIFA, Trump and the tournament noise21:46 Trump, security and possible stadium disruption22:18 Fans, atmosphere and what could be lost23:50 Is the USA the wrong host at the wrong time?24:30 England build-up and the New Zealand friendly25:23 Jed Spence assist for Harry Kane25:28 England managed by a German 60 years after 196625:47 New Zealand’s low block against England26:27 Harry Kane looks sharp27:07 Kane dropping deep and his passing range27:45 England’s chances under Tuchel28:42 Hamish more invested in England than New Zealand29:10 Jude Bellingham, Rashford and team balance30:12 Bellingham’s big tournament moments30:43 Should Phil Foden have been in the squad?31:11 Spurs players to watch at the World Cup31:42 Son and South Korea vs Czech Republic32:03 Pochettino, USA and split allegiances32:41 Scotland, Andy Robertson and the Haiti game32:56 Thoughts on Andy Robertson joining Spurs33:47 Van de Ven, Japan and Bergvall for Sweden34:13 Pedro Porro in the Spain squad34:29 Germany vs Curaçao34:45 Bentancur, Sarr, Romero and Danso35:22 Jed Spence vs Vuskovic in England vs Croatia35:33 Vuskovic highlights and Spurs centre-back options36:04 Will Vuskovic return to Spurs or go on loan?36:24 Spurs defensive signings and squad competition36:50 Hamish’s earliest World Cup memory: Italia 9037:24 Paul Parker and England in 199038:01 Glen’s first World Cup memory38:38 Meeting Paul Parker at Brazil 201439:54 Graeme’s earliest World Cup memories40:47 Argentina 1978 and Spurs signing Ardiles and Villa42:43 Italia 90, Cheshunt and chaotic celebrations45:01 Hamish at France 9845:48 Glen at Brazil 201446:23 World Cup ticket costs then and now46:57 New Zealand dollar pain and $31 beers47:10 Tournament predictions: winner, dark horse, surprise package47:39 Glen picks Brazil, Morocco and Austria47:46 Graeme picks Argentina, Portugal and South Korea48:16 Hamish backs Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay48:47 Why nobody is talking about Germany49:15 Trying to park the noise and enjoy the football49:27 Half-time music at the World Cup final50:13 Shakira has been to more World Cups than Italy50:46 Closing thoughts and next World Cup Special51:06 Come on England51:13 Outro

We can finally breathe.
In this episode of Tottenham – Home and Away, Graeme and Glen are joined by returning guests from across the world to review the end of a painful Tottenham season — one that somehow ended with Spurs surviving and Arsenal losing on penalties.
There is no celebration here, just relief. We look back on the highs, lows and absolute chaos of the season: the moments that gave us hope, the games that made us fear relegation was inevitable, the impact of Roberto De Zerbi, Kinsky’s redemption, Maddison’s return, Xavi Simons’ goal against Brighton, and the performances that finally dragged Spurs over the line.
We also discuss the bigger issues at the club: failed recruitment, poor squad planning, injuries, the collapse in home form, Vicario vs Kinsky, whether Thomas Frank was exposed by leaving Brentford, and why Spurs must learn from clubs like Brighton, Bournemouth and Brentford rather than just trying to poach their managers.
To close the season, we ask the group to sum up Tottenham’s year as a film, TV show or famous person — with answers ranging from The Great Escape to Apocalypse Now.
Thanks to everyone who has listened, watched, subscribed, joined the WhatsApp community, or been part of the podcast during a brutal season. We survived. Now the rebuild has to begin.
Come on you Spurs.
Source: episode transcript
Timestamps
00:00 Intro — Spurs survived and Arsenal lost on penalties00:27 Glen joins from Sydney00:49 Relief, not celebration01:04 Guests from Canada, New Zealand, UK and Colorado01:42 No interest in reviewing Everton — season review begins02:12 One good and one bad thing from the season02:26 Stephen’s high: Maddison returning03:22 Stephen’s low: losing to West Ham04:08 West Ham as a six-pointer04:32 Eze goals and embarrassment04:54 Paul joins from Vancouver05:22 Champions League highs and clean sheets06:41 Madrid disaster and Kinsky’s recovery07:43 Kinsky’s big saves in the run-in07:58 Richard’s high: Xavi Simons against Brighton08:29 Hope, Xavi and De Zerbi’s player development09:09 Richard’s low: Brentford, Sunderland and Villa10:08 Spurs defending like the Keystone Cops11:03 Thomas’ high: Aston Villa away12:09 De Zerbi is crazy but knows what he’s doing12:53 Thomas’ low: Forest away13:33 Forest fans and rivalry irritation14:39 Hamish’s high: returning to London and the stadium15:29 Hamish’s low: Crystal Palace collapse16:22 Tottenham Hotspur Stadium vs West Ham’s stadium17:05 Keith’s return to Spurs matches17:30 Fulham, Vicario and early signs of trouble18:50 Vicario’s mistakes spreading through the defence19:28 Keith’s high: the final whistle against Everton20:21 Vicario, Kinsky and the goalkeeper debate21:39 Spurs’ mixed history with goalkeepers22:08 Vicario criticism and lack of command24:18 Kinsky’s comeback and case to be number one25:50 Is spending big on another goalkeeper the right priority?26:21 Palhinha, Danso and steady performers27:22 Glen’s high: Kinsky’s redemption28:28 Glen’s low: dropping into the bottom three28:50 Tudor shaking hands with the wrong man29:17 Graeme’s high: meeting Richard at the stadium30:06 Graeme’s low: Forest and losing belief30:41 Why the podcast became therapy31:26 The mental toll of the season33:05 The Everton final whistle and survival relief34:28 What it would have felt like back home if Spurs went down35:18 VAR conspiracy theories and external influence36:29 Chelsea on a Tuesday night and fixture suspicion37:06 Chelsea, Arsenal and questionable decisions37:39 Spurs fans supporting Sunderland against Forest38:20 Would Ange have done better this season?39:13 Early optimism under Thomas Frank40:49 Was Frank protected by Brentford’s wider structure?41:22 What Spurs should learn from Brighton, Brentford and Bournemouth43:38 Transfer windows, injuries and off-field failures45:30 Sporting director concerns and Lange46:25 No single reason for Spurs’ downfall47:37 Squad depth, world-class players and the rebuild48:03 Should Spurs make a marquee signing?48:46 Why good players keep failing at Spurs50:01 Could De Zerbi attract better players?50:28 VAR, Chelsea and the non-penalty51:04 Why Bournemouth may outlast Iraola51:29 Should Spurs target Tony Bloom?51:48 Wages, marquee signings and changing mentality53:21 Alex Scott, Mitoma and achievable signings54:18 Statement signings and the Ardiles/Villa moment55:15 Why buying cast-offs from big clubs rarely works55:57 Final question: if the season was a film or famous person56:22 Richard: The Great Escape57:03 Keith: Robert Downey Jr’s downfall and Iron Man comeback57:37 Glen: Frankenstein57:50 Stephen: Finding Nemo and Dory58:04 Hamish: Apocalypse Now58:10 Graeme: High Anxiety58:41 Summer plans, World Cup specials and pre-season coverage59:53 First in-person recording planned01:00:22 Outro — thanks, subscribe and COYS