World Champions Elect 4 Croatia 2
Thursday 18 June 2026
Gary Lineker, Patrick Viera, Micah Richards, Alan Shearer, Joe Cole, Harry McGuire – The Rest Is Football, Netflix
There’s no doubting England looked impressive in patches last night.
Particularly at the start of the second half, when they resembled a team with purpose rather than a collection of talented footballers waiting for something to happen.
Truth be told, I don’t care all that much about the England football team. I’m only half English anyway. My mother was German and, if I’m being honest, I’ve always felt a stronger connection to the German national side.
Possibly because they have an annoying habit of winning things.
As a result, I’ve largely avoided the media frenzy surrounding England winning a World Cup match.
However, I do have to give The Rest Is Football a mention because, at long last, I’ve found an outlet where endless discussion about England is actually bearable.
Based on one competitive match against decent opposition, Thomas Tuchel appears to know what he’s doing. He certainly seems more positive than Sir Dulleth Dullgate, whose entire tactical philosophy often appeared to revolve around protecting a one-goal lead as though national security depended upon it.
With Mbappé, Kane, Haaland and Messi all finding the net, poor old Cristiano Ronaldo must be wondering whether his invitation got lost in the post.
At 41, perhaps this is one World Cup too many.
Portugal laboured to a draw against an impressive DR Congo side. Then again, a draw is always preferable to a defeat.
After a few teething problems, The Rest Is Football on Netflix has become my daily football fix.
The format is simple. A handful of ex-professionals chatting about football.
Sometimes that’s enough.
Patrick Vieira was a welcome addition, bringing a French perspective to proceedings. Signing up Harry Maguire was another sensible move. Whatever people think of him as a player, he offers the viewpoint of someone who was recently part of the England setup and now finds himself watching surrounded by wine, snacks and ex pros in New York.
There’s worse ways to spend your summer!
Micah Richards also looks considerably happier sitting in the US studio with other human beings than broadcasting from his garage.
No doubt he’ll be summoned to Salford for England’s next match.
As for the broadcasters, ITV are currently winning comfortably.
I never thought I’d write that sentence.
Their coverage isn’t perfect. Emma Hayes occasionally appears during hydration breaks looking like she’s wandered into the wrong programme entirely, while the decision to recruit American celebrities for local flavour feels a little forced.
Still, compared with the BBC’s increasingly muddled coverage, ITV are comfortably ahead on points.
Which may be the biggest surprise of the tournament so far.
WORLD CUP LOG #2
Manchester, England
The Listening Log 