
Germany leave it late against Ivory Coast but it's Diomande who shines, Curacao make history, and Netherlands dismantle Sweden. Plus, Jude Bellingham on what it means to play for England.
Essential FootballShow Notes
Hayley McQueen has today's 'Cheat Sheet At the World Cup' as we round up the biggest news from the 2026 Tournament. Michael Bridge outlines what happened overnight with wins for Germany and Netherlands, with Curacao making history with a record-breaking performance. Plus, we build up to England's match against Ghana and hear what Jude Bellingham has had to say, whilst former international Kris Boyd is back on the pod looking ahead to Scotland against Brazil.
More from Essential Football
Caroline Barker joins Sky Sports News' Ben Ransom on his pilgrimage to discover what happens to football grounds after they close their gates forever. In episode two, we visit the former home of Premier League champions, the Wembley of the North, and a special memorial to North Korea. If we didn't mention your favourite old ground on this podcast, chances are Ben visited there for his Lost Grounds TV documentary, which you can find 'on demand' on your Sky TV or watch on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.
Caroline Barker joins Sky Sports News' Ben Ransom on his quest to find out what happens to football grounds when they close their gates forever. In episode one, journalist Oliver Holt shares his memories of Goodison Park, Roker Park, Maine Road and more, as we discover what remains of these former stadia. If we didn't mention your favourite old ground on this podcast, chances are Ben visited there for the Lost Grounds TV show, which you can find 'on demand' on your Sky TV or across our Sky Sports YouTube channels.
Join us in search of England's lost football grounds - episode one, coming soon!
Sky Sports' Peter Smith is joined by Sky Sports News football correspondent Rob Dorsett at St George's Park to assess Thomas Tuchel's England ahead of their Nations League opener with Spain at Wembley on Saturday. Was England's World Cup showing at the World Cup a foundation for future success or a reflection of deeper problems within the set-up which will make that trophy wait go on? Three months on from the semi-final loss to Argentina, they reflect on Anthony Gordon's insightful comments on the situation, weigh up where players such as Kobbie Mainoo and Trent Alexander-Arnold stand in Tuchel's thinking, and pick out some exciting young players who could refresh and rejuvenate the group for the challenges ahead. - •For all the latest football news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]
Luke Shanley sits down with Scotland’s new head coach, Sebastien Pocognoli, as he prepares to take charge of the team for the first time against Slovenia. •For all the latest football news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]