Essential Football

England frustrated, Ronaldo arrives & Scotland on the brink

Essential Football

Summary

England faces uncertainty in their World Cup campaign after a goalless draw against Ghana, leaving their hopes of topping Group L hanging in the balance. Despite some late chances, including a missed opportunity by Harry Kane, England struggled to break down Ghana's defense. Concerns about their defensive performance persist, particularly following the introduction of new players. Declan Rice's injury adds to the team's worries as they prepare for a crucial match against Panama.

Meanwhile, Scotland is on the brink of making history, aiming to reach the knockout stages of the World Cup for the first time. They face Brazil in a high-stakes match, with the potential for qualification still alive despite their previous performance against Morocco. The atmosphere in Miami is charged as Scotland prepares to take on a formidable opponent, with the Tartan Army hopeful for a historic result.

In other matches, Cristiano Ronaldo shines for Portugal, scoring twice in a dominant 5-0 victory over Uzbekistan, while Colombia secures a narrow win against DR Congo. The final group stage games are set to unfold, with multiple teams vying for advancement, making for an exciting conclusion to the group stages.

Show Notes

Hayley McQueen brings you everything you need to know from the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America. We get reaction to England's frustrating goalless draw against Ghana and run through the rest of the overnight scores including a win for a Cristiano Ronaldo inspired Portugal. Plus, history beckons for Scotland. Can they get a result against Brazil to take them through to the knockout stages for the first time ever? - •For all the latest football news, head to www.skysports.com/football

•For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]

More from Essential Football

Oct 28, 2026

What happens when you've said goodbye to your old stadium, but the move to your new home doesn't quite go to plan? Caroline and Ben go in search for more lost grounds and chat to a Coventry City fan, Richard, about his memories of Highfield Road and look back on the club's difficult times away from it. We also hear about a community 'sprouting' around Swansea's Vetch Field and we head to Stoke on a wet Tuesday....or Wednesday, depending when you listen to this pod! If we didn't visit your favourite old ground in this episode, chances are Ben went there in his 'Lost Grounds' TV documentary, which you can find 'on demand' on your Sky TV or watch on the Sky Sports Football YouTube channel.

Oct 25, 2026

Luke Shanley sits down with new Hibernian manager Marink Reedijk on the latest episode of Essential Football. Reedijk tells us about his ambitions for the club, the task that faces him to move them off the bottom of the Scottish Premiership, his footballing philosophy and how recruitment will work under his management. - •For all the latest football news, head to www.skysports.com/football •For advertising opportunities email: [email protected]

Oct 21, 2026

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.

Oct 14, 2026

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.

Oct 13, 2026

Join us in search of England's lost football grounds - episode one, coming soon!

See all episodes →