Show Notes
It’s a proper family affair on this week’s The Wayne Rooney Show as Wayne is joined by his brother, Macclesfield manager John Rooney, and his assistant, the former Everton striker Francis Jeffers. The episode starts where it all began: Croxteth. The trio reminisce about growing up together, with Francis recalling seeing a young Wayne up to mischief, long before the Premier League spotlight arrived. They share stories from their teenage years, including nights in their local pub, and the legendary moment one of the regulars started diving around the bar wearing an actual Peter Schmeichel shirt Wayne had handed over after an Everton match. Wayne opens up on how much he looked up to Francis when he burst into Everton’s first team as a teenager. He also reveals that Francis was the inspiration behind his famous “Once A Blue, Always A Blue” message after scoring in the FA Youth Cup Final. The focus then shifts to the present day and Macclesfield’s remarkable FA Cup run. John and Francis look ahead to their huge 4th round tie with Premier League Brentford, discussing the mood in the camp and whether they believe another upset is on the cards. The pair also relive their stunning 3rd round win over Crystal Palace, with Francis revealing that a half-time row between Palace’s manager and captain convinced him the upset was on. Wayne adds his own perspective, explaining just how easy it can be for Premier League sides to get caught cold in these fixtures. You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Sport YouTube, iPlayer, as well as listen on BBC Sounds
More from The Wayne Rooney Show
Who will win the World Cup? Who are the real favourites to lift the trophy? And what does it actually take to succeed on football's biggest stage? Wayne Rooney is joined by Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar to debate the leading contenders, relive World Cup heartbreak with the Netherlands and explain why some players thrive under the biggest pressure while others don't. They also lift the lid on life under Sir Alex Ferguson, revisit Manchester United's greatest team, relive the battles with Barcelona, discuss the evolution of goalkeeping and look back at Van der Sar's unforgettable assist for Rooney.
Why can't Brazil produce another Ronaldo? Have they lost what made them the world's most feared football nation? Wayne Rooney is joined by Brazil legend Romário to relive the iconic 1994 World Cup triumph, explain why Brazil are still searching for the next great No.9 and reveal why he volunteered to take a penalty in the World Cup final. Romário also names the greatest player he ever saw, agrees with Wayne that modern football has become too tactical and reveals why he'd have loved to play alongside Wayne.
Could an African nation finally win the World Cup? How close did Ghana come to making history? Wayne Rooney and Michael Essien relive glory, heartbreak and unforgettable battles From Ghana's unforgettable rise at the 2006 World Cup to the heartbreak of Luis Suárez's infamous handball in 2010, Michael Essien reflects on carrying the hopes of a nation, the pressure of football's biggest stage and why Ghana still believe their greatest achievement is still to come. The pair also revisit the brutal battles between Manchester United and Chelsea, discuss José Mourinho's winning mentality, and reveal why facing each other was one of the toughest challenges of their careers.
What’s it like to score your country’s first-ever World Cup goal? What separates World Cup winners from everyone else? And can England finally go all the way? Tim Cahill sits down with Wayne to relive Australia’s plucky 2006 World Cup campaign, what life was like under Guus Hiddink and reveals the mentality that took him from Australia to Millwall, Everton and football’s biggest stage. They also debate England’s chances under Thomas Tuchel, why character can matter more than talent at major tournaments and the moments that define careers. Plus, Everton memories, Wayne’s wish that he’d spent longer playing alongside Cahill and life after football.
Gaël Clichy joins Wayne for the latest World Cup debate covering England's hopes, France's expectations and Jordan Henderson's controversial selection. There's also a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappé, with comparisons to an all-time great and a warning that football sometimes does not fully appreciate brilliance until it's gone. This is a fascinating look inside life at a major tournament, with the truth behind France's infamous 2010 World Cup controversy and why modern defenders are struggling. Plus, predictions, dark horses and who could lift the trophy.