Show Notes
The Premier League season is OVER and Wayne, Kelly and Kae react to West Ham’s relegation, Tottenham surviving by the skin of their teeth and Sunderland completing one of the stories of the season by qualifying for Europe. Actor and lifelong Hammer Tom Davis joins the show to give his verdict on where it’s all gone wrong, from recruitment and ownership to the club losing its identity after David Moyes left. Wayne questions the players’ intensity and explains why the warning signs have been there all season. The panel also debate whether Tottenham were lucky to stay up and if Roberto De Zerbi can finally turn them around. There’s praise for Sunderland’s unbelievable rise from the Championship to Europe and Wayne shares why Chelsea missing out on Europe could actually help new manager Xabi Alonso next season. Elsewhere, the team discusses Bruno Fernandes breaking the Premier League assist record and some of the online backlash to Manchester United celebrating individual awards. Wayne outlines why he dislikes guard of honours during matches and he reveals the ONLY time he’s ever cried at football. Plus: Wayne dishes out his end-of-season award: best signing, most improved player, surprise package and the games that defined the campaign. You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Football 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.