Essential Football
292 episodes - English - Latest episode: 2 days ago - ★★★★★ - 5 ratingsFeaturing extended interviews with some of the biggest names in football and in-depth analysis of the latest talking points with Sky Sports' football journalists, dive deeper with the Essential Football podcast.
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Episodes
Essential Questions: Is Slot the man for Liverpool?
April 25, 2024 15:38 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MBRon Walker is joined by Sky Sports News' senior reporter, Melissa Reddy and Sky Sports digital football journalist Adam Bate to discuss the reports touting Arne Slot as Jurgen Klopp's replacement as Liverpool manager.
Essential Questions: Can Jim Ratcliffe get Man Utd back to the top?
April 11, 2024 14:20 - 39 minutes - 53.7 MBRon Walker, Peter Smith and Nicholas Wright discuss the current situation at Manchester United and consider whether Sir Jim Ratcliffe's investment in the club can help them return to the top of English football.
Essential Questions: Is Man Utd vs Liverpool 'must-win' for both sides?
April 05, 2024 16:00 - 40 minutes - 54.9 MBRon Walker, Peter Smith and Richard Morgan discuss the huge clash between Manchester United and Liverpool at Old Trafford this weekend, and consider whether both sides must win the game as the Premier League season edges towards its conclusion.
Where next for Liverpool after Xabi stays put?
April 02, 2024 12:50 - 26 minutes - 24 MBSky Sports Senior Reporter Melissa Reddy joins Ron Walker to discuss Xabi Alonso's decision to stay in Germany at Bayer Leverkusen, where Liverpool might turn next in their pursuit of Jurgen Klopp's successor, and will we see Ruben Amorim or Roberto De Zerbi on Merseyside?
Essential Questions: Is this the decisive weekend in the PL title race?
March 28, 2024 15:40 - 39 minutes - 54.5 MBSky Sports football journalists, Ron Walker, Peter Smith and Sam Blitz are back after the international break to preview the huge Super Sunday games between Manchester City and Arsenal and Liverpool's match against Brighton. Could this be a decisive weekend to decide who will end up lifting the trophy? Where will City vs Arsenal be won or lost? Is this De Zerbi's audition for the Liverpool job?
'An icon of the game' | Ex-England Captain Steph Houghton Announces Retirement
March 27, 2024 21:16 - 21 minutes - 19.9 MBManchester City defender and former England captain Steph Houghton has announced her retirement from football at the end of the season. Houghton is City's most decorated player - she's won the League, FA Cups, League Cups, and earnt 121 England caps. In 2020, Steph joined Caroline Barker to look back at one of her proudest moments in an England shirt, at the 2015 World Cup in Canada. Ultimately, Steph was part of the team that suffered a heart-breaking last minute defeat to Japan in the se...
Essential Questions: Arsenal, Liverpool or City? Who will win the Premier League?
March 14, 2024 17:22 - 33 minutes - 45.5 MBRon Walker, Peter Smith and Sam Blitz discuss the Premier League title race and make a case for each of the three contenders - Arsenal, Liverpool and Manchester City.
Liverpool against Manchester City preview
March 08, 2024 16:06 - 28 minutes - 25.7 MBIt's Liverpool against Manchester City, Jurgen Klopp versus Pep Guardiola! Michael Dawson and Peter Drury join Sky Sports' Peter Smith to look ahead to this huge match at Anfield, which you can watch, live, on Sky Sports on Sunday.
Carabao Cup Final preview with Michael Dawson and Peter Drury
February 23, 2024 13:52 - 26 minutes - 36.5 MBMichael Dawson and Peter Drury join Pete Smith to look ahead to Chelsea vs Liverpool in the Carabao Cup Final at Wembley Stadium.
Who will replace Klopp at Liverpool?
February 19, 2024 13:51 - 31 minutes - 28.9 MBSky Sports' Peter Smith and Melissa Reddy discuss the latest on Liverpool's hunt for a successor to Jurgen Klopp, weighing up the attributes of the key contenders and the criteria the Anfield club will be looking for from their next head coach. From standout favourite Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen, to potential Premier League picks, such as Brighton's Roberto De Zerbi, Brentford's Thomas Frank and Tottenham's Ange Postecoglou, Sky Sports News senior reporter Reddy assesses what each of t...
Carragher “in shock” as Klopp announces Liverpool departure.
January 26, 2024 17:36 - 31 minutes - 28.8 MBFormer Liverpool defender and Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher reacts to Jurgen Klopp’s decision to leave Anfield at the end of the season. For more on this story, keep across Sky Sports News and the Sky Sports website and app.
Ivan Toney exclusive interview: 'Hungry' to return and 'repaying' Brentford
January 08, 2024 11:51 - 22 minutes - 31.5 MBAs he prepares to return from an eight month ban for breaching gambing rules, Brentford striker Ivan Toney sits down with Darren Lewis to discuss his time away from the game. Toney describes how he avoided watching football for a period of time, what he has done to keep himself in shape and how he wants to repay his club by helping them stave off relegation from the Premier League.
Steve Clarke: Off to Germany
December 25, 2023 10:00 - 26 minutes - 35.7 MBScotland head coach Steve Clarke exclusively sits down with Sky Sports to reflect on a successful 2023, looks ahead to Euro 2024, Scott McTominay’s impact, his squad selection dilemas and more.
Exclusive: Gareth Southgate on England's year, and why winning Euro 2024 is 'possible'
December 24, 2023 07:00 - 28 minutes - 25.8 MBThe England manager Gareth Southgate sits down with Sky Sports News' Senior Reporter Rob Dorsett to look back at 2023 and look ahead to next summer's Euros.
Jamie Carragher's Man City vs Liverpool preview: Will Reds blow title race open at home of their rivals?
November 24, 2023 16:37 - 16 minutes - 22 MBSky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher joins Peter Smith to look ahead to the huge Saturday lunchtime showdown between Manchester City and Liverpool at the Etihad, which you can watch live on Sky Sports. Carragher assesses the key battles across the park, Alexis Mac Allister's crucial role in the Liverpool midfield and whether Erling Haaland or Mo Salah will steal the show for their side. He also reveals what the key selection decision is for Pep Guardiola ahead of the contest - and what a rare po...
When Australia beat England's 'Golden Generation'
October 12, 2023 13:25 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBEngland host Australia on Friday – 20 years after the Socceroos stunned the Golden Generation. In February 2003, sandwiched between a dominant Australia Ashes win and England’s famous rugby World Cup triumph Down Under, the Aussies beat England at football for the very first time. It was the night when Sven-Goran Eriksson changed the entire England team at half-time, Wayne Rooney made his international debut and Australia landed a painful blow on their big sporting rivals. Peter Smith re...
Tragedy Chanting | Jamie Carragher joins panel of fans | How do we stop a poisonous atmosphere?
August 30, 2023 11:09 - 32 minutes - 44.6 MBIn this special episode of Essential Football Ben Ransom and Jamie Carragher discuss the concern around football tragedy abuse. They are joined by Joe Blott from the FSA, Charlotte Hennessey, who lost her father at Hillsborough, and Gareth Senior, who was in Istanbul when two Leeds supporters were murdered in 2000.
Exclusive: Cesc Fabregas talks retirement, coaching and Premier League dream
August 29, 2023 09:43 - 18 minutes - 24.8 MBIn an exclusive interview, Cesc Fabregas describes his move into coaching with Italian side, Como after retiring from playing football and says he would like to manage a team in the Premier League one day. The former Arsenal and Chelsea player also runs the rule over his old clubs as the new season gets underway.
Heartbreak for England in World Cup final loss to Spain
August 20, 2023 18:52 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return for a final Essential Football podcast to reflect on England's defeat to Spain in the Women's World Cup final. They discuss where the game was won and lost, whether Wiegman got her tactics right and the wider impact of Spain's win. Plus, the pair pick their moment of the tournament and why it's important to keep supporting women's football heading into the new WSL season.
Spain vs England final preview
August 18, 2023 15:42 - 36 minutes - 49.5 MBWe're are almost there - Anton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return to preview the Women's World Cup final as England face Spain on Sunday. The pair discuss whether Lauren James should come straight back into the XI, the brilliance of Sarina Wiegman, plus the issues Spain might pose.
England's tournament experience shines against Australia
August 16, 2023 16:25 - 32 minutes - 44.2 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return as England reach their first ever World Cup final, beating Australia 3-1 in Sydney. The pair discuss the moments that swung the game in England's favour, including Lauren Hemp's brilliance and a fine game from Lucy Bronze. Plus, as Australia embraces the Matildas and women's football, what does the future hold for the team?
It's crunch time - Women's World Cup semi-final previews
August 14, 2023 14:16 - 35 minutes - 48.1 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return to preview the upcoming Women's World Cup semi-finals. The pair chat England's match against co-hosts Australia, which could see the return of Sam Kerr. They also discuss why Mary Earps is the best goalkeeper in the world at the moment and where the key battles could be. Plus, Spain take on Sweden, with differing opinions on who could make the final.
England beat Colombia to reach World Cup semi-finals
August 12, 2023 16:37 - 25 minutes - 34.4 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return to reflect on England's 2-1 win against Colombia in the Women's World Cup quarter-finals. The pair discuss how England improved against an impressive Colombia side, including a fine performance from Alessia Russo, and where they could improve ahead of a mouth-watering showdown against Australia on Wednesday.
Kane to Bayern; Caicedo snubs Liverpool – Jamie Redknapp on transfer drama and the PL season ahead
August 11, 2023 12:46 - 21 minutes - 29.2 MBSky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp joins Peter Smith on the Essential Football Podcast to look ahead to a blockbuster Premier League season ahead – and dissect some of the huge talking points the transfer market has thrown up, with Harry Kane leaving Tottenham for Bayern Munich and Brighton’s Moises Caicedo in a tug of war between Liverpool and Chelsea! Jamie also has his say on whether anyone can stop treble winners Man City from defending their league title, assesses the top-four battle and ...
The art of commentary with Sky Sports' newest signing Peter Drury and more!
August 10, 2023 14:21 - 1 hour - 108 MBAhead of the new Premier League season, Dougie Critchley sits down with the voices behind the action, Bill Leslie, Rob Hawthorne, Daniel Mann, Seb Hutchinson, Pien Meulensteen and newest addition, Peter Drury join the podcast to discuss what they're most excited about this season, how they prepare for games and what makes a good commentator.
Essential Football podcast: England vs Colombia quarter-final preview
August 10, 2023 13:55 - 22 minutes - 30.7 MBSky Sports football journalists Charlotte Marsh and Laura Hunter take a look at England's upcoming Women's World Cup quarter-final against Colombia. They discuss how Sarina Wiegman may set up her team in the absence of Lauren James, how they might deal with an impressive Colombia and make their score predictions.
Future of Football: Will the Saudi Pro League change transfers forever?
August 10, 2023 05:00 - 22 minutes - 30.8 MBIn a special podcast on the Saudi Pro League, Sky Sports News chief reporter Kaveh Solhekol talks to Peter Smith about why there has suddenly been big spending from clubs in Saudi Arabia on European-based players, what the league must do to attract elite players, and what the big salaries on offer in the Middle East mean for clubs and players in the Premier League.
Future of Football: How will competitions change? And will the European Super League return?
August 08, 2023 22:30 - 31 minutes - 28.5 MBIn the latest edition of Sky Sports’ Future of Football podcast series, we hear from senior reporter Rob Dorsett, who provides all the details of UEFA’s plans for Champions League expansion and FIFA’s revamp of the Club World Cup. Football journalist Joe Shread discusses where we stand with the future of the European Super League and what form the proposed competition could take - if it ever gets off the ground. And football journalist David Richardson debates the future of the EFL - includin...
England WWC reaction: Lionesses' fortunate Nigeria win dissected - form, formation and Lauren James
August 07, 2023 13:57 - 27 minutes - 38 MBAnton Toloui and Ron Walker are back with an England reaction edition of the Essential Podcast from the Women's World Cup. Anton and Ron look back on England's fortunate last-16 win over Nigeria, where the Lionesses needed a penalty shoot-out to keep their tournament hopes alive. Why was it so hard in Brisbane? What went wrong? What happened to Lauren James? And most importantly, what needs to change for the quarter-finals?
Essential Football podcast: Group stage reflections, England vs Nigeria plus last 16 previews
August 04, 2023 13:52 - 1 hour - 84.3 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh are back with a bumper edition of the Essential Podcast from the Women's World Cup. Sky Sports News' Fadumo Olow joins to discuss the biggest moments and shocks from group stages. Anton and Charlotte then take a closer look at England's last 16 game against Nigeria, before Sky Sports News' Jess Creighton joins the chat to preview the remaining games in the knockout rounds.
Future of Football: How will tactics change? With Gary Neville, Andoni Iraola and more
August 02, 2023 11:19 - 27 minutes - 38.3 MBOn a Future of Football podcast special, we hear from new Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola, Gary Neville and others about where tactics are heading in the next decades. Sky Sports football features writers Adam Bate and Nick Wright join Ron Walker to discuss their findings from speaking to coaches and managers across Europe and beyond about the direction of travel of the tactics board and how differently the game will be played in years to come. Former Spain manager Robert Moreno gives his ...
James dazzles again as much-changed England see off China
August 01, 2023 17:08 - 28 minutes - 51.9 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return to reflect on England's 6-1 win against China in their final World Cup group game. Lauren James dazzled again as her two goals and three assists fired England into the last 16. The pair also look at Sarina Wiegman's tactical tweaks and what could await England in Nigeria in Monday's last 16 match.
Essential Football podcast: England vs China preview as ROI bow out of the Women's World Cup
July 30, 2023 12:51 - 29 minutes - 41 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh are back to preview England's final Women's World Cup group game against China on Tuesday. The pair discuss how England will cope without Keira Walsh, the joy of watching Lauren James play and what issues China might pose for the Lionesses. Plus, a look at how the Republic of Ireland's first major tournament campaign has inspired others and what the future might hold for manager Vera Pauw.
Essential Football: England beat Denmark, but how will Walsh injury affect them?
July 28, 2023 15:51 - 25 minutes - 34.6 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return to take a look back at England's 1-0 win against Denmark in their second Women's World Cup game, leaving them on the verge of qualification to the last 16.
Future of Football: How could climate change affect the stadia of the future?
July 28, 2023 08:30 - 43 minutes - 59.6 MBIn the latest part of our Future of Football series, David Garrido considers how climate change could affect the way stadiums are used by clubs and fans. David is joined by Dale Vince (Forest Green Rovers Owner), Kristen Fulmer (Sustainability Expert) and Benedicte Halvorsen (Bodø/Glimt).
England vs Denmark preview as ROI knocked out of Women's World Cup
July 27, 2023 16:09 - 32 minutes - 44.4 MBAnton Toloui and Charlotte Marsh return with the Essential Football podcast, previewing England's second group game against Denmark. They discuss what changes - if any - Sarina Wiegman could make as they look to break a long run of no goals from open play. Plus, just what threat could Denmark pose for the Lionesses? Sky Sports News reporter Jess Creighton also joins the chat to discuss Republic of Ireland's exit from their first major tournament, and what it could mean for them going forw...
Future of Football: What will the laws of the future look like, and how will they be decided? With ex-Premier League ref Dermot Gallagher
July 24, 2023 05:38 - 32 minutes - 45 MBIn the first of our Future of Football podcasts, former Premier League referee Dermot Gallagher joins Ron Walker to talk about how the laws of the game might change over the coming decades - and explain why he enjoyed helping Sky Sports put some of them into practice in a training match you can watch across our digital platforms. Oli Yew also speaks to Lukas Brud, secretary of the lawmakers of the game, IFAB, to get an insight into how new rules are introduced and why the world body never di...
England 1-0 Haiti reaction | Theus’ heroics for Haiti | What is England’s best XI? | Can Lionesses improve against Denmark?
July 22, 2023 17:58 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MBSky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui and Sky Sports’ senior football reporter Charlotte Marsh react to England’s 1-0 win over Haiti in the Women's World Cup. They discuss Kerly Theus’ heroics in goal for Haiti against an England attack that struggled in front of goal, who should start for the Lionesses against Denmark and if a win could provide the spark to win the tournament.
Essential Football podcast: Women’s World Cup preview
July 17, 2023 15:38 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBSky Sports News reporter Anton Toloui and Sky Sports’ senior football reporter Charlotte Marsh return with the Essential Football podcast, previewing the upcoming Women’s World Cup. They chat England’s chances at the tournament, and the potential issues the Lionesses face, and are joined by Sky Sports News reporter Jess Creighton for insight on the Republic of Ireland ahead of their first major international tournament. Sky Sports football journalists Ron Walker and Zinny Boswell also chat...
Premier League Weekend Wrap: Everton survive on dramatic final day | Leicester and Leeds relegated | Aston Villa secure European football
May 28, 2023 21:32 - 24 minutes - 22.4 MBOn the last Essential Football Weekend Wrap of the season, Oliver Yew takes you through a round of games which saw Everton retain their Premier League status, while Leicester and Leeds dropped down to the Sky Bet Championship. Ben Grounds, Zinny Boswell, and David Richardson take us through the drama of Everton's win, which guaranteed survival, Leicester's relegation despite thier win against West Ham and Leeds' heavy loss against Tottenham as the battle to beat the drop was finally settled....
Jeff Stelling special: The departing face of Soccer Saturday on an incredible 29 years
May 28, 2023 14:40 - 24 minutes - 33.1 MBThe TV legend that is Jeff Stelling joins Ron Walker for a special Essential Football on his last day at Sky Sports to look back on his 29 years in the Soccer Saturday chair. Jeff talks us through his three decades in the hotseat, what he’ll miss most about being the face of Saturday afternoon TV and the best and worst moments that stick in his mind down the years. From George Best to Chris Kamara and everyone between, Jeff reveals how he made guests feel so at ease in the Soccer Saturday stu...
Firmino’s farewell: How the Liverpool forward became a cult hero at Anfield
May 26, 2023 10:42 - 18 minutes - 25.3 MBRoberto Firmino waved goodbye to Anfield last weekend and on Sunday he will make his final appearance for Liverpool at Southampton before leaving the club this summer. After his emotional send-off from the home fans after scoring a late equaliser against Aston Villa, we look at how he became a cult hero for the club’s supporters, his importance to Jurgen Klopp’s style of play and the impact he had on the Premier League. Peter Smith is joined by Sky Sports senior football journalist Richar...
Best Player? Best manager? Best/worst signing? Sky Sports Premier League end of season awards!
May 25, 2023 17:27 - 46 minutes - 63.5 MBWith the Premier League reaching its conclusion this weekend, Sky Sports football journalists Peter Smith, Nick Wright and Sam Blitz discuss, debate and celebrate the stars of the 2022/23 season. You can join in and have your say by visiting the Sky Sports website or App on Friday and posting your picks of the season in our interactive blog.
Chelsea's 12 months of chaos: Todd Boehly and Behdad Eghbali's turbulent first year at Stamford Bridge
May 25, 2023 11:53 - 33 minutes - 46 MBComing towards the end of a bumpier first year in charge at Chelsea than either Todd Boehly or Behdad Eghbali could have ever envisaged, Sky Sports digital football journalist Joe Shread looks back on the most turbluent season in living memory at Stamford Bridge. In a special edition of Essential Football, Joe joins Ron Walker to discuss the key topics from a campaign which began with such promise after a tough end to the Roman Abramovich era. Up for discussion is how the new owners' relati...
Premier League Weekend Wrap: Man City crowned | European race and relegation battle heat up
May 21, 2023 20:43 - 21 minutes - 29.4 MBOn the latest Essential Football Weekend Wrap, Peter Smith takes you through a round of games which saw Manchester City lift the Premier League trophy after Arsenal lost at Nottingham Forest. We hear from key figures at Man City on their triumph and Gary Neville explains why this is his favourite version of a Pep Guardiola team at Man City. We also dive into the relegation battle, with Nottingham Forest boss Steve Cooper explaining what it feels like for his side to now be safe, Sean Dyche ...
Mauricio Pochettino special: What the 'perfect fit' for Chelsea will bring to Stamford Bridge - and what he wants this summer
May 19, 2023 11:12 - 46 minutes - 64.2 MBOn a special edition of Essential Football, Melissa Reddy, Paul Gilmour and Lyall Thomas join Ron Walker to look ahead to Mauricio Pochettino's impending appointment as Chelsea's third manager of the Todd Boehly era. Melissa and Paul explain the depth of the philosophy which made the Argentine such a successful figure at Tottenham Hotspur and Southampton, why he can re-energise a tired Chelsea and what he's learned from his time abroad at PSG. With a huge squad for Pochettino to deal with t...
Premier League Weekend Wrap: Man City on the brink after Brighton beat Arsenal | Villa to kick Spurs out of Europe? | Saints slip out
May 14, 2023 21:51 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MBOn the latest Essential Football Weekend Wrap, Peter Smith takes you through a dramatic and potentially decisive round of Premier League games which saw Man City move to within touching distance of the Premier League crown after Arsenal were beaten at home by Brighton. We hear from Mikel Arteta, Roy Keane and Patrick Vieira on a dramatic Super Sunday. We also assess the race for European football, with Joe Shread’s assessment of Man Utd’s win over Wolves and Declan Olley’s verdict on Aston ...
Premier League Weekend Wrap: Arsenal keep the title race alive | Man Utd stuttering in top-four race | Liverpool make it six straight wins
May 07, 2023 21:33 - 22 minutes - 21 MBEssential Football is back with a round-up of all the weekend's Premier League matches, featuring reporter analysis and manager reaction from up and down the top-flight. Ron Walker looks back at Arsenal’s crucial win at Newcastle, which keeps the Premier League title race alive after Man City beat Leeds on Saturday. Meanwhile, the race for the top-four is also wide open after Liverpool moved to within a point of Brentford with a sixth straight win on Saturday evening. Could Man Utd respond? ...
Premier League Weekend Wrap: Man City back on top | Liverpool edge Spurs in thriller | Relegation fears deepen for Forest and Leeds
April 30, 2023 19:05 - 24 minutes - 22.5 MBEssential Football is back with a round-up of all the weekend's Premier League matches, featuring reporter analysis and manager reaction from up and down the top-flight. Ben Grounds looks back at Manchester City’s win over Fulham, which sees them go top of the Premier League table above Arsenal. There were big results in race for Europe. There’s reaction from Harry Kane, Jurgen Klopp and Sky Sports’ Gary Neville to Liverpool’s dramatic 4-3 win over Tottenham at Anfield. Meanwhile, Erik ten...
‘De Bruyne is the best-ever PL midfielder’ – Jamie Redknapp on Man City’s title charge | Plus priorities for Liverpool & Tottenham
April 28, 2023 18:18 - 26 minutes - 36.1 MBSky Sports pundit Jamie Redknapp joins Peter Smith on the Essential Football Podcast to reflect on Manchester City’s potentially title-race defining win over Arsenal on Wednesday night, analysing what set City apart, discussing what hope Arsenal may have of another twist – and why he reckons Kevin De Bruyne ranks as the Premier League’s best-ever midfielder. Former Liverpool and Tottenham captain Redknapp also has his say on those two clubs ahead of their meeting at Anfield, with the Reds f...