Memories of Wayne Rooney, Gary Lineker, David Beckham, Luke Shaw, and Harry Kane, it’s a story of heartache and heartbreak.

Thanks for joining us on Nick’s travelogue around Euro 2024.

Listen to the latest episode

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Photo: IMAGO / Every Second Media.

Listen to the latest episode

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Photo: Imago

Nick gets ready to head back to the States where he’ll record more podcast episodes before wrapping up this series of Inside Euro 2024.

Listen to the latest episode

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Photo: Imago.

He also shares his thoughts on Portugal versus Slovenia, and how some segments of the crowd came specifically to watch Cristiano Ronaldo instead of Portugal or Slovenia. Nick includes audio recorded live inside the stadium during the national anthems for both countries.

Listen to the latest episode

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Photo: Imago.

Listen to the latest episode:

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Photo: Imago

Listen to the latest episode:

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Photo: Imago

Warshaw is the author of the book, “Tottenham Hotspur: The Perfect Eleven.”

Listen to the latest episode

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Photo: IMAGO / Marco Canoniero

Nick walks down memory lane and explains the controversy from the Germany-Austria “The Disgrace of Gijon” game from 1982, and why it’s relevant to Euro 2024. He travels to Frankfurt to interview Romania and Slovakia fans and journalists ahead of the game, as well as sharing his thoughts post-match after a brilliant day of football. 

Listen/watch the latest episode:

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Listen on:

Questions are asked of Gareth Southgate, his team selection, and his stubbornness in trying to prove the critics wrong to the detriment of England’s performances.

Nick discusses what to do with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.

Listen to the episode entitled England sleeping through Euro 2024:

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Catch up on our other podcast episodes on the World Soccer Talk website or anywhere you get your podcasts.

Listen on:

Listen/watch the Microcosm of Life episode

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices & Android devices).

Listen on:

If you want to learn how German football culture is different, tune in.

Also included is an interview with a Scottish reporter who gives listeners a better understanding of why Scotland is in the state they are right now. He shares his thoughts on whether Celtic and Rangers should join the Premier League, and what the impact would be on the Scottish football system down through the pyramid.

Listen/watch to the latest episode

Launched in 2006, the World Soccer Talk Podcast is the longest-running podcast on the planet. Every week, we share the latest news about watching soccer on television and streaming, in addition to discussing what we like and dislike and featuring your questions and feedback in our Listener Mailbag segment. Christopher Harris and Kartik Krishnaiyer host the show.

Send in your questions, comments, and feedback via e-mail to web@worldsoccertalk.com, via Twitter (@worldsoccertalk), or via Facebook. We’ll read them out on-air in the next episode. Or call our voicemail line and leave a message at 561-247-4625.

Courtesy of World Soccer Talk, download a complimentary copy of The Ultimate Soccer TV And Streaming Guide, which details where to watch all of the leagues from around the world on US TV & streaming.

To find out when soccer games are on, download the free Soccer TV Schedules App which includes listings of all of the live soccer matches available in the United States (available on Apple iOS devices and Android devices).

Listen on:

Photo: IMAGO / Sportsphoto.

For the past ten years, Jose Mourinho has been the titan on the world stage of soccer management. Records have been casually swatted aside with contemptuous ease. The force of his personality was simply too powerful to be contained but now that force appears to be slowly ebbing away.

Before we look at this slow steady decline though, we must remember the decade of excellence.

At FC Porto, Mourinho channeled a Brian Clough like aura turning mid level players into world-beaters with the UEFA Cup and Champions League trophies proof of his excellence at the Estadio Drago.

With Chelsea and a budget that would be the envy of small countries, the now self proclaimed ‘Special One’ showed the Premiership that the Manchester United beast could be tamed. Mourinho was all in his pomp patrolling the technical area, out-psyching opponents before a ball was even kicked.

In Italy, Mourinho, already a master of manipulating the press found new levels of control taking the foundation built by Roberto Mancini and supplying the pixie dust to catapult the club to the famed treble. Near immortality followed as he joined Ernst Happel and now Jupp Heynckes as the only men to win the UEFA Champions League with different clubs.

It was with Real Madrid that the cracks began to appear though. Unable to tame the press or a city desperate for a tenth European Cup, Mourinho found himself up against Pep Guardiola and a Barcelona club rewriting the laws of soccer. Failure was grounds for divorce and for the first time in his managerial career he couldn’t succeed on his terms.

With a manager like Mourinho, everything is staged managed. He calls the shots and dictates the terms. However the Madrid experience has damaged him and clouded his judgment.

He concluded that a swift return to management was the best option and Chelsea provided the safest destination given the budget supplied by Blues owner, Roman Abramovich.

One could argue that, to date, he’s been a success on his return to Stamford Bridge. Third in the Premier League, quarter-finals of the Capital One Cup, and the knockout stage of the Champions League. But let’s be honest, something is missing.

The Mourinho I see in press conferences, on the sidelines, and in post match interviews is tired. The spark that made him loved and hated with equal measure has gone. He seems like a shell of the man that could win matches just by staring at his team.

Chelsea, despite some of the most gifted footballers in the world, is a team missing personality and the drive of a manager. With his hands stuffed in pockets, head bowed, one wonders where the real Jose is?

I can’t help but think of his rival, the man he could not best in Spain, Pep Guardiola. The Spaniard no doubt was under the same immense pressures as his Portuguese counter-part but instead of stepping back into the cauldron after resigning from Barcelona, he decided to step away completely from soccer.

Viewing him now conducting the Bayern Munich machine is to see a man reborn. The haunted face has been replaced with a freshness and desire that provides a stark contrast to the man in the grey overcoat grinding in West London.

Perhaps at the end of the day, Chelsea is the club for Mourinho to reclaim his mojo but ultimately I think that he couldn’t bear to be out of the spotlight for more than a second and that this was the safest move for his ego.

Mourinho has claimed that he only wanted to be loved but I think that he is damaged, and like Cloughie, who I mentioned at the top of this piece, just couldn’t work out that it was time to step away until it was too late.

Mourinho is managing without joy, Chelsea is a club looking for its soul.

Nick Webster covered the Barclays Premier League for Fox Soccer for 12 years, becoming the voice of the Prem. He now has his own blog www.realfootytalk.com, which allows him to look at the world of football with an uncensored eye.