The Athletic FC Podcast The Athletic

Spain are deservedly champions of Europe.
So why are England once again unable to take the final step?
And will it be Gareth Southgate’s final game as manager? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Oli Kay, David Ornstein, Pol Ballus
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producers: Guy Clarke & Jay Beale
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lamine Yamal turns 17 the day before Spain’s Euro 2024 final against England and he’s already produced the moment of the tournament with his wonder goal in the semi-final win over France.
So how did he get so good so young? 
And will his club side Barcelona be able to keep hold of him in the long term?
Adam Leventhal is joined by The Athletic's Pol Ballus, who is out in Germany covering Spain at Euro 2024 as well as La Liga writer Dermot Corrigan is analyse the rise of Lamine Yamal and look ahead to what could await him on his return to Barcelona.
Host: Adam Leventhal
With: Pol Ballus and Dermot Corrigan
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
Related articles:
Perfection, by Lamine Yamal - The Athletic
The story behind the viral photos of Lionel Messi and a baby Lamine Yamal - The Athletic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

England left it late, but thanks for Ollie Watkins' last minute winner are through to the final at Euro 2024.
So are they now good, or just really lucky having relied on a number of big moments throughout the tournament?
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Oli Kay who was in Dortmund for the 2-1 win over the Netherlands as well as Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers to analyse England's route to the final and the role of manager Gareth Southgate. 
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Oli Kay, Jack Pitt-Brooke and Tim Spiers
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
Related articles:
England, a team of comebacks, late winners and finals. These are extraordinary times - The Athletic
Ollie Watkins, Cole Palmer and an England goal that was worth the wait - The Athletic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Friday, Arne Slot was officially unveiled as head coach in a new era at Liverpool.
Yesterday, The Athletic reported that the club’s owners FSG are interested in purchasing French club Bordeaux. So what is the plan, and how would it benefit Liverpool?

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: James Pearce, Matt Slater
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Jay Beale
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Manchester United are working to finalise a deal for Bologna forward Joshua Zirkzee.

His performances in Italy have earned him a spot in the Dutch squad for the Euros. 

So is Zirkzee an upgrade on United’s existing forward options? 

Or could they be about to make a move for a more experienced Premier League striker? 

Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: David Ornstein and Carl Anka
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Mike Stavrou
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

England are through to the semi-final at Euro 2024 after seeing off Switzerland on penalties. Yet for Gareth Southgate’s side there were familiar problems in Dusseldorf with Harry Kane again struggling to make an impact.
No doubt he’ll start Wednesday’s semi-final against the Netherlands but should he? 
Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's senior football writer Oli Kay as well as Jacob Whitehead to discuss Kane's role ahead of Wednesday's meeting in Dortmund.
Football tactics writer Ahmed Walid also drops in to join in the conversation around the rest of the semi-finalists leading forwards while Pol Ballus explains the importance of Alvaro Morata to Spain both on and off the pitch.
Host: Ayo Akinwolere
With: Oli Kay, Jacob Whitehead and Ahmed Walid
Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead
Producer: Guy Clarke
Related articles
Is Harry Kane in danger of becoming England’s Cristiano Ronaldo? - The Athletic
Memphis Depay vs Wout Weghorst: The striker debate which cuts to the heart of Dutch football - The Athletic
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices