The Inside Channel with Alex Crook and Sam Matterface

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The Inside Channel - the official Star Sports World Cup 2026 podcast with Sam Matterface and Alex Crook. Sam and Alex are on the ground in America for the full tournament, bringing you expert analysis, World Cup betting tips, England match previews, Golden Boot predictions, and daily reaction to the biggest stories. From group stage to the final, this is your go-to football podcast for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. New episodes every week. Subscribe for World Cup coverage you won't get anywhere else. 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Live from the USA ⚽ In partnership with Star Sports Bet World Cup 2026 | England Football | Football Podcast | Betting Tips | Sam Matterface | Alex Crook | Star Sports | FIFA World Cup USA 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | For support visit GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

  1. 1d ago

    England's Greatest Night? | England v Mexico Reaction | Alan Pardew Interview | Balogun back for USA

    England are in the quarter-finals. A 3-2 victory at the Azteca - with ten men, in one of the most hostile atmospheres in world football - has sent Sam Matterface and Alex Crook into raptures. Was this England's greatest ever away World Cup performance? They give their verdict. Former Premier League manager Alan Pardew joins the show with his expert reaction to England's stunning win - his assessment of the performance, the key moments, and what it tells us about this England side's genuine title credentials. Jude Bellingham was extraordinary. How was his place in this team ever questioned? The refereeing controversy gets the full treatment too - was Quansah's red card justified? Did Mexico deserve their penalty? Sam and Alex discuss the key moments. Norway await in the quarter-final after beating Brazil in one of the most impressive performances of the tournament. France did enough in a 1-0 win over Paraguay. Plus the Folarin Balogun red card story - he will not be suspended for USA's game with Belgium despite seeing red, and Sam and Alex react to how that came about. The remaining last-16 fixtures are previewed and the tipping competition update is in - Sam has stretched his lead after his France and Morocco to win double landed. Alex needs to respond. ⚽ In this episode: England 3-2 Mexico - greatest ever England away World Cup performance? Bellingham - how was his place ever questioned? Quansah red card & Mexico's penalty - the refereeing verdicts Alan Pardew exclusive - his reaction to England's win Norway beat Brazil - England's quarter-final opponent assessed Balogun red card overturned - the full story Tipping competition - Sam extends his lead, Alex fires back 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from New York, USA 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - quarter-finals up next ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet - Star Sports are best price England in every match Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    43 min

  2. 3d ago

    When will England v Mexico Kick-Off? | Match Preview & Reaction to Fiasco | Gabriel Clarke Joins

    Fresh (ish) off a night out in New York city, Alex and Sam might be a little worse for wear, but they could be forgiven for not knowing when Mexico v England is going to kick off after Friday's drama. They discuss what actually happened and how we ended up right back where we started. They also preview the match, discuss the atmosphere at The Azteca and the threat posed by Mexico. ITV's Gabriel Clarke also joins the show to discuss what it's like to embedded with the England camp, how we prepares for those full-time interviews and which manager is hardest to give questions to. Brazil v Norway and Portugal v Spain are the standout last-16 ties - Sam and Alex give their verdicts on both heavyweight fixtures, plus a word on France v Paraguay. The tipping competition continues with last-16 picks from both hosts - and the standings remain tight heading into the business end of the tournament. ⚽ In this episode: England v Mexico full preview - The kick-off time fiasco explained, team selection, the Azteca & Mexico's threat Gabriel Clarke exclusive - What is it like to ask the questions at full-time Brazil v Norway - who goes through? Portugal v Spain - the heavyweight last-16 clash Tipping competition - standings update & last-16 picks   🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from New York, USA - day before England v Mexico 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - last 16 underway   ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet - Star Sports are best price England in every match   Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    43 min

  3. 5d ago

    England scrape past DR Congo - Reaction | Nuno Gomes Interview | "The Craziest Game I've ever commentated on"

    England beat DR Congo 2-1 in a nervy comeback to set up a last-16 tie with Mexico - but Alex and Sam were less than impressed by the performance. After just 20 minutes of impressive football in four matches so far, can England really raise their game as we get to the business end of the tournament? Our hosts give their full reaction.  Portugal legend Nuno Gomes joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook for an exclusive conversation ahead of Portugal v Croatia - one of the most intriguing Round of 32 ties of the 2026 World Cup. His verdict on Portugal's chances, the Ronaldo question and the fascinating Golden Boot race.  We also get reaction to Belgium's incredible comeback against Senegal - a game Sam described as "the craziest match he'd ever commentated on". How did Belgium manage to secure their last-16 place from 2-0 down with five minutes to go, and how did Senegal throw it away?  The tipping competition is on a knife edge - just one point separates the hosts after Alex's acca from the last episode landed. ⚽ In this episode: Nuno Gomes exclusive - Portugal v Croatia preview from a Portuguese legend England 2-1 DR Congo - laboured win, defensive questions & penalty debate Belgium 3-2 Senegal - Reaction to a World Cup classic Tipping competition - just 1 point in it, both hosts make their next picks 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from New York and Seattle, USA 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - quarter-finals approaching ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet - Star Sports are best price England in every match #WorldCup2026 #NunoGomes #England #HarryKane #GoldenBoot #PortugalvCroatia #EnglandDRCongo #Mexico #WorldCup #FootballPodcast #SamMatterface #AlexCrook #StarSports #TheInsideChannel #FIFA2026 #BettingTips Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    34 min

  4. Jun 30

    History Made in the Knockouts | England v DR Congo Preview | Lomana LuaLua Interview | Round of 32 Fixtures

    Former DR Congo international Lomana LuaLua joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook for an exclusive conversation ahead of England's Round of 32 tie against his home nation - the inside track on what England can expect and how DR Congo will approach one of the tournament's most anticipated knockout fixtures. Sam and Alex react to a dramatic start to the knockout stage - Brazil edged past Japan 2-1 in the pick of the early Round of 32 games, Canada made history with their first ever World Cup knockout stage victory, and Germany are out - beaten on penalties by Paraguay in one of the biggest upsets of the tournament so far.  England's tie against DR Congo gets the full preview treatment - will Spence start at right back following the Quansah injury? Who leads the attack alongside Kane? And can England show more than they did in the laboured win against Panama? The other Round of 32 fixtures get their previews too - with France v Sweden, Cote d'Ivoire v Norway, Mexico v Ecuador and Belgium v Senegal all to come in the next few days. Sam and Alex pick their standout games. The tipping competition continues - Alex's accumulator is partially settled after BTTS in Brazil v Japan landed. Both hosts' dark horse picks are out but their tournament outright bets are still very much live. ⚽ In this episode: Lomana LuaLua exclusive - DR Congo's World Cup threat assessed from the inside England v DR Congo preview - Spence, attack debate & score predictions Brazil 2-1 Japan reaction - Canada's historic win - Germany OUT on penalties to Paraguay France v Sweden, Cote d'Ivoire v Norway, Mexico v Ecuador, Belgium v Senegal previewed Tipping competition - standings update & new picks 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from Brooklyn, New York 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - knockout stage in full swing ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet - Star Sports are best price England in every match Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    35 min

  5. Jun 28

    Knockout Fixtures Confirmed | England 2-0 Panama | Charlie Adam Reacts to Steve Clarke's Resignation

    The World Cup knockout stage is set, so Sam Matterface and Alex Crook map out every contender's route to the final. Who has the most favourable draw? Does the bracket change who they think wins it? And which side nobody was talking about before the tournament could go deep from their half? Former Scotland international Charlie Adam joins the show for an exclusive conversation in the wake of Scotland's elimination - with Steve Clarke since resigning as manager. Charlie gives his honest verdict on what went wrong for Scotland at this World Cup, whether Clarke deserved another shot at a major tournament, and what comes next for Scottish football. England laboured to a 2-0 win against Panama - job done, but not convincing. Sam and Alex react to a performance that raised as many questions as it answered. Did the changes work? And who played themselves into or out of the XI for the knockout stages? The Round of 32 gets its full preview - Brazil v Japan is the standout game of Monday's action, Netherlands v Morocco and France v Sweden the best of Tuesday's fixtures. Both hosts give their verdicts. The tipping competition enters the knockout stage with a new twist - with both hosts given a chance to double-down or change their mind on their launch episode outright picks, plus their match bet for the next round. ⚽ In this episode: Knockout draw breakdown - who has the best route to the final? Charlie Adam exclusive - Scotland eliminated, Clarke resigns, what went wrong? England 2-0 Panama - laboured win assessed, knockout XI debated Round of 32 preview - Brazil v Japan, Netherlands v Morocco, France v Sweden Tipping competition - outright picks + match bets for the knockout stage   🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from Brooklyn, New York   🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - knockout stage underway ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode   📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet - Star Sports are best price England in every match Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    34 min

  6. Jun 26

    Scotland on the Brink | England v Panama Preview | René Meulensteen Interview | Final Group Games

    Iraq national team assistant manager and former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook for an exclusive conversation - he shares his pride at helping bring Iraq to the biggest stage in International football and discusses their showing so far. Scotland's World Cup hopes hang by a thread after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. Sam and Alex give their honest verdict on Scotland's tournament as a whole - have Steve Clarke's side been good enough, unlucky, or simply at the wrong level? And is there any chance they still make the round of 32? The final group stage round has delivered some remarkable stories - South Africa's historic qualification for the knockout stages, Mexico and Germany through, Switzerland and Canada joining them, and Bosnia keeping their hopes alive. Sam and Alex chew over the stories. Then the big England question ahead of Panama - should Gordon be dropped after the Ghana draw? Rashford or Rogers on the left? Does Saka need to start? And does O'Reilly come back into the XI? Plus a look ahead to France v Norway, Uruguay v Spain and Colombia v Portugal before the tipping competition's final group stage picks - last chance to score points before the knockouts begin. ⚽ In this episode: René Meulensteen exclusive - coaching expertise from Old Trafford to Baghdad Scotland 3-0 Brazil - honest tournament assessment, can they still qualify? Final group stage round-up England v Panama preview - full selection debate & score predictions France v Norway, Uruguay v Spain, Colombia v Portugal previewed Tipping competition - final group stage picks & standings update 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from Brooklyn, New York 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - knockout stage begins next episode ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet - Star Sports are best price England in every match   Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    38 min

  7. Jun 24

    England 0-0 Ghana - Reaction | Lee Dixon Joins | Ronaldo is Back! | Who will win the Golden Boot?

    Sam and Alex give their full reaction to England's frustrating 0-0 draw with Ghana. Is it a case of second match syndrome once again? Or did Ghana's low block expose some of England's frailties? Arsenal and England legend Lee Dixon also joins to give his thoughts on the match and the World Cup so far. With Cristiano Ronaldo's brace against Uzbekistan announcing his arrival to the party, they discuss his record breaking performance and whether he can fire Portugal to glory. The stars have all shown up so far, with Messi, Mbappé, Haaland, Ronaldo and Kane all fighting for the Golden Boot - is this the most competitive World Cup Golden Boot race of all time? How many goals will it take to win it, and who does each host back? With live odds from starsports.bet. The tipping competition continues - Alex picked up a winner last episode and the standings are tightening. Both hosts lock in their next selections. ⚽ In this episode: Lee Dixon exclusive - his verdict on England's disappointing draw with Ghana England 0-0 Ghana - what went wrong and what needs to change? Portugal v Uzbekistan - Ronaldo's record-breaking performance Golden Boot - Messi, Mbappé, Haaland or Kane? Tipping competition - standings update & new picks with odds 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook   📍 Recorded from Houston, USA 🏆 New episodes three times a week throughout World Cup 2026 ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet — Star Sports are best price England in every match.   Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    37 min

  8. Jun 21

    Fabian Hürzeler Interview | England v Ghana Preview | Can Scotland make the knockouts? | Episode 7

    Brighton head coach Fabian Hürzeler joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook in an exclusive interview - we get his take on the 2026 World Cup, the tactical trends he's seeing and whether we could be seeing them in the Premier League next season. Scotland suffered a second group stage defeat to Morocco, but their World Cup is far from over. Sam and Alex assess where Steve Clarke's side stand, what they might need from their game with Brazil, and whether qualification is still a realistic prospect. Plus Netherlands' demolition of Sweden announced them as serious contenders, and both Germany and USA book their place in the knockouts. England face Ghana next, and Sam and Alex deliver a full preview - team selection, the Ghana threat, key tactical battles and score predictions. The tipping competition: Sam's Ep 6 selection was voided, Alex's result is in - find out where the standings sit and what both hosts are backing next. ⚽ In this episode: Fabian Hürzeler exclusive - Brighton boss gives his World Cup verdict Scotland lose to Morocco - but can they still qualify? Full assessment Netherlands hammer Sweden - serious contenders assessed Germany & USA into the knockouts - what we've learned England v Ghana full preview - team, tactics & score prediction Tipping competition update - Sam's void, Alex's result & new picks 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from Brooklyn, New York 🏆 New episodes three times a week throughout World Cup 2026 ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Back our picks at starsports.bet - Star Sports are best price England in every match. #WorldCup2026 Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

    40 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Inside Channel - the official Star Sports World Cup 2026 podcast with Sam Matterface and Alex Crook. Sam and Alex are on the ground in America for the full tournament, bringing you expert analysis, World Cup betting tips, England match previews, Golden Boot predictions, and daily reaction to the biggest stories. From group stage to the final, this is your go-to football podcast for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. New episodes every week. Subscribe for World Cup coverage you won't get anywhere else. 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Live from the USA ⚽ In partnership with Star Sports Bet World Cup 2026 | England Football | Football Podcast | Betting Tips | Sam Matterface | Alex Crook | Star Sports | FIFA World Cup USA 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | For support visit GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

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