Very touched by Flav saying he'll watch the final with his dad no matter what. I lost my dad in 2013, I was born in 1993 so we only ever saw England disappointment together. Would have loved to have been able to enjoy the Southgate era with him too. Hug your dads, guys!

Kane headbutting Yamal would be quite the heel turn

absolutely lovely that jim gets to experience these moments as a fan of a “smaller” club it’s really the only opportunity he gets, and with how positive he’s been over the course of this tournament no one deserves it more

James you gotta take your dad to the finals, would be a great sequel to the 2021 final!

So glad my favourite podcast is back. Cant put into words how refreshing it is to hear two fans honestly just point out the reality, England are in a final and enjoy it. Everyone else has gotten there “fun” from being bitter and cynical and here are two guys actually going to the games, tears in there eyes at the wins, watching the final with their dad and backing the boys regardless. You two are the heart of every true football fan, watching for the crazy highs of late winners, the energy of a crowd in unison, the hope and the despair instead of the internet mob who watch to pick there next fight or victim.

Flav - Watch the final with your Dad. Trust me. I watched Villa get promoted with my Dad a coupoe of years before he passed, and I cling to that memory.

Very kind words, gentlemen. Thank you.

UTV Gotta love a Watkins goal

Thing is, even by results he has a poor win percentage as a manager. And his record against fifa’s top 20 is horrible. I’m giving him credit for this, but the worries and criticisms aren’t unwarranted.

Can't understand people complaining honestly, I am as big a Southgate critic as anyone and think he should have gone before but he got it right and you can't deny his record and at the end of the day I want to see my team win so best believe I'm going to scream my head off whenever we win a game no matter how or with who!

I was surprised to hear James say he'd never heard of the phrase "moments team", because I hear it so often. Then I understood not everyone puts Goldbridge on at the backround whilst doing the chores at home. Not sure if he coined the term, but Mark has used it a lot over the past few seasons to describe United's attacking style where there doesn't seem to be a clear idea or a vision of where goals are supposed to come from. It's just moments of individual brilliance that seem to bail the team out time and time again. I can see why people would use this phrase for the current England side given how most of the games have panned out.

As with everything, it's not black or white when it comes to Southgate. On the one hand, he's done better than any other England manager. We've reached two finals, a semi and a quarter. That's a fantastic achievement. He's also created a great culture where players enjoy representing England, which has provided this platform for players to feel comfortable performing in high pressure situations. People will argue he's been lucky with tournament draws and only beaten weaker teams, which I can see both sides of the argument. We are favourites and should be beating most of these teams when you look at the quality in our squad. Same in previous tournaments under Southgate. Yet for decades we've come up against weaker opposition, struggled and sometimes lost. So in that respect, he deserves praise. However, despite often getting the right result against these teams, our performances, particularly this tournament, have often been very poor. There's no denying that. And they've been tight games, with last minute goals, against the likes of Serbia, Denmark, Slovenia and Slovakia. We weren't great in the Euro 2020 group stage either, and we drew 0-0 with USA in the World Cup group stage. As well as not putting in the performances we might expect against these weaker opposition, there's also the argument that we can't win against the other top nations. Switzerland and the Netherlands are decent sides, with some good players, but neither were considered one of the favourites going into the competition. Netherlands finished 3rd in their group! Obviously we did very well, but I don't think we've had a really hard test yet. That will come with Spain. But in previous tournaments, we've lost to Croatia and Belgium, Italy in the final despite going 1-0 ahead, and France in the World Cup. We haven't yet beaten a decent team that were considered one of the favourites. We also had home advantage in the last Euros! Colombia were a test in 2018, Germany in 2021 but they were going through a bad patch. But it's been Tunisia, Panama, Colombia, Sweden, Croatia, Czechia, Germany, Ukraine, Denmark, Iran, Wales, Senegal, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland and Netherlands. Drawing against Scotland, USA, Denmark and Slovenia. If we manage to beat Spain and put in a decent performance, Southgate deserves a lot of credit. But if we lose, and quite comfortably, then I think my views on Southgate will remain the same. Has he done better than any other manager? Yes. Should our performances be better with the quality we have? Yes. Were we expected to get to the stages we have in tournaments with the draws we were given? Yes. I think he's matched the (minimum) expectation we should have with the quality we possess - something every other England manager has struggled with. But he hasn't gone beyond expectations and beaten the best when it matters most. Hopefully he can do that against Spain on Sunday.

“Keep going Phil Foden” was said by Guy Mowbray, honestly one of the greatest commentators and I rarely hear him praised. His commentary when Watkins scored is elite. Goosebumps everytime I watch it. COME ON ENGLAND! FINISH THE JOB!

“I know they can play” he said. And they bloody did 🫶

Flav is spot on, people would rather not be wrong because they made their mind up when southgate was appointed manager, "he got relegated with boro so he'll fail with england ". Such a sad way to follow football.

I WAS AT THE KILLERS CONCERT. and I wasn’t not gonna go because it was over a £100 for the ticket. Some people had it on itv x on their phones. Score updates got around the crowd.

Lovely to hear both of your thoughts and the discussion about whether you should watch it with your fathers. Such a heartwarming thing knowing that you’re considering giving up a once in a lifetime experience to be at the finals to instead be at home watching it on tele with your dads. I bet your fathers would be so proud watching this but I’d really recommend staying home with your dads because you’ll save yourself the trip and the money because England are gonna loseeeeeeeeeee! (It’s only bants)

Flav bigging up Southgate. If Southgate was to be appointed Spurs manger watch his melt down then………..

foden actually ran the most on the pitch last game, I don't know how the stats are for the whole tournament, but for last game atleast

As a United fan Iv had a similar experience to this England journey this season Iv really learned how to get behind the lads and just enjoy the fact you are winning something this season .

Football for me is about the journey, and the journey this tournament has been incredibly dull overall. Im probably insane but that means I would genuinely rather play exciting football and go out in the semis than win the Euros through luck and dire football. It doesn't mean I don't want us to win, but it does make me less invested and so less excited when we do score a last minute winner, and less excited about the final. I can't force myself to enjoy it to the absolute max - though I wish like you boys I could! We are all different and get enjoyment in different ways! That said, one great thing about GS is that he's clearly fostered a togetherness and positivity in the squad so credit where it's due there.

For me, one of the major factors of our cup run to the final is how to get there without using the left midfield and wing at all. We lose it over Saka's performance on the right and Palmer when he comes on. We forget Trippier's one accurate cross to a Foden who went just too soon. But otherwise, I feel if we'd offered a more balanced attack, more often in those second half performances that tended to drop away. Or a blitzkrieg first half to actually build up a lead of a goal or two from an increase of opportunities then we would have seen a different performance. In the Netherlands match I could see Gordon starting instaed of Trippier. He tackles well and his threat up that left side would both help our attack and keep them honest on that side as well.

Mainoo put on a wonderful performance against the Dutch im sure legends like Seedorf , Van Baston and Cruyff would have respected the 19 yr olds Brilliance👏

Great pod guys. Unbelievable scenes this tournament. Completely agree on Southgate and supporting the team. I feel like you and other channels ride the wave with the team and appreciate the moments, wins, progress over the years and back the team when they start showing things from Bellingham goal onwards that create memories. Maybe it's my mindset but since Switzerland i've been pretty shocked after the game to log onto other channels or feeds and the negativity around playstyle, mistakes, being lucky, getting away with it, etc. which doesn't match how i'm feeling about the game or win. It's strange because i don't get the same sense when talking to friends, family, people at work, etc. where most people know this is great memories and the nature of tourney football. feels like maybe some creators are disconnected and not riding the wave / sticking to their guns where they don't need to as you said. makes you slightly sad for some of the mindsets but overall absolutely buzzing for where we're and what could happen on Sunday.

To anyone watching this with their dad, godspeed. I hope this is a win for you. My dad died last year and I'd love to be watching this with him for just today.

Just realised Flav is the spitting image of a latter age Bradley Wiggins. Any good on the bike mate?

England basically a better version of West Ham

The biggest criticism I can have of Southgate is: he's so endearingly British that he has taken the arrows and presented a calm exterior but you can see that underneath he really really fing cares

I certainly don't like some of his negative tactics and late, reactive decision making, but Southgate deserves all the credit in the world for changing the England camp from somewhere that used to be as toxic as it was, to one where the subs all feel part of the squad and are ready to make a difference when called on. That's great. It's also worth noting with him that when he does his interviews, he takes all of the blame for poor performances or bad results, but gives all of the credit to the players for the good ones, and defends them to the hilt when they need it. He may not be a master tactician, but he's a leader, and that's taking him a long, long way.

Flav is right, and the Copa America can be used as an example. It has been a way more enjoyable to watch. Not because the level of play is better because it's not by any means, but because the fans genuinely care and adore the moment they're in and their countries. European (mainly England) supporters have been in this self-deprecatory culture for a while now where they aren't allow to love and support their nations, so they come into the event in a negative self-loathing mindset, amd it sterilizes the game from any passion and vigor, and I find that really sad and some what pathetic really.

'Aboard the fa bangbus' is the greatest flav quote ever.

James has called Man United a moments team, as a negative. He must still be drunk.

You guys are fucking warriors. To come out here, get on with a podcast, with skinhead James as knackered as he was-I've nothing to say-it just makes me buzzing. Cheers, lads. Up the 3 Lions. Up the Big Mac I'm currently eating.

"Woke penalty" made me laugh. Well done who ever said that.

I have missed Flav like a loved one that moved abroad. - from an Arsenal fan

could they?

Flav so right about fans putting club over country and allowing that to affect their relationship with the national team. It's been a few years since I have felt that but this tournament it has definitely come back in.

C'mon Topps sort Jim and his old man out!

He has the vocal fry of Kim Kardashian! 😂😂😂

Great to see the non big 6 players coming in clutch! Watkins, Guehi, Konsa, Toney, Eze 💪 Would be great for Gordon to get some minutes

Get every defender training to stop Saka scoring in training sessions. Yamal plays so much like Saka that it is the only way to get the defence prepared for Sunday. Bring it home boys, come on!

Southgate needs to remain within the FA but we need someone to is tactically savvy. They don't have to be world class, we need someone who has experience and has answers for different scenarios. The players don't need guiding rather than coaching

If southgate goes then we should give dyche a go. Unbelievably underrated manager and i think he has the minerals for it. England will be playing 44 fucking 2

Flav's right. Spain have been great to watch and fully deserve to be there but they haven't had the moments we've had. "We know they can play" but GS's pragmatism causes the squad to play the percentage game. By the time we was out of the group the worry of losing the ball was more important than chancing balls between lines to feet and everything is 2-3 touches. The only time we've seen magic is when we're on the ropes and it's now or never and we're lucky enough to have the players who can do it. Man for man we have a stronger, deeper and experienced squad and I prey that Southgate takes the leash off. They know how to set up defensively just let them figure out creating chances themselves. The only reason we're here is down to individuals trying things outside of Gareths lore. They've save him from being the 2nd most hated man in England so the least he can do is to let them play their game with no grudges

We shouldn't have needed to rely on "moments" the way we have but it's silenced anyone who questioned this squads mentality and devotion. These moment have come from deviating from Southgates build up plan and he owes them his life for saving his name. He's instilled the defensive shape and tactics, let them be spontaneous and brave in the final third. Its do or die sunday, it's not time to worry about players being dropped. If someone is being a passenger then be proactive. No one is bigger than the nation and I'm sure you won't see a sad face if they have a gold medal round their neck

Its the battle of ibiza innit

4:55 He still scores many like that to this day. His finishing is better than ever, just lost more of his pace that has always been a weakness for him

So annoying listening to this. Of course you get behind the team and if Southgate win, who cares, you've been awful and won it, don't care will hold and love Southgate regardless. BBut I listen and watch media and podcasts from all over the world because I don't just want 1 perspective. The entire world has been critical of him, LITERALLY EVERYONE! And rightly so. He's played literally the same team every game, including players in their wrong positions, bringing in subs way too late. If not for a Bellingham freak goal everyone would be agreeing with this because it'd be another Iceland. We have beat no one we weren't quite easily better than at a major tournament while Southgate has been manager. Why forget all of that because we've made it to a final playing relatively easy teams? I will be rooting for England as hard as anyone come Sunday but hell no to another minute as Southgate manager again. The world sees the weak point of England as one thing, their manager. Why is it wrong for England fans to see that too. V disappointing to forget about all of this because we made it to the final!

Just when I thought it couldn't get any better, Jaffn return

Was thinking about this the other day Southgate's been the lightning rod for the criticism and thus the pressure that has plagued the performances over the years. For as much as ive criticised his decisions at the end of the day all we've ever wanted is to win and now we're well on the trail we're getting distracted by how our wins look and how pretty they are.

i think im the opposite to most england fans at the moment, ive been saying southgate has been great right up until this tournament. in the previous 3 tournaments the performances have been respectable if not box office, this euros we've been piss poor in every game offensively until the first 45 against the dutch. all credit to the squad for dragging us through to this point with unbelievable moments but its not on southgate this time. 2018, 2020 and 2022 he deserved credit for the performances but not this year.

The fact Kane gets his shot off makes it no pen. If it's in the middle of the park and he attempts a pass it's a foul. Although it was studs up he hasn't interrupted a goal scoring chance where as if it was during a build of play then it is a foul

All aboard the fa bang bus 😂

Such mindless defence of Southgate is what kept him in for one too many tournaments in the first place. Hes beaten Germany and Netherlands well but lost to France, Italy and Croatia, besides that he's been put up against teams like Slovenia and Colombia who we're clearly expected to beat and it's rarely convincing if we do even win. 2018 and 2021 were the only good tournament performances from England because we needed pragmatism, but since then the players have clearly outgrown Southgate's style and achieved what they have IN SPITE of his management.

If that happens anywhere else on the pitch it's a yellow and a free kick, why's it any difference in the box?

Gareth was perfect to bring the nation and players together, that was Stage 1. We're late on starting stage 2. Win or lose he has to leave 😊

Being a new fan to the sport, the constant clock has always puzzled me. Always wondered why at the least they stopped the clock when a player was legitimately injured to the point trainers had to come on. Then I thought about American broadcasters taking that opportunity to run commercials during games. Fuck that. Keep the clocks running.

If we was facing any other team than Spain I would believe we would win but that man Rodri just never loses football matches

I don't think they've been robbed. It was a foul anywhere else on the pitch so why not in the box? Over the years we've genuinely been robbed so maybe... just maybe this is our turn for a rub of the green

I would love to see a conversation between offscreen Rory and onscreen Rory. Sound like two very different chaps!

some people watch football to be entertained hence Southgate out while others are into the culture and tribalism aspect where winning is the MOST important thing so they wouldn't be phased by style of play

As an england fan the pen was serendipitous. Deserved no, lucky...of course but do i care, not at all...

Think that might be the first time anyone described Danny Olmo as sexy but whatever floats your boat Flav

Needed to hear from you lads. Been spiralling rudderlessly through football happiness, help.

Southgate was the right man to bring unity and an identity to the squad but that target was ticked off the list by the last euros. On paper he's had a good run against the rest but let not pretend that he's got us further than we deserved. 2018 was a shambles against Croatia 2 shots on target. Lost the euros final at Wembley to a poor italy 1-0 up and a quarter final exit to France that people praise him on. He's been arsehole lucky this tournement and he should hawk tuah every player who has stepped up and gone against his pattern of play. Every goal has come from some sort of excellence that we haven't seen any other time and it proves that when in desperation we have the players good enough to think for themselves because ultimately they're coached and drilled to do it on a weekly basis. I don't have any hate for him but I prey that we win on Sunday and he can walk away with a knighthood

Look at England’s road to the final 😂, chatting as if Southgate has been England’s best manager

Let’s have it right. Southgate is the luckiest manager to have ever graced the international stage. With the quality of the players at his disposal and the absolute lottery wins of draws he’s gotten in multiple tournaments. On Sunday he could very well prove the old adage, ‘it’s better to be lucky than good’. Let’s hope.

Idiotic or delusional, more moments than Spain, loved Watkins goal but Yamal's goal was at least twice as good. Fabian Ruiz & Rodri have been looking like ballet dancers. Olmo is making everyone all but forget about Pedri. The most exciting (shear frustrationis a form of excitement) thing Southgate has done has been his finder-finder approach ( a pool term used to describe a player who cluelessly hits his balls as hard as he can hoping to pocket his balls) or hail Mary. This delulu revisionism of the mans tactics & approach to starting lineup is almost careless. He's in real time stumbling into a lineup at least half the internet saw was needed after the second game, with an extremely talented team Kane's is currently similar Ronaldo 2 years ago except Mr cr7 could jump higher & Kane can drop the midfield which is useless & probably detrimental if you've got Bellingham & Foden doing the same things. He seems to be carrying an injury ( or just shot) , Thus he's useless while the teams is trying to press

Penalty in one word: Somethingshappeninghere

Alf Ramsey didn't have the choice of subs so cannot be compared to GS

COME ON LADS!!!!

Wow, can't believe no one is posting about us 'missing kalvin phillips'

Is it really QPR Rory?

Respect for wanting to spend it with your dad, especially as he'd be alone.

They can't keep getting away with this

Comon man Southgate has had arguably the best squad of players in world football, Ramsey won it with underdogs against the German juggernaut playing good football. Southgate has had the media on his side and adoration for doing a par job at best and as soon as the public turns people act like it’s unfair. He’s always played defensive turgid football and he doesn’t have tactical acumen. He’s beaten top ten teams 3 times out of 25 (I think it is now) fgs and this tournament has been build on moments of brilliance from gifted individuals not Southgate’s management. Watkins should have had more minutes rather than a struggling Kane playing the whole time and now he brings him for ten minute Hail Mary on it’s a master stroke apparently.

I can only hear sublime as sub-lime now

Is it time to drop Jude for palmer

Yesssss!!!!

I can't stand England doing well but if it gets us a bonus jaffn then I'm all for it.

Pizza story was shocking

9:45

It's never camin' ouuum! 😂

THE CHARGES AINT COMIN MATE, but pep for england

Why are people swerving the penalty decision. Remember, these decisions could go against us and anger would be immense

If anything I want England to win because of Jim and Harry Kane

How much did Surfshark have to pay for this peach? An out of season JaffN is a treat, I hope it's 6 figures. Rice is just average. Jesse Lingard claimed Mctominay was better than him so 🤷....Mainoo is the truth.

Success in West Germany, onto Franco’s Spain in the Eastern Bloc

Who do you start at left back?

Turned it off as soon as he said Foden is englands best player. He’s not even top 3.

Flav loves interrupting james doesnt he...let the man speak ffs😭😭😭

just to report i have tickets for Wireless this Sunday. I am beginning the journey of insurance fraud because it’s coming home.🎉

you are a funny guy

Am j loosing my mind or is this a week late

They were in the Final last time. LOST!!!!! 😂🤣😂

Fun fact, you can now like a comment by double clicking it

There's 10 Million people in the UK having come here in the last 20 years many of whom would disagree with us being one nation, but that's off topic.

Spain will play them off the park and the English tears will be delightful

Is Flav taking the piss? Calling out rice when Kane has been absolutely shocking!

Imagine England getting to a final and then hearing the most overplayed song in the history of music ruining that moment.