Thank you all for spending some of this year's tournament here with us on the channel, it's been top 🙏🏽⚽ Much more content coming from the guys before the year is out. Take care.

Podcast has been one of the highlights of the tourney for me. Cheers lads

Sick of people saying, "You can't drop your captain." Where has that loyalty got us? Similar to when Lucas Moura dragged Spurs into a Champions League final, just to be dropped for Harry Kane. It's like the answers are right there, but Southgate just can't see them. To get the best out of Kane, he needed to play Gordon.

And that's another reason Shearer isn't a manager. Repeatedly saying you can't drop Kane because of his past, is exactly what holds you back in the present.

I imagine Gordon, like Ben White before him, is wondering why he compromised his summer to sit on a bench for four weeks listening to Gareth talk about “the bigger picture”.

The fact that even Southgate himself said after the game that they couldn’t get Kane up to fitness or match speed, yet he still started every game says everything. If your striker isn’t match fit, don’t start him.

The silver lining of England losing is that hopefully it proves once and for all that the idea you can't win a tournament by playing attractive attacking football is BS. Look at Spain. Southgate had the players to play a similar style, and instead set us up to play like Stoke for the entire tournament

Why was Kane on for most of the final when he playing so poorly yet again and Watkins and Toney are just sitting on the bench? Ridiculous.

You have to admit the ‘best team’ won the tournament, providing great entertainment along the way, congratulations to Spain 🎉🎉🎉🇪🇸🇪🇸🇪🇸

I am german and this series of podcasts was the best reporting around the Euro for me. Loved the relaxed banter and analysis. I don't know why german television is not capable to produce at a same level as you guys. Kudos!

I think with Kane England has to look at how Germany handled Miroslav Klose, their record goal scorer, towards the end of his Germany career. He was still in the squad for their 2014 WC win, but not starting every game, and his impact was still significant.

"Spain had 70% possession in the first half" Yeah because Jordan Pickford kept hoofing the ball upfield to them, I honestly don't understand why pundits aren't mentioning it, 9 accurate long balls out of 25 attempted by Jordan Pickford in the whole match. How do you expect to keep possession when your goalkeeper has lost his rag and keeps hoofing the ball upfield like it's the 90's and giving it to the opposition? This isn't anything new either in the Euro 2020/21 Final against Italy Jordan Pickford had 11 accurate long balls out of 24 attempted, It's just not good enough, It's old fashioned tactics from a bygone era and no pundit is mentioning it.

As a Scotland fan, you’ve got a team full of world class players being hindered by a bad system and bad tactics. Palmer was one of your best players and he barely played 2 hours of football across 7 games. Ivan Toney always looked like a threat when he came on aswell, but Southgate just stuck with Kane and Foden who were poor the whole tournament. With the squad you’ve got theres no reason you cant breeze past teams like Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland. With a better manager you could win everything.

Spain showed us how to play. Can’t just sit back, ride your luck and hope for moments. Will come unstuck against top opposition.

What I can't get my head around, we have just equalized, Spain are rattled, we have a throw in near the right corner flag, Walker takes the ball, I'm thinking "get it in the box". He throws it toward the half way line and one touch, Pickford has it, he then belts it the length of the pitch, out for a goal kick! Who thought that was the way to go? Is that what we are being coached?

As soon as I seen harry play I knew it was over I was watching it with a 100 people to see the pain in the room was 😢

Thank you Gary, Alan and Micha and of course everyone behind the scenes. I am not a number 1 English Fan internationally, it's Italy for me but I am a Liverpool supporter. I do really enjoy every episode! As Micha would say "you've gots the energy!!" WOW! Thank you for the Euros and every other episode! Enjoy your rest and I will hear you again when the EPL Starts! A South African fan of TRIF! Thank you.

Southgate finding formations that routinely nullify all his best players is a special talent. Surely it's time for a change.

Sorry Alan. A manager with courage drops Kane coz he affected the team negatively more than any other player.

what a tournament it's been 👏🏿👏🏼👏🏽👏🏻👏🏾

Anthony Gordon is older than Saka, Bellingham and Palmer. It’s annoying that ppl keep talking about his age as if he’s not ready

Shearer saying "you can't drop Kane" is part of the problem of the english mentality which is the acceptance of failure and mediocrity. He was absolutely abysmal throughout the whole tournament and should've been dropped after the first 2 games, but in this country we prioritise names and reputation over actual quality. Yes his INDIVIDUAL stats are great but every team he's ever played in has underperformed when it mattered and him not winning anything in his entire career is not a coincidence. When you play with him in the team you're literally carrying a passenger for 90 minutes with the exception of the odd good pass and the fact that he usually scores if he gets a chance, but at the highest level of football you need MUCH more than that. Not to make one man the scapegoat though, because ultimately the manager holds more responsibility for picking him consistently and constantly setting up the team in a completely negative way. On paper our players are far better than Spain (only Yamal, Rodri & Williams could get into this england team based on talent imo) yet everyone in the media were calling England the 'underdogs' for this game, when we should've been the FAVOURITES but we have a completely inept and incompetent manager setting us up like we're a non league side.

I have absolutely loved watching these during the Euros!!! Thanks guys - great effort.

Tactically inept. In this tournament he's been forced to bring in players like Palmer, Watkins and Toney late on and they've all done well and put us on the front foot and every time he's put them back on the bench for the next game. He can't even see what's staring him right in the face. It's an absolute tragedy that we had one of the strongest squads of attack minded players in the tournament and we've a manager that sets us up and plays so defence minded. He's totally clueless and if it wasn't for the Father Christmas loves England draw and three pieces of individual magic in games, then we'd have have got nowhere near that final or the last. Under Southgate we've played a team ranked in the top ten teams in the world 26 times, we've won 5 of those matches. Those stats are the ones that truly matter and show just how strong we've become as a world footballing force under Southgate's managership. On top of everything else, watching England is like watching paint dry.

Linekar articulates most of us fans' thoughts so well.. and he's been doing it his whole broadcasting career. It's always been a pleasure to hear him put to words what fans expect and want. We want to see joy in the pitch and that's what Spain delivered successfully, simple.

1 thing is for sure. We will never get an easier run to a Final than that. The fact we give that so much praise is a joke. We should be walking our way through that with almost any manager.

Alan should be a next coach! Big Respect to you Alan!

Just want to say it’s been a pleasure watching / listening to you guys over the tournament - always knew in the build up and after the games I would have something nice to listen to and I love the humour you guys share. Just wanted to let you know before I disappear I listened to every one of your Euro podcasts (and I’m sure is the same for a lot of people) and they were much enjoyed. I will 100% be back for the world cup! Look forward to hearing from you guys then and keep up the smashing work!

For me, the spain loss doesn’t compare to Italy or even Croatia. Those were two games where we were easily the better team on paper, took early leads and had chances to put the game to bed and then conceded poor goals. Spain were the best team in the competition and the best team in the night and thoroughly deserved it

I can't wrap my head around Gordon not playing on the left.

Thank you all the way from Cape Town, South Africa. This podcast has been the best way to follow the EUROs! Gary Lineker got me into EPL football and Ian Wright got me to become an Arsenal supporter. I have enjoyed your analyses ... Gary & Alan Shearer are England footballing greats and Micah Richards with that infectious laugh have been a delight to watch. You reminded me why I love football. Your different English accents added to my delight. THANK YOU❤

Watkins and Palmer must be mad knowing they were effective yet didn’t get one start

Alan surprised me with his live commentating on TV. He was spot on with what England needed to do, was very unbiased (not when Newcastle is playing) and overall, has raised his game as a pundit. As for England, if we are totally honest,we were lucky to get through to the final with that type of anti football. Relying on glimpses of brilliance isn't the way.

It’s maddening that everyone accepted Kane had been bad and looked off it this tournament yet there was still this idea that he had to play. He actively held the team back the whole tournament and was predictably anonymous in the final again. Playing favourites might have cost us

I mean I don’t get it. Southgate used to play with fast wingers like Rashford and Sterling. Why did he change in this tournament? Gordon should have played more.

Gareth got it wrong the moment he selected 3 right backs, with 2 playing out of position. Bearing in mind the huge selection of players he could’ve chosen from, that is crazy. For that reason he has to go.

Micah is genuinely one of the most respectful people in football punditry. The flowers he gives the former and current stars of the game is so kind, heartwarming, and sincere. He also ensures the backroom staff get their plaudits, too. What a guy. Great pod, lads. Been a journey, through the Euros. Looking forward to the next episode of the podcast. The Premier League will be back soon 😊

Massively infuriating watching the English players working hard to win possession back and when they pass it back to Pickford just for him to send it long EVERYTIME and instantaneously turn the ball over to Spain. WHY IS NO ONE TALKING ABOUT HOW PICKFORD BROUGHT PRIME DYCHE BALL TO THE EUROS?!?!?! Look at Unai Simon going long, going short, lofting passes and finding the Spanish players in space while Pickford sprays and pray is just absolutely baffling.

I acknowledge 100% a lot of the criticism Southgate has received is justified. But i think he has a thankless job, i think he is under rated and under appreciated. He has done far better than some very high profile predecessors did and doesn't say or do anything stupid or scandalous that forces the FA to sack him (Venables, Hoddle, Allardyce). Careful what you wish for because the next guy may not be half as good. If i were Southgate, I'd run a mile from the job. It's a real pity for him that he couldn't land a trophy and silence some of the Talksport and KZfaq Influencer "experts" talking shit for clicks.

Thanks for the podcast. We love you guys. Desde España con todo nuestro corazón. See you in MOTD

Kane did no pressing of the two cbs. Southgate has his favourites and it cost us the final.

"you can't drop Kane" said just about everyone. I thought the laws of the game had been changed so I looked into it. Turns out it is still within the managers remit of picking the best team to win the game, no matter whether that player is the captain or the top scorer or what. Who knew!?

I´m german and I stand with Alan (great former striker). In my opinion should every footballnation have a manager from their own country. Otherwise tournements don´t make sense. My understanding of a tournament is that nations compete against each other in sporting terms, but of course without excessive, inappropriate national pride, but with a healthy national pride. That means that you are more or less proud of your country, but also respect all other nations. And I respect the English, although in the past (for no reason, because I was born in a different time) I was quite often defamed as a Nazi when I was travelling abroad. I like watching your show because, in addition to the football expertise, it also contains many entertaining moments. Best wishes and keep up the good work : o )

I wonder if Shearer and Lineker can now recognise their utter hypocrisy in telling West Ham fans to be careful what they wish for in wanting to see the back of a manager who plays defensive football week in week out?

Micah too much of a nice guy, the boys are spot on. They didn't take any risks ever until they concede

We had one of the fastest players in Europe sat on the bench and amassed just 4 minutes all tournament on the pitch and even then that was against Slovenia in the 89th minute, which he still created the first real chance of the game out of nothing. Anthony Gordon, tracks back, has the stamina and willingness to chase down every ball, he's a natural left winger, was the player of the tournament in the U-21 Euros just last year while playing in an England team that included Palmer, he had 20+ goal contributions last season, is the only player in Premier League history to score against each of the top 6 in a single season, played Champions League football against the likes of Dortmund, Milan and PSG so has experience of big game atmosphere. He could quite literally have been for us what Nico Williams was for Spain this tournament. 🤷‍♂

I'm sorry Alan, but kane cost us the win. He kept dropping into midfield, which meant the Spain defence was so high. This resulted in our midfield players who can play were so congested and couldn't play the way they can. We took him off and we scored. Kane needs to retire from international football

People really need to start realizing that Jordan Pickford hoofing the ball constantly is really not helpful. He's a shot stopper and that's it

Southgate is wasting all of England's attacking talent by putting them into his defensive straightjacket

How the fuck did FODEN get to start seven games in the euros ? and was piss poor in every game apart from 15 mins against the dutch

Gracias por tu programa Gary, creo que sois muy respetuosos con España y eso es de agradecer, también es verdad que nuestra Selección nos ha sorprendido para bien, el país pasó de dudar a ilusionarse. Ahora estamos muy ilusionados con el mundial y los jóvenes que están en la recámara como Gabi, Cubarsí, Zubieta, Yeremi Pino, Alejandro Valde, Stefan Bajčetić, Iván Fresneda, Assane Diao, Cristhian Mosquera, Iker Bravo, Samu Omorodion, osea que el futuro de nuestra selección es ilusionante.

Alan Shearer said it in Game 2. Kane does not run in behind the defenders to give them problems. He was spot on with this. 3 shots in 90mins of football is outrageous. 1st half was a disaster. They lacked creativity & had no idea what to do.

Cucurella had been magnificent the last 8-10 games playing for Chelsea.That's what got him into the Spanish squad.

Ya gotta love when "the media" refer to "the media" as if it's not them.

Kane being leggy at 32? Di Maria at nearly 35 ripping it on the wing for Argentina winning it all. Kane is his own enemy.

Love seeing you guys laid back. It's been a pleasure.

The game between Germany and Spain was decided on such fine margins, it served as a great example of how to play against the Spanish. But England avoid risk, which is why they only played proper football when they were a goal behind. And that's no way to win a final.

Wish I had stayed pessimistic now, it hurts so much more.

I must say, MICAH has improved a loooooot in this punditry business. He sure makes this podcast wholesome too

Thanks for a fantastic series of daily podcasts guys, You are such a great trio. Enjoy your summer break and I can’t wait till your all back and grassing up Micah for his antics yet to be. Respect

Shearer is right about Bellingham. He did not look enjoying his role on the pitch.

No one mentioning a 34 year old right back got opened up against Williams and was at fault for the goals. Trent, one of the best passers of the ball in world football, rotting on the bench because he 'cant defend' apparently. Neither can the first choice by the looks of it.

Now that Gareth has resigned can Gary/Al persuade him to do a podcast about exactly what it is like to be England manager?

This last game was so aparant that Kane was just simply too unfit to play. He looked way off and he looked in pain when running. We needed more energy up top

These frequent Podcasts have been sublime, well done to the whole team involved in this. It gives us fans a level of insight we‘e all desperate for which we don’t get in the broadcasts.

Kane should have held his hand up and said I’m not fit ..

38:29 keep coming back to this bit, Gary sounding pissed and then giggling warms my heart

Rest is Football became my routine every morning during this Euros. Enjoyed every minute!

Southgate needs to go this is the second final his impressive lack of tactical flexibility has cost us again. Fans have been saying we need him gone after the last world cup when it was highlighted how bad he was

From Spain, it has been a real pleasure to listen this podcast. Football knowledge in upper Letters. Magnificent. Thanks a lot

"The Real Madrid midfielder, who said the “crazy” fixture calendar meant he was mentally and physically exhausted at the tournament" as good as a player he is or might be , the management should have been aware of this and rotated better . it was obvious watching him the spark was missing ..

How is Foden the best player in England? Saka has consistently delivered tenfold since breaking into the first team at Arsenal at 17, for club and country, and Foden has had one good year, where he also handicapped Haaland from scoring more.

BBC aren't the only ones being critical of England .. Virtually every other outlet available, have said the same thing...

Gutted for the lads. Despite how much I disagree with our tactics and want to moan… I won’t. I’m still proud. I still to got to experience a moment of ecstasy with the people I love, which I won’t forget. Congratulations to Spain. Thoroughly deserved. Loved this pod all tournament and looking forward to the prem being back now. Cheers guys 🍻

Southgate.... Really really substandard. Why can't we admit it? Why was he even selected as England manager even from u21. That squad is primeeeee to win a tournament. Kane... Kane... Rubbish, not fit... Why was he played. Need a proper manager

England played that one half well against the Netherlands because the dutch allowed them to through a flawed system. As soon as they adapted, England was out of the game in the 2nd half.

The same People that said Ronaldo should be drop are giving excuse for not droping Kane because he is a Captain. Make it make sense pls

Thank you Alan for being the most honest pundit about the status of the team, it has been a breath of fresh air. I do strongly disagree with you though about the "not dropping the captain", because Kane deserved to be dropped and others given the opportunity who would have utilised the system and use the chances. Thank you guys for making this tournament more enjoyable even when the football wasn't

Gareth's half time team talk is reading the health and safety act

Gordon on left. Watkins replaces Kane. Palmer replaces Mainoo or Rice. Play with a back three. England fixed. Spain is still better. Argentina is still better. However, the football would be more attractive.

Micah is a very well-dressed man. Bravo.

This Pod has been my highlight of this tournament. You guys need to win some sort of award for your body of work this summer. Has been brutally authentic, informative and thoroughly entertaining.

Could never bring myself to listen to/watch this for some reason but relented during the tournament Absolutely brilliant it has been the perfect accompaniment and I look forward to more episodes when the new season begins Well done one and all and thank you!!!

Great chemistry and insight , quality content , we werent good enough end of . Thats football ...........

Absolutely loved these podcasts.. Going to be part of my memories of this Euro’s tournament. Thank you Gary, Alan, Micah and the producers behind the scenes 🙌👍

Shall miss this podcast more than I will miss Kane and Southgate.

Been following along with you guys for the entire tournament, great company 👏🏾 Thanks guys

Its amazing the deja vu here, I can recall such conversations (we have player x, y, z, we should be great) whenever England had Gerard, Lampard, Scholes, etc.

Our hearts wanted England to win but our heads knew they couldn’t…

Don’t want to see Kane or Southgate near an England set up ever again

Bring it on jts coming home got me so hard. I was rooting for spain to win but you gotta appreciate these pundits for the pursue of unbiased podcasts even tho its hard to do so

Thanks for the uploads, been a good ride. The tournament was great for the economy. Have some great memories, Watkins goal was number 1. Right team won. 🔥💪🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Time for Southgate to go, he's taken the team as far as he can

Kane is a serial loser. He's never won a single final he's played in, it must be a nightmare trying to hype up the team fir a match with that guy moping around expecting to lose yet again.

All of the conversation, relying on individual brilliance to win, negative tactics, etc… it is exactly the conversation west ham fans have been having ahead of Moyes’s departure. And none of these guys would give it the time of day So, to you England fans, be careful what you wish for in a new manager ;)

Gary. As a Wimbledon supporter. I haven't forgotten your Cefax comments. I now have a lot of respect for you.

Thank you so much for all the episodes during the euros, it really made us feel like we were a big family cheering and laughing together. My favourite podcast by far

Carvajal spent the second half as a RWF as he had no fear about anything on the left. Gordon should have been there supporting Shaw and giving the threat of a counter. Zero pace up front.

Southgate may have restored pride in the England team, but we will never win anything with him. There was a stark contrast between how Spain used their young, fearless new stars and how we used ours - we sat them on the bench or we forced them into roles that they were not used to playing. Southgate got this part of his job woefully wrong and should have received considerably more flak as he has repeated his mistakes over and over again. He has simply not been brave enough and has shown little real confidence in the players that he had at his disposal, despite what he says. It was obvious to everyone that we had not played well enough in games yet Southgate changed so little in response. He simply thinks that if we pick our best 11 players we have a team instead of picking players that may not be the best but are more complimentary to each other. Hoping he gets the sack but people will say who can replace him, to which I would say you never really know about anyone until you give them the job!

at 1-1 in the last 10 minutes of the second half we had a throw in on the right about 6 yards from the Spain end corner flag, instead of attacking Goal in two touches we passed it back to Pickford who booted it up the pitch and we lost possession, that typified the mindset, we were never playing to win in any match we were always playing not to lose. Getting to the last two finals is an amazing achievement Gareth has done a magnificent job, next step is to be more expansive/adventurous and win the world cup please!!!