The Inside Channel with Alex Crook and Sam Matterface

England are out. Sam Matterface and Alex Crook react to a 2-1 defeat to Argentina in the World Cup semi-final. Did Thomas Tuchel get his tactical decisions and substitutions wrong? Should he remain England manager? They give their verdicts on what comes next. Former England and Liverpool midfielder Steve McManaman gives his honest reaction to the elimination, his verdict on Tuchel's future, and his prediction for the final. Former England winger Andros Townsend adds his perspective as an ex-England player - what it feels like to watch from the outside, his analysis of the tactical decisions that cost England, and the player futures question. Spain beat France 2-0 in an outstanding semi-final performance and are now favourites to beat Argentina on Sunday. It also has huge tipping competition implications - Sam's Spain outright pick is in the final, Alex's France pick is eliminated, and Sam's England v Argentina bet landed too. The gap now stands at a commanding 96.4 points. ⚽ In this episode: England 1-2 Argentina - reaction, Tuchel's future & the player futures debate Did England sit back too soon? The tactical post-mortem Stones, Pickford & Kane - could this be the end for some of England's key players? Messi's magic - leading Argentina to another final Steve McManaman exclusive - reaction, verdict on Tuchel & final prediction Andros Townsend exclusive - a player's perspective on England's elimination Spain 2-0 France - Spain in the final & tipping competition update Sam leads by 96.4 points - Alex needs a miracle 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Sam in Atlanta - Alex in New York 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - the final is Sunday   ▶️ 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

England v Argentina. The World Cup semi-final. The biggest game England have played in a generation - and Sam Matterface and Alex Crook are on hand with their preview. The tactical battle, how England stop Messi, team selection, the history of one of football's greatest rivalries and both hosts' score predictions - fifteen minutes of essential England v Argentina content before kick-off. Former England striker Darren Bent gives his expert verdict on England's semi-final chances, the tournament's golden generation of strikers - Mbappe, Kane and Haaland have all lit up this World Cup - and who he thinks wins the Golden Boot. Then former Sunderland and Newcastle midfielder Julio Arca joins to give the Argentinian perspective. What makes this Argentina side so dangerous? How do they see England? And does he think Messi and co can reach the final? The tipping competition update - Sam leads by over 50 points and both hosts make their England v Argentina picks. The competition is building to a dramatic conclusion. ⚽ In this episode: England v Argentina semi-final full preview - tactics, Messi, team selection & predictions Darren Bent exclusive - England's chances & the tournament's great strikers assessed Julio Arca exclusive - the Argentinian view on England v Argentina Mbappe, Kane & Haaland - who has been the striker of the tournament? Tipping competition - Sam's 50-point lead, England v Argentina picks from both hosts   🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Sam in Dallas - Alex in New York 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - semi-finals this week   ▶️ 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

England are in the World Cup semi-finals. Sam Matterface and Alex Crook react to a breathless 2-1 extra time victory over Norway - and one question dominates: are we watching one of the greatest tournament performances by an England player in Jude Bellingham? Both hosts give their verdict.   But it is not all positive. Jude Bellingham and Thomas Tuchel's post-match comments appear to put them at odds - Sam and Alex get into what the apparent friction between manager and player means heading into a World Cup semi-final against Argentina.   Scott Minto also joins Sam and Alex for the second half of the episode to discuss Argentina's quarter-final win over Switzerland and preview Tuesday’s blockbuster semi-final between France and Spain. Two of the last three World Cup finals have involved France. Spain beat France on the way to winning Euro 2024. Both hosts have skin in the game - their outright tournament winner picks go head-to-head in this one, with massive tipping competition implications.   France beat Morocco, Spain beat Belgium - all four top seeds are in the semi-finals. The full quarter-final round-up also gets the reaction it deserves.   The tipping competition update: Sam's France v Morocco HT draw and Mbappe to score at 4/1 landed, stretching his lead to over 50 points. Alex's last bet lost. France v Spain could be the moment that decides this competition.   ⚽ In this episode: England 2-1 Norway (AET) - quarter-final reaction Is Bellingham having the greatest England tournament performance ever? Tuchel vs Bellingham post-match - what did they say and does it matter? France beat Morocco, Spain beat Belgium, Argentina beat Switzerland - all four QFs reviewed Scott Minto joins - Argentina v Switzerland reaction & France v Spain preview Tipping competition - Sam leads by 50+ points, France v Spain could be decisive 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook with Scott Minto 📍 Recorded from Miami, USA 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - semi-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

Sam and Alex are joined by a full squad of guests for a bumper preview of the World Cup quarter-finals, including England’s clash with Norway.  Joe Hart joins live to preview England v Norway - providing his read on the Norwegian threat, how England need to set up, his thoughts on Jordan Pickford, and his impression of the squad environment.  Then David Seaman adds his own expert verdict on the quarter-final in an exclusive interview. Two England goalkeeping legends, one game. Essential listening before kick-off. France v Morocco is the pick of the other ties - are France still the team to beat after their last-16 win? Morocco continue to impress. Sam and Alex give their verdicts, along with full previews of Spain v Belgium and Argentina v Switzerland - including the Messi legacy question as Argentina look to go deep. Charlotte FC manager Dean Smith also joins the show to discuss USA's World Cup run, how football is taking off across America, and the former players he has watched shine on the biggest stage. The tipping competition update is in - Sam leads (just), Alex needs to respond with his quarter-final picks. ⚽ In this episode: Joe Hart live - England v Norway quarter-final verdict from a former England number one David Seaman exclusive - further England v Norway preview and tournament thoughts France v Morocco - are France still favourites? Spain v Belgium previewed Dean Smith exclusive - USA's World Cup run, football in America & his players on the big stage Argentina v Switzerland - can anyone stop Messi? Tipping competition - standings update & quarter-final picks 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from New York, USA 🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 - quarter-finals this weekend ▶️ 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fox Sports' Rebecca Lowe joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook for an exclusive conversation - giving her unique perspective on the 2026 World Cup from the heart of the action in America. One of the most respected voices in football broadcasting on either side of the Atlantic, Lowe gives her insight on how the tournament is resonating with the American public. Sam and Alex deliver their full England v Croatia reaction - did Jude Bellingham nail down his place as the first name on the teamsheet? Did England show enough to be considered genuine World Cup contenders? And with questions at the back, should Marc Guehi come into the starting XI? Portugal's laboured draw raises one of the biggest questions in football right now - do they need to drop Cristiano Ronaldo? Sam and Alex give their verdict. Plus Canada's demolition of Qatar, France finding their feet in the second-half, and what it all means for the group stage. Looking ahead: Scotland v Morocco and Brazil v Haiti previewed, plus verdicts on Netherlands v Sweden, Germany v Côte d'Ivoire and Spain v Saudi Arabia before those games kick off. And the tipping competition -Sam is flying after his Colombia to win and over 2.5 goals selection landed, opening up a 35.3-point lead. Alex needs to respond. ⚽ In this episode: Rebecca Lowe exclusive - World Cup 2026 from the US England v Croatia reaction - Bellingham, favourites debate & Guehi question Should Portugal drop Ronaldo? Canada v Qatar, France reaction Scotland v Morocco & Brazil v Haiti previewed Netherlands v Sweden, Germany v Côte d'Ivoire, Spain v Saudi Arabia previewed Tipping competition - Sam leads by 35.3pts, Alex fires back 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from Philadelphia, 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

Former West Ham and Croatia manager Slaven Bilic gives his expert verdict on England v Croatia in an exclusive interview ahead of one of the most anticipated group stage fixtures of the  FIFA World Cup. Bilic gives us the inside track on Croatia's squad, his expectations for the match and reflects on his own tournament exploits. Sam Matterface and Alex Crook also deliver their full England v Croatia preview - team selection, the danger men and score predictions. They also react to the news that Tino Livramento will be replaced in the squad by Trevoh Chalobah following injury - should Trent Alexander-Arnold have got the call instead? Plus: Reaction to Spain's shock 0-0 draw with Cape Verde - how do we reassess one of the pre-tournament favourites? Belgium v Egypt and the rest of the recent results are also covered before the show looks ahead to Portugal's tournament opener (and the impending departure of Roberto Martinez) and the second round of group stage fixtures. The tipping competition continues, with Sam and Alex locking in their best bets for the next round. ⚽ In this episode: Slaven Bilic exclusive - England v Croatia verdict from a man who knows both sides Full England v Croatia preview - team, tactics & score predictions  Spain 0-0 Cape Verde — how do we reassess Spain? Belgium v Egypt reaction Portugal's World Cup opener previewed Second round of group fixtures - what to watch Tipping competition picks with odds from starsports.bet 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from Dallas, USA - day before England v Croatia at Arlington 🏆 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

Scotland have their first World Cup win in 36 years. Sam Matterface and Alex Crook react immediately after full-time as Steve Clarke's side edge past Haiti 1-0 in their World Cup 2026 opener. Where does the win leave Scotland? Are they a step closer to qualification or was 1-0 not enough? Sam and Alex give their verdict. Also in the episode: Brazil and Morocco play out a fascinating draw in one of the most talked-about results of the opening round. What does a point each mean for both sides - and what did we learn about both sides? Former Premier League manager Steve Bruce joins the show in an exclusive interview, giving his thoughts on the tournament and what to expect from England. Plus, Sam and Alex assess Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Spain and Belgium ahead of their opening fixtures and the co-hosts, USA, finally get a shoutout following their 4-1 win against Paraguay, and an angry message from Matt from North Carolina. The tipping competition continues with both hosts locking in their best bets for the next round, with odds live from starsports.bet. ⚽ In this episode: Scotland 1-0 Haiti - immediate post-match reaction Where does this leave Scotland? Group stage verdict Brazil v Morocco draw - what it means for both sides USA impress in opening match win Steve Bruce exclusive interview Germany, Netherlands, Japan, Spain & Belgium assessed Alex's Japan dark horse - is he sticking with it? Tipping competition NAPs - best bets with odds 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded live from San Francisco, USA - immediately after full-time 🏆 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 0:00 - Scotland Reaction 04:20 - Scotland Fans 07:30 - Brazil v Morocco 10:30 - USA's Big Win 15:30 - Steve Bruce Interview 33:52 - Matchweek 1 Previews 39:20 - Tipping Competition Selections Star Sports Bet | 18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

Former Premier League goalkeeper Asmir Begovic joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook for an exclusive conversation ahead of Canada v Bosnia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Begovic gives his verdict on both nations' chances, the key players to watch, and what the game means for Group D. Sam and Alex also react to England's final pre-tournament friendly against Costa Rica and - for the first time - both name their starting XI for England's opening World Cup match against Croatia. Do they agree? Spoiler: they don't. The tournament is officially underway. Sam and Alex react to Mexico v South Africa, the opening game of the tournament, before turning their attention to the biggest upcoming fixtures - a preview of Brazil v Morocco and Scotland v Haiti, with both hosts giving their takes on what to expect. Plus the tipping competition continues. Sam and Alex lock in their best bets for the next round of fixtures, with odds from starsports.bet. ⚽ In this episode: Asmir Begovic exclusive - Canada v Bosnia preview England's final friendly reaction - Costa Rica assessed Both hosts name their England starting XI for Croatia Mexico v South Africa - World Cup opening match reaction Brazil v Morocco preview Scotland v Haiti - can Scotland cause an upset? Tipping competition NAPs - best bets with odds 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from 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  18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

Chelsea and England legend Frank Lampard gives his verdict on England's 2026 World Cup chances in an exclusive conversation with Sam Matterface. Lampard assesses the squad and identifies the players he's watching most closely, shares his memories of major tournament penalty shootouts and discusses THAT goal that never was against Germany — all in Episode 2 of The Inside Channel. Sam and Alex also react to England's pre-tournament friendly against New Zealand — who impressed, who has a case to make the starting XI, and whether there are still selection debates to be had. Scotland's friendly result gets the full treatment too, alongside the rest of the pre-tournament round. The tipping competition officially gets underway as Sam and Alex both lock in their NAP for the next round of matches, with odds from starsports.bet. One of them is already looking nervous. ⚽ In this episode: Frank Lampard exclusive — key players, ghost goals and penalties England v New Zealand reaction — what did we learn? Scotland pre-tournament — realistic ceiling ahead of the group stage Other friendly reaction  Sam & Alex NAPs — best bets for the upcoming fixtures 🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook 📍 Recorded from Miami, 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 

Sam Matterface and Alex Crook are heading to America for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and this is where it all starts.   In the launch episode of The Inside Channel, ITV's Sam Matterface and talkSPORT's Alex Crook sit down for a full tournament preview, alongside Scott Minto: England's chances, the big nations, dark horses, Golden Boot picks, and the best betting markets ahead of the World Cup.   Plus, Sam and Alex kick off their head-to-head tipping competition - both locking in their outright winner and Golden Boot selections from the off. One of them will be facing a nasty forfeit come July...   The Inside Channel is the brand-new football World Cup podcast, brought to you in conjunction with Star Sports - with new episodes dropping three times a week throughout the tournament, all the way to the final.   ⚽ In this episode: Can England win the World Cup?  Scotland's chances and realistic ceiling France, Spain, Brazil, Argentina - who lifts the trophy? Dark horse picks Golden Boot contenders The Alex vs Sam tipping competition begins   🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook, with guest Scott Minto 📍 Recorded live at Star Sports, Curzon Street 🏆 New episodes three times a week throughout World Cup 2026 ▶️ Subscribe so you don't miss an episode 📲 Follow along and back their picks at starsports.bet   18+ | Please gamble responsibly | GambleAware.org | starsports.bet

Sam Matterface and Alex Crook are teaming up to bring you The Inside Channel. The duo will be on the ground, taking you behind the scenes at the 2026 World Cup. Expect inside information, great value, top analysis and most importantly, that World Cup feeling with the fans. Keep an eye on our channels for the first episode dropping Wednesday 3rd June!