Tuchel’s World Cup decisions + La Liga & Serie A fixtures overseas

The Totally Football Show with James Richardson

The Athletic

Soccer, Unknown, Soccer,, Sports, Football

4.6 • 4.2K Ratings

🗓️ 9 October 2025

⏱️ 74 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Jimbo's got Duncan Alexander, Colin Millar and Carl Anka along for some international break fun and games.

England have been under Thomas Tuchel's tutelage for a year - and his latest squad inclusions and omissions have certainly raised eyebrows. So where do the Three Lions stand at the moment - and how set is the team heading into next summer's World Cup? Plus - a word on the fortunes of the other home nations as qualifying reaches its climax across Europe.

CAF qualifiers have thrown up more than a few eye-catching storylines, no least the remarkable Cape Verde on the brink of a place in the 2026 tournament - and the drama surrounding South Africa's docked points. African football expert Maher Mezahi joins us for a deep dive into some of the key issues across the continent.

Plus - we react to the news that Uefa have 'reluctantly' granted permission for La Liga and Serie A to stage a game each abroad this winter, meaning European league games will be played on different continents for the first time.

Produced by Charlie Jones and Lucy Oliva.

RUNNING ORDER:

• PART 1a: Important quizzing and a quick overview of the last ever October international window... (00.45)

• PART 1b: One year of Thomas Tuchel (11.20)

• PART 1c: England v Wales preview (19.55)

• PART 1d: Group A jeopardy - can Northern Ireland qualify? (26.00)

• PART 1e: What of Scotland's hopes? (28.25)

• PART 2: Checking in on CAF qualifying with Maher Mezahi (33.50)

• PART 3: Headlines elsewhere - Fabio Cannavaro's World Cup return, Women's Champions League - and controversy surrounding fixtures abroad (50.25)

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Transcript

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