The England B Team Football Podcast

Footballing Comebacks

Mon, 05 May 2025 10:28:23 GMT

Don’t call it a comeback; much like ourselves, many famous footballing icons have came back when you least expect them. Like an ex sending you a “Happy New Year! :)” message, a return to familiar territory can be a risk and a comfort.

So from Mourinho and Drogba to Ramos and Peter Thompson, we look at our favourite footballing comebacks, and what makes the romance of it all so great.

The England B Team may not be podcasting as much anymore, but we’re very open to collabs, projects and whatever else you have in mind.

Big love x

Check out Joe on the Guiricast Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts!

Check out Gareth on The Inline G Flute Podcast in the same places.

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Obscure Football Trivia with The Football Game Co

Thu, 15 Aug 2024 16:55:54 GMT

We pit our obscure football knowledge against each other thanks to our friends over at The Football Game Co. How many forwards who played for Aston Villa can you name in 7 seconds? Does Adam Lallana count as a striker? And how did we forget Neil Mellor!?

If you fancy a copy of the game, remember to use our code ENGLANDB20 for a tasty wee discount.

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhoustonflute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

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Euro 2024 Preview

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 22:01:50 GMT

This summer’s European Championships are coming to our adopted country of Germany, so join us as we discuss how football is coming home, the eternal dark horses of Croatia, how the Germans will line up and a few tips for those of you travelling to Köln for the games.

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhoustonflute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - Reflection on Bayer Leverkusen’s last week

6:50 - How Football Comes Home

11:43 - Germany and France

15:07 - Dark Horses

27:41 - Best Player, Young Player and Top Scorer

35:16 - Advice for Fans Travelling to Köln/Germany

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Premier League 2024 Season Review

Wed, 22 May 2024 23:01:42 GMT

Remember way back on August 9th when we predicated what was to come for this Premier League season? Well, here at the England B Team, we don't shy away from responsibility. So join us as we hold our hands up and admit where we might have went a little wrong (and in some cases, even a little right) as we look back at our predictions and another Premier League Season.

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhoustonflute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

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Home Nations: All Time XI

Wed, 01 May 2024 22:01:01 GMT

The rules are simple; a combined, All-Time XI from Scotland, Wales, England and Northern Ireland. A maximum of 4 players from each nation, and a minimum of 2.

Some names on this list have picked themselves (Georgie Best, we’re looking at you) however others had us arguing a bit (Robertson at left-back!?)

Give it a go yourselves and let us know what you’d do differently.

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhoustonflute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

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Bayer 04 Leverkusen: All Time XI

Sat, 13 Apr 2024 07:51:04 GMT

From Vollborn to Hradecky, to Kirsten and Havertz; Bayer 04 have never been short of a World-Class player or 2. But can we fit them all into an All-Time Greatest Eleven?

With Gareth taking the more historic route, and Joe opting for the club’s recent success; we’ve built our own individual teams of the finest players Die Werkself has ever had.

(We might have to come back and update this list come end of May, but for now this is how it stands)

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhoustonflute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

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In Defence of Gareth Southgate

Wed, 10 Apr 2024 22:01:35 GMT

Gareth Southgate is, in almost every measurable sense, England’s most successful manager. On this episode, we’re looking at common criticism of Southgate, and debunk them one by one.

We look at how Didier Deschamps faced identical issues as France manager yet proved the nay-sayers wrong, and the historic role of the English Media in lambasting their National Managers.

We’re firmly Team Southgate here on The England B Team Podcast; give us half an hour and you will be too.

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhoustonflute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - Welcome back, you lovely lot

2:52 - The English Media and THAT Flag Controversy

6:30 - Providing Context; Previous Managers

13:46 - A likeable England team!?

19:22 - Southgate v Deschamps

24:47 - Alternatives?

31:45 - A Final Passionate Plea to the English

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FA Cup Songs: A History

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:01:38 GMT

The tradition of a team song for the FA Cup Final was a great one; images of uncomfortable players in a recording studio, headphones on, joined by a local pop star are iconic. But where did the tradition actually start, and when did it officially end?

From the 1970s hit “Blue is the Colour” right through to Arsenal’s Hot Stuff and the infamous Anfield Rap; we take a look at the FA Cup Final Song tradition and our personal favourites from it.

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhoustonflute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - England B and The BBC

3:52 - What is an FA Cup Final Song?

5:30 - Blue is the Colour and Maggie Thatcher

10:15 - Our Top 5

11:02 - Spurs with Chas and Dave

13:08 - United with Status Quo

14:35 - The ’97 Final

18:17 - Arsenal’s Hot Stuff

20:58 - The Anfield Rap

29:04 - Sergio Ramos and other Music Careers

35:00 - An Update to The England B Team

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What Makes a Football Flop?

Wed, 21 Feb 2024 23:01:31 GMT

From Shevchenko at Chelsea, to Nacho Novo at Glentoran; nobody is ever prepared for a football flop. But what causes a player to "flop"? And is the term overused?

This week we take a dive into the factors contributing to a player's underperformance, and what the criteria are to be considered a flop.

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - What's on the menu today?

3:35 - Factors that cause flopping

7:20 - Biggest Transfers of all time, flops?

13:45 - Empathy on the England B Team

14:50 - Nacho Novo and Djemba-Djemba

19:10 - Freddy Adu

23:04 - Andriy Shevchenko

26:05 - Kerlon (The Seal Dribble)

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Crazy German Goalkeepers

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 23:01:05 GMT

Welcome back to Season 2 of The England B Team Podcast! We’ve got a new set of threads as we gear up to take this podcast to the next level in 2024.

But to kick the New Year off, we’ve got a topic very close to our wee adopted German hearts; Crazy German Goalkeepers.

From Oliver Kahn getting arrested three times in one day for speeding (in 2 different countries) to Jens Lehmann taking a chainsaw to his neighbours tree, the Germans do an unhinged keeper better than anyone.

Also a huge thank you to Gareth Gra for our new logo, intro video and anything else you see new in our graphic designs. You can find his website at ggra.me or hit him up on IG @garethgra

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - New Year, New Threads, New Us

2:30 - Germany and Goalkeepers

3:47 - Why are goalkeepers unhinged?

9:28 - The Psychological Competencies of a keeper

13:28 - German Football Culture doesn’t help

18:20 - Jens Lehmann

23:25 - Oliver Kahn

27:08 - Hans-Jörg Butt

28:08 - Sepp Maier

28:26 - Harald Schumacher

29:29 - Tim Wiese

32:40 - Manuel Neuer

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Football Moments That Changed Our Lives

Wed, 13 Dec 2023 23:01:04 GMT

To celebrate making it all the way to Episode 10, we've taken a more personal approach to this week's episode; today we're talking about Football Moments that changed our lives.

We'll talk about our own experiences (similar events but very different outcomes) as well as some of our listeners favourite moments from The Beautiful Game. Champions League finals, German mega derbies and throwing up on live TV; it's all in here.

We'll be back in 2024 with new episodes and content, with some very big things planned. See you all then,

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - Very different ideas on the task

5:25 - Joe's CL 2012 experience

15:25 - Tyler's Liverpool Comeback

17:50 - Luca and Italia 2006

19:52 - Kieran and the Leicester miracle

22:55 - The Argentinian Rangers fan

27:30 - Tiago in Porto

30:05 - Oisín and Dortmund

32:10 - Gareth's Live TV boke

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Chelsea FC Mid-Season Review 2023/2024

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 23:01:40 GMT

In this mini-episode, we take a look at Chelsea's tumultuous start to the season and some of the reasons behind it, including transfer policy, tactics and injuries.

We also chat about the slim glimmer of hope that remains for the future.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

0:30 - Inconsistency

2:08 - Highlights of the season

3:00 - Chelsea's Strongest XI

4:50 - The Captaincy

5:58 - Worst moments

7:00 - Chelsea champions!?

7:40 - The Future

8:30 - Positivity?

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Bayer 04 Leverkusen Mid Season Review 2023/2024

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 23:01:53 GMT

We took a look at all the things that are making Xabi Alonso's Werkself the hottest team in Europe at the moment.

We analyse the return to form of Jonathan Tah, the depth of the midfield, Florian Wirtz's standout role and everthing else that's making Bayer 04 tick.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

0:29 - Xabi Alonso

1:37 - Potential problem?

3:37 - Simon Rolfes and Transfers

4:18 - Alejandro Grimaldo

5:40 - Florian Wirtz

7:22 - Season higlights so far

9:10 - Biggest Surprise of the year

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England and Germany Combined XI

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 23:01:53 GMT

One of football's greatest rivalries, or overhyped hysteria from the British tabloids? England v Germany has always had a media furore surrounding the fixture, but today we're gonna take a look at a more positive side.

Being 2 adopted Germans, we'll be discussing our combined England and Germany team from our lifetimes (late 90s - present.) The two-man goalkeeper debate was fierce but spoiler alert; neither of them are English.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro and context of the "rivalry"

4:45 - Goalkeepers

7:15 - Right back

8:32 - Central Defenders

10:30 - Left back

11:45 - Central midfielders

16:10 - Attacking midfielders

23:07 - Number 9

29:40 - English Silverware!?

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Footballing Haircuts: A History

Wed, 04 Oct 2023 22:01:36 GMT

From Geordie Best, to Freddie Ljunberg, via Rudi Völler and Abel Xavier; this week we take a look at the history of football's most famous haircuts.

Players have came a long way since Bobby Charlton's comb-over, so join us as we trace the path through the turning point of Italia '90, right up to the modern day, with our favourites along the way.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth x

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

3:10 - The England B Team go International

6:01 - Georgie Best, "The Fifth Beatle"

8:44 - The 80's mullets

10:50 - Italia '90

16:45 - 80's Bundesliga Barnets

17:42 - King Rudi Völler

19:05 - Eden Hazard's Confidence Cut

21:05 - Joe Cole's red streak

22:00 - Beck's controversial mohawk

24:13 - Freddie Ljunberg's red mohawk

24:50 - Gareth's Gudjohnsen confession

26:30 - Abel Xavier

27:40 - Mount and Havertz's failed buzz cuts

29:30 - Football haircut facts

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Todd Boehly's Chelsea

Wed, 20 Sep 2023 22:01:02 GMT

It's the topic we've been saving up for (or tentatively avoiding) as Chelsea fans; this week we're taking a look at the Todd Boehly era of Chelsea FC.

Firstly, we'll be looking all the way back to May 2022 and the feelings we both had towards the new era beginning at Stamford Bridge. We'll then analyse how it's went so far, including a look at the transfer policy (including how the money spent and FFP) and the managers that have taken the helm in this time.

We round it up with a chat about the club identity, the relationship between the owner and fans, and what's next for the West Londoners.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joefutbol96

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth

Chapters:

0:00 - Motto, Stevenage and what's on the menu.

4:03 - Initial expectations of the Boehly era

12:25 - The (or lack of?) transfer policy

26:30 - FFP - Chelsea "saving" money?

34:26 - The Managers of Boehly's Cheslea

43:55 - Club identity and the future

45:20 - Feeling like a break-up?

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Bayer 04 Leverkusen: A Love Letter

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 22:01:19 GMT

On this week's episode, you'll all have to let us indulge ourselves, as we discuss something that's became very close to our hearts; Bayer Leverkusen.

In these uniquely positive 50 minutes, we'll be going through all the things that have led to us falling hopelessly in love with Die Werkself.

From the fan scene and history of the club, to their romantic European adventures and nearly moments, we wax lyrical on all things that make Bayer 04 the (German) team for us.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joeedwards01

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth

Chapters:

0:00 - Why Bayer 04?

9:39 - First experiences with Leverkusen

15:28 - Always the bridesmaid, never the bride

24:03 - The Fan Scene at Bayer 04

35:07 - Cult Players: A Leverkusen Tradition

42:10 - 2023/24, tying the knot?

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Football Sponsorship

Wed, 23 Aug 2023 22:01:15 GMT

In this week's episode, we're getting stuck in to the topic of sponsorship in football. Firstly, we chat about the history of shirt sponsors, and then some famous cases where two rival teams shared the same shirt sponsor, as well as the benefits/negatives attached.

We then take a look at our own favourite, all-time shirt sponsors, before wrapping up with a chat around the impact gambling/betting sponsorship has on a team and it's fans.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joeedwards01

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro (and a grand merci!)

5:00 - The history of shirt sponsorship

8:20 - Rival clubs sharing sponsors

10:10 - Rangers and Celtic shared sponsorships

14:25 - UEFA ban on identical shirt sponsors

17:42 - Our favourite ever shirt sponsors

26:32 - The impact of gambling sponsorship

32:31 - The future and past of gambling sponsorship

33:30 - Alcohol sponsorship

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Premier League Predictions 2023/24

Wed, 09 Aug 2023 22:01:07 GMT

This week, we take a look ahead to the upcoming 2023/2024 Premier League season, and give our predictions for every single team. Where will they finish? Have they done enough in the transfer window? Will they improve on last season's place?

We also give some tips for surprise outfits such as Villa and Bournemouth, and one of us has tipped Chelsea (!) to win the league.

If you want to hear about a specific team directly, check out the chapters below in the description here to skip straight to them!

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joeedwards01

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Cheers,

Joe and Gareth

Chapters

0:00 - Intro and a look ahead

1:28 - Arsenal

3:00 - Aston Villa

5:04 - Bournemouth

7:04 - Brentford

9:10 - Brighton & Hove Albion

10:52 - Burnley

12:28 - Chelsea

15:54 - Crystal Palace

17:34 - Everton

19:32 - Fulham

21:05 - Liverpool

23:28 - Luton Town

25:04 - Manchester City

26:37 - Manchester United

29:03 - Newcastle United

31:09 - Nottingham Forest

32:45 - Sheffield United

32:52 - Tottenham Hotspur

36:00 - West Ham United

37:38 - Wolverhampton Wanderers

41:38 - Teams to watch

42:55 - POTY and YPOTY predictions

Cheers x

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Bundesliga vs The Premier League - Football Economics

Wed, 26 Jul 2023 22:30:35 GMT

This week we take a deep dive into the economical differences between the Premier League and the Bundesliga, and the cultural effects related to it. Joe also takes us through an academic paper he wrote on TV sponsorship in the two leagues, whilst Gareth goes head first into the German 50+1 rule of club ownership.

We also have another go at some Wikipedia football career challenges (no prizes for guessing which one of us is still nailing these.)

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss (or if you just wanna swing by and say hi), here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joeedwards01

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast,@joefutbol96 and @garethhoustonflute

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - What's on the menu this week

8:52 - Wikipedia Career Challenge 1

10:55 - Wikipedia Career Challenge 2

12:00 - Wikipedia Career Challenge 3

14:00 - Wikipedia Career Challenge 4

14:45 - Bonus Wikipedia Career Challenge

16:45 - Comparing German and English football structures

20:42 - Richest clubs in Germany and England

27:00 - Cultural reflections

27:55 - The 50+1 Rule

41:25 - German or English football?

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Imaginary Headers and Coco Pops

Wed, 12 Jul 2023 22:01:18 GMT

This week, follow us down a rabbit hole as we take a look at the imaginary header during the tunnel walk. Where did this phenomenon go, and are developments in sports science and psychology responsible for it's demise? We also take a look at famous footballing superstitions, and ask whether or not they're a force for good.

If you have any questions, football trivia or topics you want us to discuss, here's all our socials;

IG: @EnglandBTeamPod, @garethhouston_flute and @joeedwards01

TikTok: @englandbteampodcast and @joefutbol96

Twitter: @EnglandBTeamPod

Chapters:

0:00 - Intro

2:23 - Danke, Austria

5:29 - What is The Imaginary Header?

8:47 - Theory 1: Children Mascots

12:32 - Theory 2: Sports Science

14:55 - Theory 3: Sports Psychology

23:55 - Trivia Pause

24:45 - Wiki Career Path Game 1

26:19 - Wiki Career Path Game 2

28:09 - Wiki Career Path Game 3

29:11 - Wiki Career Path Game 4

29:42 - Santi Cazorla's Magical Return

31:46 - Wiki Career Path Game 5

32:25 - Wiki Career Path Game 6

35:07 - Famous Footballing Superstitions

48:28 - The Imaginary Header Conclusion

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Pilot - Chelsea to Leverkusen

Wed, 28 Jun 2023 09:49:35 GMT

Come and get to know us as we introduce ourselves and the England B Team Podcast (including that title!). We also take a look at one of football’s budding relationships; Chelsea and Bayer 04 Leverkusen.

Running Order:

0:00 Introductions

23:20 Wikipedia Career Path Trivia 1

24:38 - Wikipedia Career Path Trivia 2

26:54 - Wikipedia Career Path Trivia 3

28:32 - Wikipedia Career Path Trivia 4

29:28 - Wikipedia Career Path Trivia 5

30:55 - Wikipedia Career Path Trivia 6

33:09 - Chelsea to Leverkusen

34:25 - Callum Hudson-Odoi

41:16 - Michael Ballack

48:56 - André Schürrle

53:54 - Kai Havertz

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