On this episode of **A Must Win Game**, Warren Barton breaks down England's heartbreaking World Cup semifinal loss to Argentina and explains why he believes head coach **Thomas Tuchel** deserves much of the blame. Barton argues Tuchel's tactical decisions, substitutions, and approach failed England on the biggest stage in world soccer—and even says the England manager should apologize to his players for not putting them in the best position to succeed.

The conversation also covers some of the biggest stories from the FIFA World Cup, including:

* Why England lost to Argentina in the World Cup semifinals

* Should Thomas Tuchel apologize to the England squad?

* Warren Barton's analysis of Tuchel's coaching decisions

* Lionel Messi's legacy after another historic World Cup run

* The US Men's National Team's Round of 16 exit

* Is Christian Pulisic receiving fair or unfair criticism?

* What the future looks like for the USMNT

* Spain vs. Argentina: Warren Barton's World Cup Final prediction

* Can Spain stop Lionel Messi and Argentina?

* Complete World Cup analysis and reaction

Warren Barton brings the perspective of a former England international and current FOX Sports analyst to one of the biggest tournaments in the world, offering honest insight into England's performance, the USMNT, Lionel Messi, Christian Pulisic, and the World Cup Final.

Who do you think wins the FIFA World Cup Final? Was Thomas Tuchel the biggest reason England was eliminated? Is Christian Pulisic being judged too harshly? Let us know in the comments.

If you enjoy FIFA World Cup coverage, England national team news, USMNT analysis, Lionel Messi updates, Christian Pulisic news, soccer tactics, football podcasts, and international football discussion, be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more episodes of **A Must Win Game**.

Time stamps

1:03 - Warren Barton is the toughest broadcaster on television

3:11 Mistakes made by England's coach Tomas Tuchel during the loss to Argentina in the semi-finals

5:14 Should Tuchel be fired?  

8:23 All time matches between England and Argentina

9:35 Lionel Messi is not from this planet

12:21 Spain vs Argentina preview of the World Cup Final

15:00 Why the US Men's National Team wilted under the pressure of the World Cup

16:41 Fair and Unfair criticism of Christian Pulisic

18:19 Lessons for the US Men's National Team from the World Cup

19:48 Warren barton predicts Spain will win the World Cup and Messi will win the Golden Boot

#WorldCup #England #ThomasTuchel #LionelMessi #USMNT #ChristianPulisic #Argentina #Spain #Football #Soccer #FIFA #WorldCupFinal

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Hosted by award-winning sports broadcaster Maggie Gray, this twice-weekly podcast breaks down the biggest stories across the NFL, NBA, MLB, college sports, and beyond. Whether it's the hottest headlines, the biggest controversies, or the moments everyone is talking about, Maggie delivers insightful analysis, strong opinions, and the perspective of someone who has spent years covering the games that matter most.

In addition to breaking down the latest news, A Must Win Game features exclusive conversations with athletes, coaches, executives, broadcasters, writers, and some of the biggest personalities in sports.

Before launching A Must Win Game, Maggie Gray built an award-winning career covering sports at Sports Illustrated, WFAN, and CBS Sports Radio, becoming one of the most respected voices in sports media.

Subscribe now and never miss an episode as Maggie brings you:

Bold opinions on the biggest stories in sports

Exclusive interviews with athletes, coaches, and sports media insiders

NFL, NBA, MLB, college football, college basketball, and more

Smart analysis with no hot takes for the sake of hot takes

Two new episodes every week

Whether you're a die-hard fan or just want to stay informed on everything happening across the sports world, A Must Win Game with Maggie Gray is your new go-to sports podcast.

Subscribe on YouTube at YouTube.com/@AMustWinGame and wherever you get your podcasts, and join us twice a week for the conversations every sports fan should be having.

#AMustWinGame #MaggieGray #SportsPodcast #NFL #NBA #MLB #CollegeFootball #CollegeBasketball #Football #Basketball #Baseball #SportsNews #SportsTalk #SportsMedia #Podcast

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Brandt, whose new book is out now, It called Smarter About Sports: My Life Navigating Athletes, Agents, media and the Business of the NFL" (Link to buy http://bit.ly/4fAJUK7) takes us behind closed doors inside the Packers organization to explain what really happened when Aaron Rodgers was drafted to replace Brett Favre, how the two quarterbacks actually coexisted for three seasons, and what the atmosphere was like when Green Bay finally made the difficult decision to move on from Favre and hand the franchise to Rodgers.

We also discuss Andrew's perspective on Brett Favre's fall from grace in recent years, Aaron Rodgers' Netflix documentary, his evolving public image, and the media appearances that continue to shape the narrative around one of football's most polarizing stars.

Beyond the Packers, we dive into today's biggest NFL storylines:

The untold story of Aaron Rodgers' infamous 2005 NFL Draft night

What Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers were really like behind the scenes

How the Packers managed three years of quarterback tension

The decision to replace Brett Favre with Aaron Rodgers

Brett Favre's legacy and fall from grace

Aaron Rodgers' documentary and changing media image

Who will be with the Philadelphia Eagles longer: Jalen Hurts or Nick Sirianni?

New York Giants rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart's viral offseason backflips off a yacht

Andrew Brandt's surprising media feud with Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio

Why the Seattle Seahawks could be the last NFL team sold for a long time  

If you're a Packers fan, an Aaron Rodgers fan, or simply love behind-the-scenes NFL stories that only an insider can tell, this conversation is packed with exclusive insight you won't hear anywhere else.

Be sure to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more exclusive NFL interviews.

#AndrewBrandt #AaronRodgers #BrettFavre #GreenBayPackers #Packers #NFL #NFLPodcast #JalenHurts #NickSirianni #PhiladelphiaEagles #NewYorkGiants #JaxsonDart #MikeFlorio #ProFootballTalk #NFLNews #FootballPodcast #NFLInterview #SportsPodcast #NFLDraft #Quarterback

time stamps

1:15 Why Andrew Brandt likes his life better now than when he was a vice president of the packers  

5:38 working with brett favre and aaron ridgers  

9:30 behind the scenes of Aaron Rodgers infamousNFL Draft night

11:45 Did the packers ever come close to trading aaron ridgers

12:32 Rodgers reunites with Mike McCarthy and why Andrew believes their relationship got stale in green bay.

15:20 Aaron Rodgers has always been honest, no matter the topic  

16:45 Did anyone at the Packers know Rodgers was estranged from his family?

17:30 behind the scenes on the Packers decision to move on from Brett Favre for Aaron Rodgers

20:13 watching brett Favre’s fall from grace as someone who revered him  

23:00 what were aaron rodgers and brett favre like when tehy were together

26:00 what’s next for aaron rodgers after he’s done playing football

30:00 the Seattle Seahawks were just sold, who will be the next NFL team to be sold?

34:12 Who will be in Philadelphia longer, jalen hurts or nick sirianni?  

37:20 Jaxson Dart doing backflips off yachts  

38:40 an unexpected media beef with Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio  

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We begin with the biggest question in basketball: Where will LeBron James finish his career?

Marc Stein breaks down LeBron's free agency, the teams pursuing him, and why one of the biggest surprises is that LeBron appears willing to consider destinations in the Western Conference. We also discuss whether the New York Knicks are a realistic possibility and examine the central question surrounding his decision: Is this about winning another championship, protecting his legacy, or creating opportunities beyond basketball?

Next, we turn to the Los Angeles Lakers, where Luka Dončić has become the franchise centerpiece. After investing heavily in Walker Kessler and committing major money to Austin Reaves, are the Lakers legitimate championship contenders, or do they still have critical holes to fill? Marc explains what Los Angeles still needs if it hopes to compete for another NBA title.

We also dive into one of the offseason's most shocking moves: Jaylen Brown's trade from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers. Why did Boston make the deal when it did? Why send a franchise cornerstone to an Eastern Conference rival? And what questions still haven't been answered about the Celtics' long-term vision?

Finally, we rank the NBA figures facing the most pressure entering next season. From Ja Morant trying to reestablish himself as one of the league's elite guards, to Victor Wembanyama carrying enormous expectations, to Jaylen Brown beginning a new chapter in Philadelphia, Giannis Antetokounmpo chasing another title, and Brad Stevens defending one of the most scrutinized front-office decisions in recent memory, we debate who has the most at stake.

If you're an NBA fan who loves insider reporting, free agency news, trade analysis, roster building, and championship debates, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

LeBron James free agency

Marc Stein

NBA free agency

New York Knicks

Los Angeles Lakers

Luka Dončić

Walker Kessler

Austin Reaves

Jaylen Brown

Boston Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers

Jayson Tatum

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Ja Morant

Victor Wembanyama

Brad Stevens

NBA rumors

NBA analysis

Basketball podcast

Sports podcast

If you enjoy intelligent NBA conversations, exclusive insider perspectives, and deep dives into the biggest stories in basketball, be sure to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a review.

Time stamps

01:15 - Lebron James's free agency. Why those in the NBA fear Cleveland Cavalier the most

03:02 - What LeBron's agent Rich Paul says lots of teams make sense and is leaving more breadcrumbs

05:10 - Why is LeBron making a show of his free agency and the shocking development that LeBron is seriously considering a team in the Eastern Conference

09:00 The Golden State Warriors definitely want LeBron to join them

12:00 Would Jalen Brunson of the New York Knicks call Lebron and ask him to join the Knicks?

15:20 The Los Angeles Lakers are Luka Doncic's team now after LeBron, are they championship contenders?  

18:35 Unanswered Questions after Jaylen Brown was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers

24:00 the six people in the NBA with the most pressure on them next season?

28:41 Marc also covered soccer as a reporter and he rants about why Christian Pulisic is getting too much blame for the USMNT losing to Belgium and wonders why the US isn't producing world class goalkeepers anymore? 

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This week on A Must-Win Game, we dive into the biggest and most controversial stories across the sports world—and beyond.

We begin with LeBron James and what has become one of the most talked-about NBA storylines of the offseason. Why has LeBron's free agency played out so publicly? What should fans make of reports that his agent, Rich Paul, has been keeping a whiteboard of potential landing spots? Is this about finding the best basketball situation, or has the offseason become part of the entertainment?

Next, we discuss the controversy surrounding Folarin Balogun and the U.S. Men's National Team ahead of its World Cup showdown with Belgium. We examine FIFA's decision to allow Balogun to suit up despite his previous red card, the public debate surrounding reports of political involvement, and why many American soccer fans are feeling conflicted. Can you celebrate a favorable outcome if you question the process that produced it? We also explore how FIFA's long-standing reputation continues to shape fan reactions to controversial decisions.

Then we turn to the NFL, where Brandon Aiyuk continues to dominate headlines. From his social media activity to the ongoing trade speculation, we discuss whether Aiyuk is helping or hurting his chances of getting the fresh start he wants—and what his public interactions could mean for a potential move.

We also spotlight why Philadelphia is enjoying one of the best stretches of success in American sports, with multiple teams generating excitement and championship expectations.

Finally, we close with one of the biggest pop culture conversations of the week: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Was their highly publicized wedding simply a celebration, or has it also become a masterclass in modern branding and public relations?

Topics Covered:

LeBron James free agency

Rich Paul

NBA free agency

NBA rumors

Folarin Balogun

USMNT

FIFA World Cup

USA vs. Belgium

FIFA controversy

Brandon Aiyuk

San Francisco 49ers

Washington Commanders

Jayden Daniels

Philadelphia sports

Taylor Swift

Travis Kelce

NFL news

NBA analysis

Soccer analysis

Sports commentary

TIME STAMPS

00:36 - Why LeBron's free agency has become embarrassing

07:41 - FIFA and President Trump have made a World Cup controversy even worse

13:34 - Brandon Aiyuk is acting unhinged 

17:45 - Philadelphia is having a moment as a sports city 

19:26 - the Miami marlins denied their best player a chance at history 

22:34 -Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding was just random celebrities. 

If you enjoy smart sports conversations, bold opinions, NBA and NFL analysis, World Cup coverage, and the biggest stories shaping sports and culture, be sure to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a review.

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This is a podcast for sports fans, especially the NBA free agency and the Fifa World Cup. Both have been exciting and dramatic!

The NBA offseason has delivered blockbuster headlines, and A Must-Win Game breaks down everything you need to know.

We begin with one of the biggest trades in recent NBA history as NBA analyst Rohan Nadkarni explains the Jaylen Brown trade from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers. We examine why Boston made the move, what it means for Joel Embiid, Jayson Tatum, and the balance of power in the Eastern Conference, and which team came out on top.

Then we tackle one of the hottest takes of the offseason: Should LeBron James sign with the Denver Nuggets? We explain why teaming up with Nikola Jokić could be the perfect final chapter of LeBron's career and what it would mean for the NBA title race.

We also rank the Top 5 teams in the Eastern Conference heading into the season and explain why we don't believe the Los Angeles Lakers are legitimate championship contenders. Is the Lakers' roster good enough to compete for an NBA title, or are expectations simply too high?

In the second half of the show, soccer analyst Luis Miguel Echegaray joins the podcast to preview one of the biggest matches in U.S. Men's National Team history at the FIFA World Cup.

timestamps

00:30 intro and why did the celtics trade Jaylen Brown to the Philadelphia 76ers??

03:00 why is Jaylen Brown a polarizing player?  

05:00 ranking the top 5 NBA teams in the eastern conference

07:55 Rohan thinks LeBron should sign with the Denver Nuggets and here's why

10:22 the ceiling for the Los Angeles Lakers this season?  

12:10 Luka Doncic is calling the shots with the LA Lakers

18:40 Luis Miguel Echegaray joins the show! Should Flo Balogun have been given a red card vs Bosnia-Herzegovina?

21:40 how do you replace flo balogun?

24:48 how much pressure is now on Christian Pulisic and can he handle it?  

26:29 Why France is the team playing the best in the 2026 Fifa World Cup

We discuss:

⚽ Why Folarin Balogun's red card was technically the correct decision under the Laws of the Game.

⚽ The enormous pressure now facing Christian Pulisic as the USMNT prepares for its Round of 16 showdown against Belgium without its starting striker.

⚽ Why France has separated itself from the rest of the field and looks like the team to beat at this World Cup.

⚽ Tactical breakdowns, predictions, and what the United States must do to advance.

If you enjoy in-depth NBA analysis, World Cup coverage, soccer tactics, sports debate, and conversations about the biggest stories in sports, this episode is for you.

Topics Covered:

Jaylen Brown trade

Boston Celtics

Philadelphia 76ers

LeBron James

Denver Nuggets

Nikola Jokić

Los Angeles Lakers

NBA offseason

NBA power rankings

Eastern Conference

Christian Pulisic

Folarin Balogun

USMNT

USA vs. Belgium

FIFA World Cup

France national team

Soccer analysis

Basketball analysis

Be sure to FOLLOW, SUBSCRIBE, and leave a review if you enjoy the show!

Keywords: Jaylen Brown, Celtics, Philadelphia 76ers, LeBron James, Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokić, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA Podcast, NBA Analysis, Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, USMNT, FIFA World Cup, USA vs Belgium, France Soccer, Soccer Podcast, Sports Podcast, Basketball, Football, Sports Talk

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Award-winning broadcaster Linda Cohn sits down to discuss her remarkable 34-year career at ESPN, where she became the longest-tenured SportsCenter anchor in network history, hosting more than 5,600 episodes of the iconic show. Linda opens up about the highs, the challenges, and the lessons learned during one of the most influential careers in sports media.

Among the topics discussed:

Why Linda believes she "should have gotten more opportunities" during her ESPN career.

The pressure ESPN personalities faced to create a memorable signature catchphrase—and how "For the love of elevation!" became one of hers.

The emotional decision to retire from ESPN after 34 years.

The surprising celebrities who reached out after her retirement announcement, including Lil Wayne and Charles Barkley.

Behind-the-scenes stories from SportsCenter.

The evolution of sports media over the past three decades.

Advice for the next generation of sports broadcasters.

Her exciting new YouTube channel and podcast launching in late July.

Then, former Maggie and Perloff co-host Andrew Perloff joins the show for another edition of Stock Up / Stock Down, where we break down the biggest stories in sports, including:

📈 LeBron James' legacy after announcing his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers.

📈 FIFA, the World Cup, and the fascinating contradiction between football's most beloved tournament and one of sports' most controversial governing bodies.

📉 Phil Mickelson and the latest controversy surrounding one of golf's greatest champions—and what it could mean for his legacy.

📈 The biggest winners and losers across the sports world this week.

Whether you're passionate about the NBA, NFL, golf, soccer, sports media, or the biggest conversations shaping today's sports landscape, Episode 4 delivers insightful interviews, thoughtful analysis, and engaging debate.

Timecodes 

00:10 Welcome, Perloff likes the intro music

00:30 - LeBron James will not resign with the Los Angeles Lakers. Why he's not an all time Laker. 

4:00 - Perloff thinks LeBron James is damaging his legacy if he joins Steph Curry, Draymond Green and Steve Kerr with the Golden State Warriors. 

10:45 - Maggie thinks FIFA is getting credit for how amazing the World Cup has been, but they are one of the most corrupt organizations in sports. 

14:18 - Perloff is intrigued by Ja Morant joining the Portland Trailblazers. Can Ja Morant redeem his career? Will it work with Damien Lillard and Scoot Henderson? Will this be the JailBlazers all over again? 

17:20 - Phil Mickelson is ruining his legacy. In a recent article by Alan Shipnuck, Phil Mickelson's boorish behavior is revealed and the details are alarming. While their scandals are different, Phil Mickelson is started to resemble Tiger Woods and how Tiger Woods has had multiple negative scandals over the years. 

21:02 - We're saddened by the news that Chris Johnson revealed he has been diagnosed with ALS. Maggie tells a story about the time Chris Johnson came to visit Sports Illustrated and brought fellow running back LenDale White with him unexpectedly. 

23:04 - Perloff thinks the National Basketball Association is the most ripe for gambling scandals after Malik Beasley was arrested. 

24:33- Perloff is dressing up like a Revolutionary War general for the 250th anniversary of the United States winning independence. This is how he celebrated the fourth of July in Philadelphia. 

26:27 Linda Cohn just retired from ESPN and Sportscenter and she joins the show!

28:38 - Fighting for every opportunity that came her way. 

32:26 - Linda's evolution from not wanting to mess up, to finding her voice and confidence as a sports broadcaster on SportsCenter. 

34:04 - Linda is starting her own YouTube Channel and the hot takes are going to be on full display 

34:57 - The pressure at SportsCenter to come up with a catchphrase. One of Linda's was "for the love of elevation" 

38:09 - Specific SportsCenter episodes that she will always remember, including the day that Muhammad Ali died. 

44:29 - Buying her own tickets to sporting events, and making her life about moments and memories more than material things. 

47:39 - The celebrities who reached out to her after her announcement that she was retiring from ESPN included Lil Wayne and Charles Barkley. 

49:11 - Linda questions the strategy from her favorite team, The New York Rangers. Especially the recent signing of Pavel Dorofeyev. Also the pressure is on the New York Rangers now that the New York Knicks have broken their long championship drought.

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BEFORE SETH DAVIS, MAGGIE TELLS YOU WHOSE STOCK IS UP AND WHOSE STOCK IS DOWN. STOCK DOWN TO THE NEW YORK TIMES FOR THEIR STORY ABOUT DIANNA RUSSINI. STOCK UP TO THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR HOW THEY HAVE HANDLED BRENDAN SORSBY WHO BET ON HIS OWN TEAM WHILE PLAYING QUARTERBACK. 

TIMESTAMPS:

00: 02 INTRO 

01:26 - STOCK DOWN - THE NEW YORK TIMES FOR THEIR DIANNA RUSSINI ARTICLE

02:55 - WHY DIDN'T ANY EXECUTIVES GO ON THE RECORD FOR THEIR OWN STORY? 

03:13 - WHY IT WAS WRONG TO PUBLISH DIANNA'S SALARY

08:35 - REPORTERS ASK PLAYERS AND COACHES FOR PERSONAL FAVORS ALL THE TIME 

11:24 - STOCK UP - THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE FOR HOW THEY HANDLED BRENDAN SORSBY 

15:56 - THE ONE THING NO ONE IS TALKING ABOUT WHEN IT COMES TO BRENDAN SORSBY

17:16 - COLLEGE BASKETBALL REPORTER AND AUTHOR SETH DAVIS JOINS THE SHOW!

18:30 - WHY SETH IS "THE BEST SPORTS DAD EVER" 

20:10 - SETH DOESN'T BELIEVE THIS NBA DRAFT HAS ANY "GENERATIONAL PLAYERS" 

24:42 - IS DUSTY MAY LEAVING THE MICHIGAN WOLVERINES FOR THE DALLAS MAVERICKS A BAD SIGN FOR COLLEGE BASKETBALL

27:58 - WILL JON SCHEYER EVER LEAVE THE DUKE BLUE DEVILS FOR THE NBA? 

30:26 - DOES JAY WRIGHT REGRET NOT TAKING THE NEW YORK KNICKS JOB NOW THAT THREE OF HIS FORMER VILLANOVA WILDCATS WON A TITLE IN NEW YORK? 

33:43 - SETH GIVES HIS TOP FIVE GREATEST COLLEGE BASKETBALL PLAYERS OF THE 1990'S 

39:10 - SETH IS WRITING LARRY BROWN'S MEMOIR 

#SETHDAVIS #COLLEGEBASKETBALL #NBADRAFT #KNICKS #NEWYORKKNICKS #DIANNARUSSINI #NEWYORKTIMES #BRENDANSORSBY #NFL #SPORTS #BASKETBALL #HOOPS 

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00:16 GIANNIS IS TRADED! WILL THE MIAMI HEAT WIN WITH HIM? 

07:56 HOW MUCH DOES GIANNIS NEED TO WIN IN MIAMI FOR HIS LEGACY? 

09:02 THE DALLAS MAVERICKS HIRING DUSTY MAY IS A GAMBLE

13:46 MAGGIE WENT TO THE WORLD CUP TO WATCH NORWAY DEFEAT SENEGAL AND HAS THOUGHTS ON ERLING HAALAND

19:35 THE TIME WYNDHAM CLARK CANCELED AN APPEARANCE ON OUR SHOW. WHY WERE THE CROWDS AT THE US OPEN SO MEAN TO HIM? 

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