Box2Box with Rob Gilbert, Derek Dyson and Willem van Denderen.
The Socceroos and Japan this week fell at the Round of 32, which was disappointingly as far as any of the AFC’s nine representatives made it at the World Cup. The Asian Game’s Paul Williams returns to diagnose just why the ambitions of those in the confederation collectively fell so flat.
The BBC’s Simon Stone then reviews England’s epic encounter with Mexico at the Azteca, which breathlessly rattled from incident to incident and ultimately saw the Three Lions escape the scene of their greatest torment with a famous victory.
Also on the agenda: Ange Postecoglou to Al-Nassr, Sam Kerr to Gotham FC & reflections on the 48-team World Cup in practice.
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Will Hastie!
The A-Leagues seasons look set for commencement without a playing labour agreement in place, a fortnight on from the PFA announcing CBA discussions with the APL had reached exhaustion. PFA chief-executive Beau Busch returns. Beau also discusses the week’s saddening news, with much-loved Captain Socceroo Paul Wade going public with his probable CTE diagnosis.
Meanwhile on the pitch, the Australia Cup has been electric. Three Cupsets within 24 hours saw Preston Lions, Sydney United and Lions FC progress at the expense of A-League opposition; 10/Paramount’s Erik Paartalu discusses the big picture topics at play in Australia’s best sporting competition.
Also on the agenda: Infantino complaint outside IOC’s remit, Klopp underway at Germany, Australia Cup & Championship maturation.
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Will Hastie.
In the week of Western United’s winding up in the Federal Court, South Melbourne Hellas indicated their desire to open formal talks with the APL over A-Leagues licences - and on Monday took a step forward as co-President Bill Papastergiadis held a discussion with Steve Rosich. Papastergiadis discusses why they club feel this time should be different, and their A-League & Asian ambitions.
Then to Japan, where Mitch Duke & Tete Yengi are spearheading J1. League leaders Machida Zelvia among a number of Aussie threads in the early weeks of the season. The Asian Game’s Scott McIntyre returns with the ACL draw also upcoming - the Newcastle Jets to return to the continent after a long absence.
Also on the agenda: Australia Cup ‘Cupset’ balance, U20 Asian Cup cycle to start again and Manchester City prepare for life without Rodri.
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Box2Box, with Rob Gilbert and Willem van Denderen.
Lucas Herrington, Nestory Irankunda and Alessandro Circati headline the numerous Socceroos to have moved post-World Cup, with the former two making their club debuts over the weekend. Daniel Garb (10/Paramount+) returns to assess their moves; there has also been a quick managerial switch at Macarthur, and the Australia Cup is working towards its final stages.
The Premier League also returned with Hull City and Brighton & Hove Albion the big winners. The BBC’s Chief Football Writer Phil McNulty on what went wrong at Aston Villa, Chelsea’s new era, and plenty more.
Also on the agenda: Kevin Lamour departs FIFA as Infantino drums up support & more…
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Lions FC are Australia’s most in-form side, already lifting three trophies in 2026 and with a Queensland NPL Grand Final and Australia Cup semi-final to come in a fortnight’s time. Manchester-born manager Dan Barber has excelled in his first season in the role, and joins us for the first time.
Then to Scotland, where a foreign manager will lead the national team for just the second time after the appointment of Belgian Sebastian Pocognoli. The Daily Record’s Andy Newport explains why the new era has been met with optimism - in contrast to the early season mood at Rangers, Celtic and Hearts.
Also on the agenda: Chelsea & Manchester City among Premier League pacesetters, Xavi Hernandez to the Netherlands and plenty more…
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Derek Dyson!
Central Coast Mariners women’s side have found new ownership in Holman Barnes Group, and are now preparing for the upcoming A-League season. New manager Dean Heffernan returns to the club which he played a key role in establishing on the pitch from 2005-10 as a stalwart of the men's outfit, and is now looking to make an impact on the touchline.
In the UK, Premier League clubs have - again - spent a new record £3.7billion on players in the recent transfer market. The figures are only surging one way; The Price of Football’s Kieran Maguire returns to make sense of the league’s financial might and movements.
Also on the agenda: Australian referees on strike, Arsenal beat Chelsea and goalscoring goalkeepers - in light of Ronald Koeman Jr’s feat for Telstar.
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Derek Dyson!
Socceroo James Holland achieved plenty in his playing career, and the best could still be yet to come as he builds into management. An assistant to Oliver Glasner at first Crystal Palace and now Nottingham Forest, he joins us to discuss the fruitful working relationship between the pair, his own coaching journey, and influences from his playing days.
Then to England, where Sunday’s Manchester Derby saw City scoop the points and United count the cost - while VAR had more than a fair hand in the result. The BBC’s Simon Stone was at Old Trafford and joins us to debrief.
Also on the agenda: Nine & Stan Sport extend their Premier League rights deal, Ismael Kartel fails to resign at Fenerbahçe & loads more…
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Box2Box, with Willem van Denderen & Derek Dyson!
The Socceroos are set to play Brazil in their first outings post-World Cup, starting with Friday’s hit-out in Townsville. Meanwhile, South Melbourne Hellas and Melbourne Victory will meet for the Australia Cup in next month’s decider, already one of the more anticipated fixtures in Australian football’s modern history. Robbie Thomson has the big games for 10/Paramount+ over the coming weeks, and returns for a preview.
Then to England, where three big wins - and all different in nature - has launched Brighton & Hove Albion up the Premier League table, and seen them progress in the EFL Cup and Conference League. The Athletic’s Andy Naylor covers the Brighton beat - can Fabian Hürzeler lead the club to its long-awaited first trophy?
Also on the agenda: Rangers with two fists on the chin in the Old Firm, Mo Toure injury leaves Popa’s striking stocks thin, and Rob Gilbert files a report from the Stadio Olympico...
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