Copa Independent

Lawrence Ostler is joined by Miguel Delaney, Richard Jolly and Kieran Jackson to react to France’s 2-0 win over Morocco, with Kylian Mbappé central again to an imperious performance. After looking ahead to Friday's quarter final of Spain vs Belgium, they preview England v Norway in the Miami heat and humidity, debating Tuchel’s selection—especially John Stones and Reece James—how to limit Erling Haaland, and whether England could realistically hope to beat France or Spain in a final should they get that far, before giving score predictions. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the cauldron of the Azteca Stadium, England got it done.

The Three Lions are through to the quarter-finals of the World Cup after a thrilling 3-2 win over Mexico. Against all the odds – altitude, the fans, Mexican momentum, VAR calls – Thomas Tuchel’s side overcame it all to progress to the next stage. And once again, it was the Jude Bellingham and Harry Kane double act.

Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney dial in from Mexico City to discuss the magnitude of England’s win, Tuchel’s spot-on tactical calls in the second-half and what it means moving forward to Norway in the last eight. We also discuss Folarin Balogun’s ban being “suspended” by Fifa and Erling Haaland’s brilliant double, which sent Brazil home.
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Lawrence Ostlere is joined by Miguel Delaney, Kieran Jackson and Jack Rathborn to preview Mexico v England at the Azteca and the impact of Mexico City’s altitude (about 7,200 feet) and heat on England, with Miguel describing a difficult 6K run and Jack comparing altitude effects to endurance sport and team performance. They assess Mexico’s momentum and home support, and Miguel reflects on the Azteca’s historic significance.

They also review Spain’s comfortable win over Austria, their 35-game unbeaten run, and Lamine Yamal’s improving form ahead of a last-16 tie with Portugal. Portugal’s dramatic win over Croatia prompts debate about VAR and “Sniko” after marginal offsides and a late disallowed goal. Finally, Egypt beat Australia on penalties after Australia subbed goalkeepers late, and the last-16 lineup begins to take shape.
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It was a great escape from England against DR Congo – and it was their captain fantastic Harry Kane who got them out of jail in Atlanta. Kieran Jackson and Miguel Delaney discuss where Kane’s double ranks in all-time England World Cup moments? Can Djed Spence possibly start again against Mexico after his struggles? And what else does Thomas Tuchel have to think about ahead of an all-time occasion on Sunday at the Azteca?

Also, after another bumper day of knockout action, the United States progressed to the last-16 after a 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina – but they will be without Folarin Balogun for their next match against Belgium (who pulled off a great escape themselves against Senegal) after a controversial red card following a VAR referral. Did the decision show a lack of understanding and common sense? All of this, on the latest episode of Copa Independent.
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On the latest episode of Copa Independent, Kieran Jackson in Santa Clara and Miguel Delaney in Atlanta preview England’s last-32 clash against DR Congo – a team that should not be underestimated. Which way will Thomas Tuchel go with his wingers and full-backs? What and who do the Three Lions need to be wary of? And what lessons can England take from other giant-killings so far in the knockout stage?

On that topic, we also discuss the shock exits of Germany and the Netherlands – and the core reasons behind their downfall – as well as the competition’s standout team: the irrepressible France, after their 3-0 win over Sweden. USA’s last-32 tie against Bosnia and Herzegovina, and the overwhelming wave of optimism stateside, is also a topic of conversation.
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