The Athletic FC Podcast

England have had nine players drop out of their squad ahead of their matches against Greece and the Republic of Ireland. Captain Harry Kane is not impressed speaking out about the importance of playing for the national team. So is Kane right? Outside of major tournaments is international football respected? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay, Jack Pitt-Brooke, Chris Waugh and Nick Miller Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Roma have sacked a second manager in less than two months and are now in talks to bring former coach Claudio Ranieri out of retirement. So… can Ranieri stabilise the turbulent Italian club? And what is the latest on Roma’s owners, The Friedkin Group, and their proposed takeover of Everton? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: James Horncastle and Paddy Boyland  Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami crashed out of the MLS Cup in the first round of the playoffs. So what now for Messi and Miami after being granted a place in the Club World Cup? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Felipe Cardenas and Phil Hay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Mike Stavrou Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After another defeat Tottenham manager Ange Postecoglou was quick to accept responsibility following their 2-1 home loss to Ipswich Town. So why are the Spurs so inconsistent and what can they do to fix it?  Ayo Akinwolere is joined by The Athletic's Charlie Eccleshare and Phil Hay to analyse Spurs' start to the season with Jon Mackenzie also dropping in to analyse their underlying numbers in comparison to last season's lightning-fast start. Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Phil Hay, Charlie Eccleshare and Jon Mackenzie Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producer: Guy Clarke Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices