The Game

Four Times journalists, four assertions that England are favourites. But can Thomas Tuchel's side deliver?

Tom Clarke talks to Matt Lawton and Tom Allnutt about England v Norway and also hears from Alyson Rudd - the writer who backed the Norwegians to win the tournament - about any conflict she may feel for this one.

The Tom Tom Club also analyse Spain's win against Belgium and debate whether they need to improve to beat France and if it is time Mikel Merino got a start.
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The hype and excitement is building for England's quarter-final with Norway and our Chief Football Correspondent Jonathan Northcroft can see a route to the final for Thomas Tuchel's side.

In part two he joins Tom Clarke to discuss the latest news from the England camp and the emergence of Anthony Gordon as a vital player. Tom also shares his worries about the England stars who are one booking away from missing a potential semi-final.

In part one Gregor Robertson and James Gheerbrant chat to Tom about France's 2-0 win in the quarter-final against Morocco.
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We've reached the business end of the tournament. Some big names have fallen by the wayside but no really big shocks. We have six European teams, Morocco from Africa and Argentina from South America.
Belgium have been 'deeply average' at times; Spain haven't really got going.
England, a dramatic result in Mexico aside haven't looked convincing. Norway have proved them selves legitimate dark horses.
Argentina are street wise, the swiss are experienced. Morocco pur in midfield and France, has there ever been a better forward line?
Who progresses, who goes home?
Tom Allnutt, Gregor Robertson and Tom Clarke do their best to predict each of the quarter finals.
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Lionel Messi delivers again, dragging Argentina past Egypt in a thrilling game packed with great goals and yet more VAR controversy.

Tom Clarke is joined by Gregor Robertson and Paul Hirst to discuss that amazing match and debate, once more, the refereeing decisions at this World Cup.

In part two Martin Samuel joins Tom to reflect on his memories of the Azteca and England's potential route to the final, first having to get passed Norway and Erling Haaland
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So, it turns out Folarin Balogun didn't make a difference anyway. USA produced a dismal - and maybe distracted - display against a brilliant Belgium side, losing 4-1 to crash out of the tournament and mean that we have no co-hosts left.

Peter Rutzler and James Gheerbrant join Tom Clarke to discuss that match and also Spain's win against Portugal. Cristiano Ronaldo bowing out of the World Cup but does the blame for Portugal's failings actually lay at the feet of manager Roberto Martinez? Has he wasted another golden generation?

In part two Tom catches up with Paul Hirst in the Argentina camp to hear about their preparation for Egypt and asks if there is a scenario where Messi might be rested?

All the guests also reveal where they were to watch England's remarkable win against Mexico.
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