THE INSIDE CHANNEL: Scotland on the Brink | England v Panama Preview | René Meulensteen Interview | Final Group Games

Iraq national team assistant manager and former Manchester United coach René Meulensteen joins Sam Matterface and Alex Crook for an exclusive conversation – he shares his pride at helping bring Iraq to the biggest stage in International football and discusses their showing so far.

Scotland’s World Cup hopes hang by a thread after a 3-0 defeat to Brazil. Sam and Alex give their honest verdict on Scotland’s tournament as a whole – have Steve Clarke’s side been good enough, unlucky, or simply at the wrong level? And is there any chance they still make the round of 32?

The final group stage round has delivered some remarkable stories – South Africa’s historic qualification for the knockout stages, Mexico and Germany through, Switzerland and Canada joining them, and Bosnia keeping their hopes alive. Sam and Alex chew over the stories.

Then the big England question ahead of Panama – should Gordon be dropped after the Ghana draw? Rashford or Rogers on the left? Does Saka need to start? And does O’Reilly come back into the XI?

Plus a look ahead to France v Norway, Uruguay v Spain and Colombia v Portugal before the tipping competition’s final group stage picks – last chance to score points before the knockouts begin.

⚽ In this episode:

René Meulensteen exclusive – coaching expertise from Old Trafford to Baghdad
Scotland 3-0 Brazil – honest tournament assessment, can they still qualify?
Final group stage round-up
England v Panama preview – full selection debate & score predictions
France v Norway, Uruguay v Spain, Colombia v Portugal previewed
Tipping competition – final group stage picks & standings update

🎙️ Hosted by Sam Matterface & Alex Crook

📍 Recorded from Brooklyn, New York

🏆 New episodes throughout World Cup 2026 – knockout stage begins next episode
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