BBC Sport's daily World Cup podcast kicks off as England prepares for its opening match in Dallas. Host Rick Edwards and co‑presenter Lloyd Griffith are joined by veteran commentators John Murray and Paul Robinson, who field questions from Thomas Tuchel and Harry Kane. The team previews the clash against Croatia, gauging tactical tweaks ahead of kickoff for the 2026 World Cup tournament.

Before the game, the hosts shift to Lionel Messi’s historic feat, noting he became the oldest player to net a World Cup hat‑trick in Argentina’s recent win. Julien Laurens joins the panel to dissect France’s 3‑1 victory over Senegal in Qatar and the broader group stage picture, debating whether their blend of youth and experience positions them as serious contenders for the trophy.

Edwards and Griffith close the episode with a light‑hearted segment from Los Angeles, where a promised nacho break goes awry, underscoring the podcast’s informal tone for casual listeners. By delivering pre‑match analysis, player reactions and a dash of humor, the show aims to deepen fan engagement ahead of England’s tournament debut, setting the narrative for the weeks to follow and reinforces the brand's multimedia strategy.