Brad Friedel: How England STOP Haaland... & And The Messi CONTROVERSY
About this episode
Brad Friedel joins Joe Cole to discuss England's strategy against Norway and the controversies surrounding Lionel Messi in the World Cup.
England are just one game away from the World Cup semi-finals, but first they must find a way past Erling Haaland and Norway. Joe Cole is joined by former Tottenham, Liverpool and USA goalkeeper Brad Friedel to explain why Norway are far more than a one-man team, where England can hurt them and the one big selection dilemma Thomas Tuchel must solve, The pair also dive into the tournament's biggest debate as they discuss Argentina's dramatic win over Egypt and whether referees are influenced by Lionel Messi. Brad also reveals why Manchester United seemed to get so many big decisions during Sir Alex Ferguson's reign and Joe explains how he would stop Messi should England face the little genius in the last four. Elsewhere, Brad gives his verdict on Jordan Pickford's outstanding display against Mexico, outlines why England might actually prefer facing Argentina in the semi-finals and reflects on the USA's World Cup campaign and the fallout from Folarin Balogun's overturned red card. He further details whether he wants Mauricio Pochettino to remain as US head coach, looks back on USA '94 and answers whether the United States is really punching its weight in men's football. Plus, Brad…
Sponsors
Carling
More episodes of Could It Be Magic?
- Peter Schmeichel: England CAN Win The Next World Cup! | Messi v Yamal
- Mikael Silvestre: England SHOULD Beat Argentina | 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals
- Martin Keown: Why I'd Be Erling Haaland's NIGHTMARE & England MUST Fix This Before Mexico
- Jose Fonte: Why Ronaldo MUST Start at 41, the Messi Debate & England Can Go Deep
- Tim Cahill: Why England Can WIN The World Cup and How Ange Postecoglu Made Me CRY
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Could It Be Magic? podcast page.