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Could It Be Coming Home?

Platform Media

Could It Be Coming Home? is a brand-new spin off of Could It Be Magic? brought to you by Carling, following former England international Joe Cole as he heads to New York for the FIFA World Cup.

Across the tournament, Joe will be joined by special guests from the worlds of football to discuss England's chances, relive iconic World Cup moments, and soak up the unique atmosphere as the biggest tournament in football unfolds.

From fan culture and football stories to the key talking points on and off the pitch, Could It Be Coming Home? brings you closer to the action from the heart of New York throughout the World Cup.

18+ Please drink responsibly.

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July 18 · 55 min
Peter Schmeichel: England CAN Win The Next World Cup! | Messi v Yamal
Manchester United and Denmark legend Peter Schmeichel joins Joe Cole for the final preview episode of Could It Be Coming Home. Peter gives his verdict on the 2026 World Cup final, explaining why Spain have played the best football, why Argentina are masters of tournament football, and how Lionel Messi continues to redefine greatness. He also discusses the fascinating battle between Messi and Lamine Yamal, and predicts who will lift the trophy. The pair also look back on England's World Cup campaign, with Schmeichel explaining why he believes Thomas Tuchel can build a team capable of winning the next World Cup, why the criticism of England has been over the top, and what the Three Lions need to do to take the final step. Elsewhere, Peter reveals which England star's absence hurt them the most during the tournament, the former Manchester United player whose level of fame outstrips even Sir David Beckham's, why the Azteca Stadium shocked Jurgen Klopp and the teammates he'd most want beside him in the pub. 🍺 Could It Be Coming Home? is brought to you by Carling, the beer of football. 18+. Please drink responsibly. bedrinkaware.co.uk ───────────────────────────── 📑CHAPTERS 00:00 Welcome To Could It Be Coming Home 01:20 Peter Schmeichel: "Brazil IS The World Cup" 02:08 Peter’s INCREDIBLE Meeting With Gordon Banks  04:05 The Football Icon Whose Fame SCARES Peter  07:15 Why Spain & Argentina Have Been Better Than Everyone Else 09:06 Argentina's Biggest Weapon Isn't What You Think 13:08 How Messi Knows When To Impact Games  15:56 Could Messi REALLY Play At The 2030 World Cup? 18:10 Schmeichel: England CAN Win The 2030 World Cup 20:18 What Thomas Tuchel Learned From England's World Cup 23:49 England's Biggest Problem Isn't The Players 27:20 The One Player England Desperately Missed 28:23 Joe Cole: England MUST Fix This Before The Next World Cup 31:49 Carling’s Pub Team Sheet: Peter On His Team-Mates  37:00 Why Winning The FA Cup Meant Everything To Me 38:43 Peter Schmeichel's Biggest Final Regret 40:35 Would Peter Give Up The Treble For Euro '92? 42:45 Last Orders: Peter Schmeichel Picks His Player Of The Tournament 46:58 Peter Schmeichel Predicts The World Cup Winner Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 14 · 1 hr 1 min
Mikael Silvestre: England SHOULD Beat Argentina | 2026 World Cup Semi-Finals
France vs Spain. England vs Argentina. The 2026 World Cup semi-finals are here - and there's nobody better to break them down than a man who played in TWO World Cups and nearly won one. 🏆 Joe Cole sits down with France international and former Manchester United and Arsenal defender Mikael Silvestre for a full semi-final preview. They debate whether England are genuinely convincing challengers for the World Cup and how to stop Lionel Messi. Joe also hits out at attempts to manufacture a rift between Thomas Tuchel and Jude Bellingham. Meanwhile, Mikael explains why France are favourites to beat Spain, how Kylian Mbappé arrived at this World Cup with a point to prove and what Roy Keane's "competitive yoga" reveals about a winning mentality. Plus Mikael opens up on the 2006 final dressing room and the silence after Zinedine Zidane's infamous headbutt, recalls playing alongside Ronaldo and Roberto Baggio at Inter Milan and reveals why he chose a move to Manchester United over Liverpool. 🍺 Could It Be Coming Home? is brought to you by Carling, the beer of football. 18+. Please drink responsibly. bedrinkaware.co.uk ───────────────────────────── 📑 CHAPTERS 00:00 - Welcome To Could It Be Coming Home 01:02 - Mikael Silvestre: 2006 Final Loss Still Hurts 02:04 - Is Mikael Convinced By England? 04:57 - Bellingham or Kane: Who's England's MVP? 05:50 - Joe CALLS OUT Bellingham v Tuchel headlines 10:27 - Why England Should Beat Argentina 13:05 - How England Can Stop Lionel Messi 15:33 - Who Mikael Prefers France To Face In The Final 17:00 - France vs Spain: Who Wins? 18:50 - Mikael: Kylian Mbappe Is More Motivated Than Ever 25:00 - Has Lamine Yamal Gone Off The Boil? 26:25 - Mikael Predicts The Semi-Finals Winners 29:13 - The Carling Pub Team Sheet (ft. Roy Keane, Dwight Yorke & Jaap Stam) 36:55 - France's 2002 World Cup Nightmare 40:42 - Zinedine Zidane: 2006 Controversy & Surprising Managerial Career 45:25 - Playing With R9 & Roberto Baggio At Inter 47:30 - Why Mikael Chose Man Utd Over Liverpool 49:45 - Why Arsenal 2008-2010 Didn't Win Trophies 51:42 - Ferguson & Wenger: How Were They Different? 52:50 - Last Orders: Mikael Names His Favourite Player & Fans 56:00 - Who Lifts the World Cup on July 19th? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 10 · 52 min
Brad Friedel: How England STOP Haaland... & And The Messi CONTROVERSY
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 reveals the Man Utd legend who always planned the party and paid for it, the team-mate who always had a book in his hand and the player who always had the best costume at the Christmas do in Carling's Pub Team Sheet. Could It Be Coming Home? is brought to you by Carling, the beer of football. 18+. Please drink responsibly. bedrinkaware.co.uk (edited) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
July 4 · 51 min
Martin Keown: Why I'd Be Erling Haaland's NIGHTMARE & England MUST Fix This Before Mexico
England's World Cup campaign reaches the knockout stages and Martin Keown joins Joe Cole on Could It Be Coming Home? to preview the huge last 16 clash with Mexico. Joe and Martin debate just how dangerous Mexico will be, why England's defence has looked vulnerable throughout the tournament and whether changes are needed, including Joe's case for starting Noni Madueke ahead of Bukayo Saka. Martin also explains why Declan Rice is one of the world's elite midfielders, but questions whether England are getting the best out of him. Elsewhere, Martin looks ahead to Gabriel vs Erling Haaland in Brazil's meeting with Norway, explains how he would have defended both Haaland and Kylian Mbappé, questions whether Arsenal let Folarin Balogun leave too soon and discusses why France are even better than the one that reached the World Cup Final four years ago. There's plenty of nostalgia too as Martin reveals how missing out on England's Euro '96 squad led him to leave the UK that summer, Joe recalls the pain of missing out on major tournaments himself, and the pair revisit the day Joe tried to persuade Martin to swap Arsenal for West Ham. Plus, Martin picks his ultimate Carling Pub Team Sheet, names the best defenders and standout player of the World Cup so far, reflects on Arsenal's Premier League title-winning season and reveals whether he's finally recovered from the celebrations. Could It Be Coming Home? is brought to you by Carling, the beer of football. 18+. Please drink responsibly. bedrinkaware.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 26 · 45 min
Jose Fonte: Why Ronaldo MUST Start at 41, the Messi Debate & England Can Go Deep
Joe Cole is joined by former Portugal, Southampton, Crystal Palace and West Ham defender Jose Fonte for a fascinating deep dive into Cristiano Ronaldo, Portugal's World Cup campaign and England's chances of lifting the trophy. Fonte explains why he believes Ronaldo still has to start for Portugal at the age of 41, what makes him a "different animal" compared to every other player he's encountered, and recalls the first time he came up against a teenage Ronaldo and immediately knew he was destined for greatness. He also reveals what Ronaldo is really like away from the spotlight, discusses the unbelievable level of fame he has to live with, and gives his verdict on the never-ending Messi vs Ronaldo debate. Elsewhere, Jose and Joe assess the World Cup so far, discuss why England are genuine contenders, reveal which teams have impressed them most, and explain why the USA remind Fonte of the Southampton side Mauricio Pochettino built. Joe also reveals why Pochettino gives him "Russell Crowe in Gladiator" vibes during this tournament. Plus, Fonte looks back on Portugal's historic Euro 2016 triumph, explains why the squad never panicked after Ronaldo's injury in the final, reveals whether today's Portugal side is stronger than the one that became European champions, and highlights the huge influence Bruno Fernandes has on the team. There's also the story of the most intelligent team-mate he ever played alongside and his favourite moments of the World Cup so far. Could It Be Coming Home? is brought to you by Carling, the beer of football. 18+. Please drink responsibly. bedrinkaware.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
June 20 · 48 min
Tim Cahill: Why England Can WIN The World Cup and How Ange Postecoglu Made Me CRY
Joe Cole is joined by Australian football legend Tim Cahill for the first episode of Could It Be Coming Home?, brought to you by Carling. Tim and Joe discuss the teams that have impressed them most so far at the World Cup, why England are among the strongest contenders to lift the trophy, and the one area of the side that Thomas Tuchel could still tweak ahead of their next game. They also break down Brazil's tournament prospects, with Joe explaining why he believes Carlo Ancelotti will make them stronger as the competition progresses, while Tim reveals how he knows rising star Nico O'Reilly and why his rapid rise comes as no surprise. Elsewhere, Tim opens up on the emotional impact of Ange Postecoglou's team talks, what it meant to hear Nestory Irankunda describe him as his biggest football inspiration, and why Australian players often have to work harder than most to reach the top. There are stories from throughout Tim's remarkable career too, including the origins of his famous boxing celebration, why Goodison Park was one of football's toughest grounds, how close he came to representing the Republic of Ireland, his unforgettable goal against the Netherlands in 2014, and the emotional phone call with his son after his red card against Germany at the 2010 World Cup. Tim also reveals why Mikel Arteta is the most competitive person he's ever met, explains why you'd always want Phil Neville on your pub quiz team, and reveals which former team-mate he'd want in his corner. Plus, Joe names the opponent who spent an entire match asking him to show off his skills. Could It Be Coming Home? is brought to you by Carling, the beer of football. 18+. Please drink responsibly. bedrinkaware.co.uk Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 28 · 1 hr 16 min
Olivier Giroud & Ellen White: Wembley triumphs and World Cup heroics
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, is back with a huge end-of-season episode as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome former Arsenal, Chelsea and France striker Olivier Giroud and former Man City, Arsenal and England striker Ellen White into the studio. We look back at an FA Cup final won by Manchester City in what turned out to be the departing Pep Guardiola's final trophy at the club. Joe and Ashley give us their verdict on what the future holds for City now Pep is gone and they implore their old club Chelsea to give incoming manager Xabi Alonso the time he needs to succeed. Olivier names his favourite Arsenal teammates, relives his FA Cup wins with Arsenal and Chelsea, and takes us inside his iconic scorpion-kick goal at the Emirates. He also explains what Arsenal must do to beat PSG in the Champions League final. Ellen reflects on the Lionesses’ historic Euro 2022 victory, while Giroud reveals how he celebrated World Cup glory with President Emmanuel Macron in the dressing room after France’s 2018 win. Plus, we preview the women’s FA Cup final between Manchester City and Brighton at Wembley. Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14 · 1 hr 3 min
Andy Cole & Sam Thompson: beating the Spice Boys & scoring in Soccer Aid | Could It Be Magic
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, is back with another episode as Joe Cole welcomes Manchester United legend Andy Cole and Reality TV star Sam Thompson into the studio. Andy backs Michael Carrick for the Man Utd job, expresses his dismay at Kobbie Mainoo’s exile under Ruben Amorim, and reminisces about his glory days as part of the iconic strike partnership with Dwight Yorke. We’re also joined by Chelsea fan and reality TV stalwart Sam Thompson as he gets some finishing tips from Andy ahead of Soccer Aid. Sam also gives us his verdict on what went wrong under Liam Rosenior and who he’d like to see get the permanent job at Stamford Bridge this summer. Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 23 · 1 hr 8 min
Petr Cech: Five-time FA Cup hero & penalty mind games masterclass | Could It Be Magic
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, is back with another episode as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome the former Chelsea and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech into the studio. The lads dive into the drama of the FA Cup quarter-finals, with Cech sharing his thoughts on what Arsenal and Man City’s contrasting results could mean for the title race, and there’s some advice for West Ham’s Fin Herrick after a high-pressure penalty shootout debut. Cech also reflects on his remarkable FA Cup legacy, winning the competition five times, including iconic moments like the first final at the new Wembley in 2007, his decisive penalty save in the 2010 final, and his unforgettable performance in the 2012 showpiece. Beyond the FA Cup, Cech takes us back to Chelsea’s famous 2012 Champions League triumph, including his meticulous shootout preparation and the mind games behind his crucial penalty stop from Arjen Robben. He also lifts the lid on life working under both Jose Mourinho and Arsène Wenger, discusses Mohamed Salah’s early Chelsea days, and opens up about life after football, from his new career in ice hockey to his passion for drumming, and how his near-fatal injury in 2006 reshaped his perspective on the game and life. Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
April 2 · 1 hr 1 min
Harry Redknapp: What I'd do to save Spurs & how Kanu won Portsmouth the FA Cup | Could It Be Magic
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, is back with another episode as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome former Tottenham, West Ham and Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp into the studio. We get the inside story on how Ash became manager of Cesena and Harry shares the secret to getting the best out of your players. As well as looking ahead to the FA Cup quarter-finals, we revisit Harry taking Portsmouth to their famous FA Cup victory in 2008 and how the unheralded signing of veteran striker Kanu inspired them to glory. Plus Harry reveals what he'd to do get his old club Tottenham out of relegation trouble as they find themselves making yet another managerial change in a bid to save their season. The lads have some fun as we open the Carling Added Time Inbox and take questions from the audience including Harry lifting the lid on his upcoming spell in the I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here jungle and tales of being ringside for Muhammad Ali vs Henry Cooper at Highbury. Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
March 5 · 1 hr 5 min
Glenn Hoddle: Why I’d RETURN to Spurs, ‘81 FA Cup Glory & How I HELPED Arsenal! | Could It Be Magic
FA Cup royalty in the studio 🙌 On this episode of Could It Be Magic, sponsored by Carling, Joe Cole and Ashley Cole are joined by Tottenham legend and former England manager Glenn Hoddle. An Emirates FA Cup winner with Spurs in 1981 and 1982, Glenn relives his Wembley dreams, Ricky Villa’s iconic ’81 replay goal against Manchester City and what the competition meant to him as a fan. He also reveals if he would be interested in a possible return to Tottenham. Glenn reflects on his move to Monaco, playing under Arsène Wenger and even how he came to recommend Wenger to Arsenal. They also discuss England’s World Cup exit to Argentina in 1998, including David Beckham’s red card and Sol Campbell’s disallowed goal, and Glenn recalls his most frightening moment as a football manager. We also have a brand new segment, Carling’s Added Time Inbox, which gives YOU the chance to ask Joe, Ashley and our guest any questions that you like. Glenn takes us through his appearance on The Masked Singer and Ashley reveals his unusual choice of song for karaoke. Elsewhere, the lads discuss the Emirates FA Cup 5th round matches, Glenn offers management advice to Ashley and shares why performing on Top of the Pops was scarier than taking a cup final penalty. He also dives deep into football philosophy on creativity, the evolution of the No.10 in England and why imagination separates the elite from the rest. Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
February 12 · 55 min
Wayne Bridge: Mourinho's Triumphs & Garden Kickabouts With An FA Cup Final Ball | Could It Be Magic?
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, is back with another episode as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome their former Chelsea and England teammate Wayne Bridge into the studio. They look back at the 3rd round which featured that historic upset as Macclesfield dumped out Crystal Palace, and they also reflect on a career which saw Wayne reach two FA Cup finals: winning it with Chelsea in 2007 and coming up just short for Southampton in 2003 against the legendary Arsenal team of Henry, Pires, Bergkamp, Vieira and Ash! Away from the FA Cup the lads give us their take on how their former England teammate Michael Carrick has started out life as Manchester United manager and look specifically at how his spell in charge might rejuvenate Kobbie Mainoo. They also turn their attention to new Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior and the challenges he will face as a young coach in a high pressure job. Bridgey also reveals what it took to emerge as the winner of Celebrity SAS Who Dares Wins and the lads try their hands at the traditional pub game of beer mat flipping and get very competitive with it! Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
January 8 · 42 min
Peter Crouch: THAT Gerrard final, being schooled by Tony Adams & pre-football life as an Inbetweener
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, is back with another episode as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome former Liverpool, Spurs and England striker Peter Crouch into the studio. They look ahead to the FA Cup 3rd round, which is always one of the most special weekends in the footballing calendar, and this year Joe and Crouchy were the men pulling the balls out of the hat. The headline tie is Tottenham vs Aston Villa and Ashley thinks it could be a good chance for Spurs to prioritise the FA Cup and build on last season's Europa League triumph. There's a potentially tricky tie for Arsenal away at Crouchy's old club Portsmouth, and the three of them reminisce about stepping out of the old Fratton Park tunnel and seeing legendary players like Ronaldinho and Paolo Maldini do the same for AC Milan in 2008. We revisit some classic FA Cup moments from Crouchy, Joe and Ashley's storied careers, starting with one of the most famous finals of all time in 2006 when Peter was on the winning side as Liverpool beat West Ham on penalties after Steven Gerrard twice hauled them back into the game. Crouchy holds this display up as the perfect example of why he rates Gerrard as the best player he ever played with, despite lining up alongside the likes of David Beckham, Luka Modric, Gareth Bale and Rafael van der Vaart during his career. The lads have some fun as Joe and Crouchy delve into their autobiographies and get Ashley to guess who the out of context quotes belong to - cue stories of Inbetweeners-like mishaps, boring their parents with endless keepie-uppies and when champagne celebrations go wrong. Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 5, 2025 · 50 min
Toni Duggan: Fake eyelashes in the FA Cup final, selfies with Messi, and scoring in Soccer Aid | Could It Be Magic
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, is back with another episode as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome Lionesses legend Toni Duggan into the studio. They revisit Toni's two FA Cup triumphs with Everton and Man City, including the reaction she got from her teammates when she took to the pitch wearing fake eyelashes in 2010, and her memories of being controversially dropped for the 2017 final. They discuss Toni's time in Spain playing for Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, including her striking up an unlikely friendship with Lionel Messi, and some unintentionally hilarious struggles with speaking Spanish. Toni also opens up about the experience of having a baby while still playing for Everton, the support she got from the male players, and her journey back to playing just a few months after giving birth to her daughter. We also hear about Toni's experience playing at Soccer Aid last year where she scored past Edwin van de Sar and became best mates with Jermain Defoe and Tom Grennan, and how the experience has given Toni a taste for potentially stepping out of retirement. Ashley Cole reveals how he discovered his passion for coaching, Joe has tales from the set of Sunday Brunch, and all three of them take part in our version of a traditional pub quiz, which goes right down to the wire. Could It Be Magic is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women's FA Cup. 18+ please drink responsibly Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 30, 2025 · 56 min
Sean Dyche: Smashing a Semi-Final Penalty, Loving Set Pieces and Life as a Meme | Could It Be Magic
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, returns as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome Sean Dyche into the studio just days before he was appointed Nottingham Forest manager. They revisit Chesterfield’s famous FA Cup semi-final run in 1997: the brilliant team talk by John Duncan before the game, the surprise pre-match call from Roy Keane, and the penalty he buried straight down the middle despite never having taken one before. They also discuss the return of long throws and set pieces to elite football and how Brian Clough's tactics at Nottingham Forest wouldn't look out of place in the modern game. Sean shares plenty of tales from his colorful playing and managerial career, including the time Arsène Wenger was served some dodgy red wine at Burnley and how Sean once turned up to a London nightclub in a tuk-tuk, only to meet Chris Eubank in his giant truck. Dyche lets us in to his world away from football and reveals what it's like to find yourself becoming a social media meme and being asked to FaceTime people's nans. He chats about his stint shadowing the Oxford boat crew while doing his pro licence, including the moment he met the Winklevoss twins without realising who they were until he watched The Social Network. Rachel O'Sullivan from Girls on the Ball gives her thoughts on some of the big stories from the women's game, including whether Chelsea can repeat their treble success, why Arsenal are struggling to find their rhythm and she names the dark horse she thinks could have a great run in the Adobe Women's FA Cup. Could It Be Magic is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women's FA Cup. 18+ please drink responsibly Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #pleasedrinkresponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 9, 2025 · 48 min
Jermain Defoe: Missing an FA Cup Final, fixing West Ham and texting Xhaka
Could It Be Magic, the FA Cup podcast sponsored by Carling, returns for a new season as Joe Cole and Ashley Cole welcome their old mate Jermain Defoe. Jermain opens up about his career across West Ham, Tottenham, Portsmouth and Sunderland, and the heartache of missing out on the 2008 FA Cup Final after being cup-tied. Ashley remembers the day Thierry Henry was left behind by Arsène Wenger after turning up late for a match, while Joe relives how the Chelsea team bus once left without him at Highbury. Joe also shares the moment Ian Wright came looking for him when the great man signed for the Hammers. The chat turns to the current situation at West Ham, with all three offering their thoughts on what’s needed to push the club forward. Jermain also reveals his thoughts on Tottenham under Thomas Frank and the text that helped convince Granit Xhaka to join Sunderland. Finally, we discover which of them is the best at a particular pub sport and there's a new FA Cup quiz that puts their knowledge of the world’s most famous domestic cup competition to the test. Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with @CarlingUK, the beer of football #PleaseDrinkResponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 2025 · 38 min
FA Cup Finals 2025 Preview | Crystal Palace v Man City and Man Utd v Chelsea
We're going to Wembley! Joe Cole and Ashley Cole take Could It Be Magic to the home of English football to discuss this season's Emirates Men's and Adobe Women's FA Cup Finals. Two-time winner Izzy Christiansen joins the lads, along with Eagles fan Dan Cook from HLTCO and Manchester City supporter and The Club presenter Buvey, to drill down into where the men's match will be won and lost: can City's defence handle Palace's front three or will there be a fairytale ending for Kevin de Bruyne? Izzy also breaks down the women's final between Manchester United and Chelsea, reveals the methods that make Sonia Bompastor so successful and sets out why United will feel they can retain the trophy. Plus Joe, Ashley and Izzy recall some of their favourite moments from their FA Cup Finals both on and off the pitch: which Chelsea boss showed off some spectacular dance moves and why do you have to be extra careful of the floors when you win at Wembley? Brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates Men's FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ | Please drink responsibly. Be match ready with Carling, the beer of football #PleaseDrinkResponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Apr 23, 2025 · 47 min
Emile Heskey: 5-1 in Munich, Michael Owen’s Final & FA Cup Semi-Finals
Premier League legend and former England striker Emile Heskey joins Joe and Ash in the studio to talk all things FA Cup, Liverpool, England — and more. He talks about Aston Villa’s FA Cup hopes, the impact of Unai Emery, and reflects on his own Cup memories — from Leicester’s late-90s success under Martin O’Neill to battles with some legendary centre backs, including Sol Campbell. Heskey, who broke through with hometown club Leicester before becoming a key part of Liverpool’s iconic 2001 treble-winning side, opens up about his move to Anfield, dealing with a record transfer fee, and forming a lethal partnership with Michael Owen — one that would also shine on the international stage. The trio also look back at one of England’s greatest nights: the 5-1 demolition of Germany in Munich. Emile shares how special that night was, how it changed his career, and Ashley explains why playing with Heskey made life easier. All this and more in the latest episode of Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic? Brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ | Please drink responsibly. Be match ready with Carling, the beer of football #PleaseDrinkResponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 26, 2025 · 55 min
Shaun Wright-Phillips: Stopping Ronaldo, Mystic Mourinho and a brawl with Gattuso.
Joe and Ash are back in the studio with a former teammate who lit up the Premier League with his explosive, direct style. Former Chelsea, Manchester City, and QPR winger Shaun Wright-Phillips joins the lads for the latest episode of Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic? Shaun reveals how Mourinho’s tactical genius played out in real time with his plan to stop Ronaldo in the 2007 FA Cup final, Shaun’s first-ever cup final appearance. He opens up about the early influences that shaped his unique playing style - the very style that caught José Mourinho’s eye and led to his move to Chelsea. He also reflects on his journey to becoming a pro, overcoming rejection, and what it was like growing up with Arsenal icon Ian Wright as a father. Meanwhile, Joe shares an unforgettable story about how Shaun’s arrival at Chelsea, adding even more competition in attack, led to a clash with AC Milan enforcer Gennaro Gattuso. Beyond Shaun’s career, the guys dive into this year’s FA Cup quarter-finals and discuss why the competition is wide open for teams looking to make history. All this and more in the latest episode of Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic? Brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - Please drink responsibly. Be match ready with Carling, the beer of football #PleaseDrinkResponsibly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 5, 2025 · 50 min
Drogba’s big studs, Micah’s grunt, and having Gareth Southgate as your Godfather | Could It Be Magic Ep4
Joe Cole and Ashley Cole and former England defender Joleon Lescott discuss team-mates and opponents from their careers: what was the weird noise Micah Richards used to make when he was running? Who was the biggest target for heavy tackles at Manchester City? And why were Didier Drogba's studs a problem? They look ahead to the FA Cup 5th round with Preston goalkeeper Freddie Woodman, who also reveals what it was like having Gareth Southgate as his godfather. Joleon gives his thoughts on some of the best English youngsters he’s worked with, including Aston Villa’s Morgan Rogers, Burnley keeper James Trafford and Ipswich forward Liam Delap, and the guys debate if Plymouth can produce another shock against Man City after their win over Liverpool last time. Football’s Greatest: Could It Be Magic? is brought to you by Carling, the official beer of the Emirates FA Cup and Adobe Women’s FA Cup. 18+ - please drink responsibly. Be match ready with Carling, the beer of football #PleaseDrinkResponsibly You can also watch Joe and Ashley go head-to-head in the ultimate Carling football showdown as their football skills are put to the test:• COLE vs COLE! Joe Cole & Ashley Cole ... Email: ⁠footballsgreatest@foldingpocket.co.uk ⁠ Follow Football's Greatest and join in the debate: YouTube: ⁠ / @footballsgreatestpod Instagram: ⁠www.instagram.com/footballsgreatestpod⁠ X/Twitter: ⁠www.twitter.com/ftblsgreatest⁠ TikTok: ⁠www.tiktok.com/@footballsgreatestpod⁠ Facebook: ⁠www.facebook.com/footballsgreatestpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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