We're dropping this one early - a special full length preview episode looking ahead to the 2026 World Cup...

The lads have entered the Royal Oak sweepstake - but Steve's hopes of glory takes an immediate hit when he draws the mighty Uzbekistan. Bob and Paul go in on the eternal debate: what do we actually think about casual fans down the pub? And Steve has discovered a new passion in life - brisket barbecues.

We take a closer look at England's possible route to the final. Can Harry Kane's Three Lions battle through the heat in the United States, Canada and Mexico to go all the way? Steve, as ever, has absolutely no doubts. And will Scotland suprise a few people with their first appearance at the finals since 1998.

The boys also weigh in on who'll claim the Golden Boot, pick their dark horses for the tournament, and settle - once and for all - the greatest rivalry in football: Lionel Messi vs Cristiano Ronaldo. Plus, Bob the Bucket is back with another quiz to sort the true fans from the also rans.

Join us every Thursday throughout the summer for World Cup-themed episodes and keep an eye out for bonus livestreams taking you right to the heart of the tournament.

Pelé, Erling Haaland, Diego Maradona, Kylian Mbappé, Lamine Yamal, Shakira and Peter Reid all feature in another packed edition of Games Gone.

VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.

Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp at 0800 7831997

Marching on, together as one. Steve.

Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

Credits

Series Producer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor: Janathan Portelli Additional Editing and Artwork: Joe Whittaker and Lottie Steele Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

Steve has a bombshell revelation - he's throwing caution (and his little remaining annual leave) to the wind and travelling to this summer's World Cup!

After some initial shock, Paul and Bob start to make plans for some very special episodes and livestreams which will take you to the heart of the action.

We also discuss Paul's return from Paris, how the Nags Head got on in their cup final, request a new club anthem and note all of the positive reaction to Tommy's video on social media this week.

To whet our appetites for the World Cup, we also took a trip to Manchester where we managed to talk to BBC Sport's Alan Shearer, Wayne Rooney, Steph Houghton and Kelly Cates.

Managerial changes at Liverpool, the fallout from Arsenal's loss in the Champions League, and Mick Jagger all feature in another packed edition of the podcast.

VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.

Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…

Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997

Marching on, together as one. Steve.

Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

Credits

Series Producer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Matt Exton Additional Editing: Janathan Portelli, Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard

Paul Sampson has done it again. With the most important game of the season on the line, he's packed his bags for Paris. Typical.

Step forward Wynney - no longer of The Nags Head, and ready to fill the void as he slowly recovers. But can two arch rivals really set aside their history? In this episode Steve and Wynney attempt to clear the air - tackling Brian Marshall's player outreach, being barred from the Oak, providing intel on the Nags Head, and the lingering question on everyone's lips: is there a way back for Wynney?

Plus: a recap of the end of season livestream, emotional Premier League farewells, Hull's promotion to the big time, and calls for the Champions League final to be free-to-air.

Cole Palmer, Harry Maguire, Mo Salah and David Beckham all feature in another packed edition of your favourite footballing podcast.

VAR. XG. Inverted wing backs. The game has well and truly gone. Via his very own podcast, Steve Bracknall, Sunday league assistant manager and viral sensation will bring it back.

Direct from the dressing room of his team, Royal Oak FC, Steve is joined by gaffer Paul Sampson and physio Bob the Bucket. Every episode, they’ll make sense of all the week’s footballing news and bring you updates from the Oak…

Send your questions and voice notes to steve@bbc.co.uk or via whatsapp 0800 7831997

Marching on, together as one. Steve.

Game’s Gone: The Steve Bracknall Podcast is written and performed by Chris McClure and is a Persephonica production for BBC Sounds

Credits

Series Producer: Ad Ahmed Video Producer/Editor/Artwork: Janathan Portelli Additional Editing: Joe Whittaker and Jack Whiteside Photography: Rob Nicholson Executive Producer: Dino Sofos Commissioning Executive for the BBC: Stevie Middleton Assistant Commissioner for the BBC: Steve Trenchard