Football Daily - Will Scotland and Wales qualify, and is British and Irish football in its best-ever place?

Episode Date: November 17, 2025

Scotland and Wales could secure World Cup spots with victory on Tuesday night - will they, and what would it mean?Former Scottish international James McFadden joins Jonathan Northcroft, Chief Football Writer at the Sunday Times, and Eilidh Barbour to ponder what's required for Steve Clarke to lead the Tartan Army to a first World Cup for 28 years.Scotland's task is simple: defeat Denmark at Hampden Park. Toke Theilade joins the show to give the Danish perspective, with an illness in the camp contributing to a shock draw with Belarus.As for Wales, things are less straight-forward. Two points separating the top three sides in Group J and so all of qualification, play-offs and elimination are possible. Rob Earnshaw, who earned 59 caps in his career, helps preview their home fixture against North Macedonia.We also hear from the player of the international break, Troy Parrott, whose 96th-minute winner over Hungary not only completed his hat-trick but secured his nation a World Cup play-off spot. Former Ireland midfielder Andy Reid explains what that drama meant to the country and the panel discuss the positive state of football in Britain and Ireland with all five nations in with a chance of World Cup spots.Timecodes: 00:45 What would ending the 28-year wait for a World Cup mean for Scotland? 06:45 How do the players use the emotion in the right way? 10:10 Steve Clarke on his emotions ahead of the game 14:00 How do Scotland improve from the performance in Greece? 17:10 How important will Andy Robertson's leadership be? 18:50 The Danish perspective with Toke Theilade 22:18 Will Rasmus Hojlund and Joachim Andersen be available for this game and what impact has the illness in the camp had? 24:20 What are Denmark's expectations for this game?  28:59 Wales v North Macedonia preview with Rob Earnshaw 32:06 Has Harry Wilson become Gareth Bale's successor as the Welsh leader? 33:58 Troy Parrott interview on his dramatic winner and hat-trick for Ireland in Hungary 37:22 Andy Reid debates whether this is the start of something bigger for Ireland 41:10 How strong a place is British and Irish football in at the moment?Commentaries coming up this week: Tues 1945 Scotland v Denmark — 5Live Tues 1945 Wales v North Macedonia — Sports Extra Wed 2000 Arsenal Women v Real Madrid Femenino — 5Live Thurs 2000 Chelsea Women v Barcelona Femení — 5Live Sat 1500 Liverpool v Nottingham Forest — 5Live Sat 1500 Fulham v Sunderland — Sports Extra Sat 1730 Newcastle United v Manchester City — 5Live Sun 1400 Leeds United v Aston Villa — 5Live Sun 1630 Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur — 5Live

This is the Football Daily podcast with Ailey Barber. Hello, I'm Ailey Barber. Lots to get into over the next hour, Scotland are just one game away from their first World Cup in 28 years. We will hear from Steve Clark shortly. Wales could also qualify tomorrow night. Rob Earnshaw will join us. But first of all, a very good evening to former Scotland international James McFadden and the Sunday Times chief sports writer Jonathan Norcroft. 27 years since Scotland were last at a World Cup they have failed to qualify for the last six consecutive tournaments the longest gap

between World Cups Scotland have ever had but it is in their hands which going into the final game is to think what the three of us would all have taken James you have been in the dressing room what would playing in a World Cup have meant to you and has that changed now that you're watching on? Well it's changed

because I don't need to go through the ups and downs physically as well as emotionally what would that have meant I mean they meant everything. The World Cup is the pinnacle of football particularly, you know, you dream as a kid I heard Andy Robertson speak earlier, you dream as a kid, you know, playing for your country

and, you know, we were fortunate, okay, it's been a long time, but we're similar age early where we grew up watching Scotland playing at the World Cup it was the norm. Unfortunately throughout my career, it didn't quite pan out but that is where you want to play. You dream of playing for your country and a

World Cup and unfortunately I never got there but the players and the staff have an unbelievable opportunity tomorrow night to go and win a home game in front of a packed out Hamden to qualify for the World Cup. No looking at anybody else's results, not worrying about what's happening, anybody else, or just only focusing on yourself. It's an unbelievable position that we're in.

It's incredible. It's very exciting, Jonathan. Good evening to you. How much would it mean to the game in Scotland, to the Scotland fan, to the future generations, if they could get back to that World Cup stage. It'd mean everything. Yeah, I mean, I'm slightly older than you two, so I was lucky enough to be in France in 1998.

And I just, you know, I experienced that from a press point of view, but also saw what the fans were like. I remember the scenes in Paris the day before and the day of the game against Brazil. I remember what Bordeaux was like when Scotland played Norway. And if you think the party at the Euros last year was big, I mean, the party that Scotland fans would have at the World Cup would be huge. But it's not just about that.

I mean, as James was saying, he was inspired as a player to want to get to those stages. And I think getting to the tournaments, especially the World Cups, does inspire the next generation. It gives so many people belief. It's just a shot in the arm for the whole country. And it just seems amazing when I think, you know, 1998's now, what, 27 years ago? I mean, half a lifetime. I didn't think at that point. that Scotland wouldn't be getting back for all this time.

So my goodness, if we could do it again. And you look back to the last World Cup qualifying campaign, Jonathan, that playoff against Ukraine. It's the closest Scotland have come to getting back to the World Cup than all the awful things that happened in Ukraine, the postponing of that playoff match, the injuries that Scotland then had when the game took place. This time though, the luck feels a little bit different.

I think it's definitely been on Scotland's side so far. Thank you to Belarus for doing a job for us on Saturday night. But do you think that luck has maybe gone in our favour a little bit this campaign and may it well it continue? Well, it has, hasn't it, so far, but it's also a weird feeling from a Scottish point of view to think that luck might actually be on your side. I feel a bit suspicious of that, to be quite honest.

I think Steve Clark was asked about that today by the press and, you know, asked if there was someone looking after Scotland and, as you can imagine, Steve didn't have much time for that kind of sentimental idea. But it's been such an odd campaign and Saturday was such a... a bizarre sort of sequence of events. I was actually in Albania covering England as part of the job and watched the game on a phone in a sports bar. The Albanians had the Kosovo match on.

And I just thought of my colleagues actually in the press box and how on earth could you even write about that with the news coming in from Copenhagen. But when you think back, you know, the Greece game at home, the weirdness of being booed while getting at least a playoff place against Belarus. It's not really felt like a normal campaign. So yeah, maybe it'll have a different ending. It is interesting because the game is at Hamden tomorrow night and usually when we talk

about Hamden and the Hamden roar and the fans getting right behind the team and the players. But like Jonathan says, that last international window, six points on the board, playoff secured and the team was booed on a number of occasions. Could they be an asset tomorrow or does it very much come down to the team ensuring that they keep the supporters on their side? I think that's always the case that the team need to keep the supporters on side. But I think back to throughout my career for Scotland, Italy at home, the build up to the game. Even as a player, you try and focus as much you can on the game itself.

The build up, driving into hand, the feeling, the anticipation, the belief was massive. I think, and I hope it's the same tomorrow, because we've put ourselves in an unlikely position of knowing if we win we're qualified. So I think that the fans will buy into that and the build-up will then start with the fans inspiring the players and hopefully that means that we start the game better because the form and performances,

particularly the last three games, have been way below what we expect and I know that out of those three games we won two of them but it was almost, particularly the Greece at home, was so unlikely to get a victory. To actually win at 3-1 and in the end you think, well, it was all the fuss. I mean, the last 10 minutes it was pretty comfortable, but the first 80 was far from comfortable.

But I think that the fans will take the on the onus on to build and generate the start of the game because they'll be excited. I mean, we're talking about, we are speaking from our point of view, and watching Scotland at the World Cup, a generation of fans, I've never seen them at a World Cup. So I think that excitement, the anticipation will be there.

Hopefully that projects in a positive way onto the players and then we get them coming right out the traps starting early, making sure they keep the fans on side giving them something to cheer and support the whole way through and if that happens then it could be a special night. I really hope the players are feeling a little bit less nervous than I am about it all tomorrow but when you hear them speak

and we've heard the players speak and the build-up to the Greece game on Saturday since the Greece game, the fact that it's still all alive for this big showdown tomorrow night the emotional impact, the magnitude, it's not lost on the players at all and Andy Robertson spoke today about how to switch on the work mode

how do you do that as a player how do you take that emotion not completely shut it out but use it in the right way I mean it's difficult because it's not an all-and-earthing because the playoffs there but you know exactly what's at stake there's no room for error in this game on the occasion

of directly qualifying for the World Cup so the nerves are going to be there the nervous excitement you know they sell out crowd the noise but we need to remember their professionals have taking us to the last two euros. They understand how to deal with pressure. I think this is a time

where if you can't enjoy that feeling, you're in the wrong movie. But these players have shown they can enjoy it. So I think that that's an inspiration to the players. It's something that they're speaking about dreams and they know how to win games, they know how to win against

tough opposition, which Denmark will be. I think they'll relish it. They'll relish every single bit of it. Park, the Greece performance, the first hour, the last half hour, you use that as an inspiration. And just, you know, it's okay saying, oh, we're lucky to be here with the way events transpired

on Saturday. They're no lucky to be here for the work they've done throughout the campaign. They deserve to be where they are. They're a point behind Denmark who everybody thought we'd run away with the group. And then we're actually probably fighting for a playoff, which we've got guaranteed. So I think this is a night for the players to

really embrace the occasion, to really embrace the pressure. I always felt it's a night to be a hero. not for a failure, it's a night to be a hero. And I think that's been the message from Steve Clark. Whatever happens tomorrow night, Jonathan, there will be another game or potentially two, potentially more for Steve Clark.

His contract does end at the end of this World Cup. He's said 75% chance he won't continue on in this Scotland role. But for him and for the core of players who've really been on this brilliant journey with him, how fitting would it be if it was to come to a conclusion at a World Cup once again? I think they deserve it. I mean, biased maybe, but just for the body of work, you know, this is a group, as James said, that's come through a lot together, has changed history for Scotland, you know, to break the long sequence without a tournament and then to do it again with those two euros for Steve Clark to become the first manager to get to three consecutive tournaments when you think of some of the managers Scotland have had would be amazing.

but I do think just the work that's been put in the nights that they've had together, it has been a long journey. I've been to World Cups in that interim period and seen far worse teams than Scotland there. So I do think it would be a really fitting way to go. I think Steve's done an amazing job for Scotland, and it would be a shame if he was remembered as anything other than a transformational manager because he has been, you can talk about the style of football, you can talk about conservative selections,

When you think of where Scotland were when he took over, when you think about that, you know, it would have been a fantasy to get to one tournament at that point. We love that you see this group of players have another crack at a major tournament. Because I actually think they can learn from, let's say, what happened in Germany last year. You know, I'd expect Scotland if they did get there to be a little bit better equipped than a year ago. And that's also a tantalising prospect. It is indeed.

Well, let's hear from the Scotland manager, Steve Clark, about how he's feeling ahead of tomorrow night. Okay. Pretty calm, considering the magnitude of the game and the occasion. I trust my players. I always trust my players. We've recovered well for the trip to Greece. Lads seem to be in pretty good spirits because they know what's in front of them. And like I said before, this was always the scenario that we had in our head, that this would be the chance, a home game against Denmark to qualify for a World Cup. So everyone's in a good place. we always thought when the draw was made if we could get it down to the

final game here at Hamden that would be an achievement because we would then have had to finish above our seeding. We've done that we were drawn as the pot three team we're already in second place we want to go one step further and finish at the top of the group. I think if you look at what

we've achieved over the last six and a half years a lot of these players they're already very very high in the ranking of what we've done as a country when I took the job six and a half years ago a lot of people were saying don't touch it it's a poison challenge you can't do this

I looked at the group of players they said I see some quality there I see a group of players I look forward to working with this group of players because I think we can achieve good things we've managed to do that now we've got another very very good thing that we can achieve together

James you actually spoke to Steve Clark today as well I saw the clip on social media you were asking him how big a smile he'd have in his face if he was to get it over the line tomorrow night. I mean he played it down but surely the celebrations will come. Yeah I think so. I think that he is very reserved.

We all know that and he gives very little away but to get to a World Cup, take this group and we speak often about the players but for the manager what he's done. Yeah I'm sure he's going to give his more than a smile. That's what he said they might give you a smile after the game

I'm pretty sure he'll give us more than a smile. In fact if we get there I'll be going down looking for him or maybe give him a big cuddle and just try and get him out of his shell of it but he's done a fantastic job and he's great at making sure the players know exactly what they need to do and hopefully

I said to him when I was speaking to him that if you think back to Denmark at home in one of the campaigns, Spain at home there's always a big performance and a big result I don't think we've had it yet so hopefully they've been saving it up for tomorrow And when you look at the results against Denmark, Jonathan,

it was important to start the qualifying campaign well, they did that with that nil-no draw away to Denmark in the opening game and then they've beaten them in the last three games that they've met them at home. Do you read anything at all into that when the game has so much on the line? Maybe not. I mean, it is just one of those winner-takes-old games. And I think they're really similar teams. You look at the Danish side, it's got lots of experienced players

who've been together a long time but there's also question marks maybe a bit slow at the back like Scotland are. I just think it, look, what Scotland do have is the knowledge that they can beat Denmark and actually the knowledge,

recent knowledge of Copenhagen and being able to hold out against them. So there's a little bit of confidence there, but I just do think it's going to come down more to who is in the best mindset, who handles the occasion, the best, can't see it being anything other than a really tight game.

so also comes down to moments and who takes those moments as James said Scotland actually haven't played that well yet in the campaign so surely given this the history these lads have got together they do have a performance in them they've pulled certainly results out the bag

when they haven't played well particularly that game at home against Greece but if we look at Greece on Saturday night James offensively and going forward some brilliant stuff played particularly in the second half but defensively they were all all over the place at times. How do they produce a performance going forward

like they did the other night but ensure that they remain tight at the back? I think a lot of the problems came from not being fully committed to going into forward positions and being ready and aggressive to win the ball back as quick as you can. And that's where a little bit's indecision means that defensively maybe the line was a bit deeper

than it should be when there was a spell in the second half, but actually our best spell apart from when the news was filling through and Scotland were bombing forward and getting chance after chance was the first ten minutes of second half because the ball was going forward we were getting players in around the box

we were looking like we were going to be dangerous but also we had a high line defenders were being aggressive ready to step in and win the ball back and maintain attacks that kind of shifted after Greece got their second goal and I just I feel as though it was a bit of I wouldn't say fear but there was certainly

a little bit of trepidation with knowing that Greece are a technically very good side. I don't know if it was a draw is enough and don't be the person to make that mistake because they're not playing for a draw but if you get a draw then it's a fantastic result so I think it's just more committal

to being aggressive. Steve Clark has had some stick for his style of play at times but I don't think at the start he had to build from somewhere he built from the back he made it hard to beat, hard to play against not very pretty but direct

at times in physical but I think over time that evolved into we were looking at you know Mcominy emerging as a real Scotland player scoring goals John McGinn you know the talism and we had real energy all over the pitch I think that we were much better on the front foot being aggressive

and I just think this campaign for whatever reason I'm not sure maybe it's just that maybe it is the occasion it's a World Cup maybe it is a group of players that for a lot of them are thinking right this is our last chance to play at a World Cup maybe that fear is there of fear of failure

is what the message is coming for the manager is don't have a fear of failure but there might just be a realisation with some of these players that this is my last chance this is my last chance that don't mess it up so I think that you have to just throw that out of the window you've got a chance to go and be unbelievable heroes for the country

to break that World Cup who do if you like to get to a major tournament again three times for most of these players. That's incredible given what Steve Clark had to do when he went in in first place. I do think the fact that Scotland need to

win and there's no jubiety about it, there's no sort of hedging your bets about getting a draw. I think the fact that it's clear, need to win, is actually much better psychologically should make for a much more front foot and positive performance than going in like they did against

Greece, not quite sure whether to sort of stick or twist and that's not good for the psyche, particularly like the Scottish psyche, I don't think. Andrew Robertson's obviously had a difficult start to the season with Kerkes coming in at Liverpool, but he's found his way back into pretty much that starting lineup, Jonathan. It's quite a shift for him without a natural left-sided player. There are options. There is the option of Kieran Tini, maybe coming in at left-back or going

in a further forward position. We have seen that happen at times later on as games have gone on. But in terms of Andy Robertson, regardless of his performances, how important is he as the captain of this national team with everything that is at stake tomorrow night? Oh, goodness. I mean, he is such a vital figure. And actually, you mentioned what's happened to him at club level. I mean, Liverpool have discovered that all over again. When they were in disarray, let's get Andy Robertson back in heel, his character, his quality, his reading of the game. He plays a lot more defensively, I'd say, in a club. setting he doesn't get forward much anymore compared to what he was doing but the quality is still there and that's show an amazing

character from his point of view to to meet that challenge and get back in and that's why he's Scotland's captain because of that personality because that character and I mean it was rolling back the years the cross he put in for Christy I don't think Tierney's been

on quite the form maybe to push the way that there used to be the case that you wanted to get them both in maybe maybe that pressure isn't quite as on Steve Clark as it was before. And I just think John McGinn wherever you play him is

if you're playing front foot if you're playing with energy then he comes to the fore whether he's on the left or in the middle so I actually have no problems about him playing that. No, absolutely not. Well there's decisions for Steve Clark to make decisions too for Demer manager Brian Reimer

there's been a sickness bug that has gone through the camp and we can say good evening to Danish football expert and podcast Tocke Thieleh. Good evening, Toki. There were some pretty scathing reactions from those that we got comments from after the game on Saturday. How has the reaction been in Denmark from that draw and the fact that it is still not been put to bed that Denmark are in this World Cup? It wasn't pretty. It was arguably the worst result that Buck has delivered in the past, I think, 10 years. And obviously the spectators in the stadium in Copenhagen and at home in front of the. the televisions were very, very unhappy with it. I think anybody could hear that after the last whistle. Really loud boost, which was unusual because the support for the national team in Denmark

has been huge for the past seven, eight years, of course, with the peak in 2021 at the euro. But, yeah, that game against Belarus, that was ugly. And now there's a lot of pressure. I think there was also some unhappiness with obviously the Danish game went on for, I think, roughly five minutes after the Scottish game was finished. And a lot of people felt that there wasn't enough urgency and that Denmark didn't really play that chance because, yeah, a defeat wouldn't have mattered.

So it was surprising that they didn't go all in trying to get that last goal because, yeah, a defeat or a draw, it ultimately wouldn't have changed anything. But, yeah, that victory, of course, would have given us the ticket to the World Cup. I can tell you that five minutes was very, very long from a Scottish perspective. But one of the interesting comments I thought was Oliver Norgaardy spoke after the game about a fear of losing within the group,

sort of hinting towards maybe that mentality of the team. Is that something that you've noticed with this group? Or is that something that maybe just came up for the first time on Saturday? Yeah, I think that's a new thing. Of course, it's also still pretty new that there's a lot of pressure on the Danish team, that there's expectations that people are expecting us to win groups and qualify and not only go to tournaments, but actually make a difference at the tournament. I think maybe it wasn't so much a fear of losing,

but I think many of the players already had their heads on the Scotland match. And I think part of the blame there is also on the Brennerima, the national team coach, because you could see on the lineup he fielded that he was already thinking of Scotland. For example, he held out Yelde Fuhold, really, really good midfielder from Porto, who's been maybe our best player this whole season, because he was in danger of being suspended if he got a yellow card and we really missed him. I mean, Christian Erickson, as good as he's been for his whole career,

he just hasn't played much this season and he's not the player he used to be. At least he's not in the shape he needs to be to make a difference. And I think maybe we took things a little bit for granted in this match and sort of expected Belarus to be a walkover. When that is said, of course, Denmark, with the chances we created, should have won that. that match with a couple of goals. I mean, it was not like the players didn't go out and create anything. There were plenty of chances.

It was just really, really sloppy finishing and then giving away two unnecessary goals out of nothing which turned the match around completely. Brasmus Hoyland does come back into the squad. He missed with illness. A couple of other players as well missing out. No, Andrew Dreher, though. He's been scoring for fun over in the MLS.

So one positive, certainly, with Hoyland coming back. But it does restrict the options, maybe again available. Yeah, and we don't know if he's ready for 90 minutes, if he's ready to start or if he can only come in as a hopefully impact player from the bench. So this whole sickness, we also have Joachimannerson coming back. He was also out in the first match with the sickness.

So, of course, it definitely strengthened the teams also, getting more than Yulman and Yelde Froholt in on the midfield instead of Eriksnergo, definitely improves the team. But, yeah, I mean, there's some uncertainties. And I imagine if you've been sick the whole weekend, even if you are fit to play, he's not at 100%. And I think we have a couple of other players who are also not at 100% with Yerke Manesson and Krestensen and so on. So not the best shape going into this match. James, from a player's point of view, when you're away on an international camp,

we've heard of that there are Danish players in isolation. It probably very much restricts how much social time they have together away from training and just things like that, the atmosphere within the camp. How big a problem is it for the players and trying to ensure that you get that right mentality all being together going into a big game? Yeah, I think that they know what's at stake be looking for a bit of payback as well

for the performance in Copenhagen in Scotland, you know, frustrating them. But I think you would more look at the impact that has on them physically, but not being able to train. How much energy do you have are you able to get back? And that would be the big question.

I think that having them missing from training is maybe not a big deal. because sometimes players are rested and they do the work specific to the game anyway and it was always going to be a case that the Scotland game was the big game I think it was more physically for the players that are missing how physically ready are they

to play international football and particularly a game where we keep speaking about the atmosphere and as much as it'll inspire Scotland Denmark will feel that as well they'll know they're going into a game where there's a real belief around the stadium how do Denmark view this game

or how is this game being viewed in Denmark and Scotland as the opposition, a trip to Hamden, a place that Denmark haven't won on their last three visits. What is the expectations in Denmark for this game, Toku? I would say the expectations are still big. I mean, it's definitely expected that we qualify directly

for this World Cup. Since the qualification started, since the draw, really, the goal and the expectation has been that Denmark should win this group. And, of course, people are on track to do that until the failure Saturday. of course, it still stayed as close. Demi still just need to draw to advance and get the first place.

But I think the confidence took a big hit after that. It was seen as us being maybe a little bit indestructible. It could be a positive thing. It could be a wake-up call. But no, it definitely hit the confidence. But going into this match, there's a lot of respect for Scotland. There's a lot of respect for British football in general. And I think everybody knows that Hampton Park,

is a really big, really legendary ground. It's really, really difficult place to play football. But also, it's, yeah, I mean, the expectation is still that it would, that Denmark needs to go and finish the job, that Denmark needs to win this group and to do anything in, in our power to avoid going into the knockout, because of course, that's, that's very unpredictable. Also with how Norway has done so amazingly and winning four, four one against, Italy the other day. I mean, there's also a little bit of rivalry there. So Norway has always

been the little brother in the Nordics behind both Denmark and Sweden. So them suddenly looking that strong, it would be only adding to the failure if Denmark fails to qualify for this World Cup or has to go through through playoffs at least like Sweden now. Tokwe, it's Jonathan here. How is your manager handling the pressure? I mean, you've known in the Premier League, obviously, is Thomas Frank's assistant did a good job there. But, you know, he's He's come after a very, very good national manager, Caspar Heumann, who is very popular. And it looks like this is the biggest game of his career, is it not?

Is he under a bit of pressure? Is he, is he calm? So far, he's, he's been handling it pretty well, but you're absolutely spot on. It's easily the biggest match of his career. And he's still pretty unknown guy in Denmark, I would say. I mean, obviously he's been national team coach for a while now. He's done reasonably well.

did fine in the Nations League has done pretty good so far in this qualification. But, I mean, for me and for many, this is like the big test. This is where we see what he's made of. So far, he's built a lot upon what the Udman set up with many of the same players, similar system, or not similar systems, but similar approach with this possession-based style and everything. But, yeah, this I would say is definitely make a break for him. And if we fail to qualify, that would be seen as a.

big failure. And also it could go against his reputation because he's not an experienced guy. He had one one head coaching job at Underleg before this one and that didn't go very well in the end. He has even been accused of getting that job a little bit as like a because he knows the sporting director. There was a strong, strong Danish connection at that time. So yeah, this I think is definitely the big test for him. And we will see how he sets up the players. There's a lot of pressure. But also still. a lot of support and the away section is sold out and people are definitely still behind the team

that's the unhappiness that came with the draw against Belarus is forgotten again as soon as the match starts so I think he can definitely count on full support from both the travelling fans and everybody at home watching the match. It should be an absolute cracker. Toki, thank you very much for joining us.

sport. WSL. And what a game of football. It is to kickstart this new WSL season. That's the only goal. And she is able to just pick her sport. Curls this way past the best goalkeeper in the division. BBC Women's Football Weekly.

The latest news, insights and analysis from across the women's game. Lucy Bruns, welcome back. What one lioness do you think would make the best rugby player? Me? Listen. With the BBC Sounds app. This is the. the Football Daily podcast with Ailey Barber.

Let's talk Wales now. A win tomorrow night at home to North Macedonia. We'd guarantee them a playoff spot. Well, former Welsh international Rob Earnshaw joins us now. Good evening, Rob. A playoff spot already secured via the nation's league campaign, but finishing second in the group would give a much more favourable draw in those playoffs.

So are you confident that Wales can do it tomorrow night? Yeah. Do you know what I am super confident, actually? It feels like this Wales team, they're still progressing. And it's just like every international continuously, there's a little bit extra detail. There's another growth that comes. Yeah, the other night wasn't perfect. It wasn't right.

We didn't go and win five, six, nil. But we keep learning every single one. And I think because Craig is so detailed and he gives the players so many things, he wants players to be in a rhythm where they create a, opportunities and then, you know, take them that efficiency is still to come. So I think tomorrow night might be a real big one. And the way I look at it as well is if there ever was a game that feels like a playoff and prepares you like a playoff, it's North Macedonia. And bear in mind, North Macedonia haven't lost in this group and Belgium are top, but North Macedonia

haven't lost the game. So it's about time in one way. And Wales are due a, I think a real big statement win in this group. It was one each when they met earlier in the campaign. Wales, a frustrating performance for them on Saturday, got the victory that they needed, though. But what do you expect in terms of how they line up tomorrow night and how aggressive they might be on the ball? Well, I had a really good conversation, actually, just out of the public eye with Craig

about a month ago. And it was great to kind of just see the things that he sees in his mind. and he knows he's working up to that but the one thing that I've noticed and I think he's pleased with is he wants Wales and never consider almost the other team in terms of we're scared of them

or there's pressure or we've got a home game away game he wants every single game that we go after them doesn't matter who we play and that's what I'm expecting tomorrow night North Macedonia are actually a very good team but I see whales coming out

just like it did a month ago against Belgium where they came out, scored the first goal. That is where we're aiming to really be this, I guess, kind of a trademark of this team. That's what I'm expecting tomorrow night. Fast, fast start, pressing up high, lots of possession, if possible, but more efficiency, especially that execution.

Those final thirds, I mean, the other night, I called it a buffet game in Liechtenstein because there was so many chances and there was so much opportunity. And you could, you know, you could, If you wanted a hat trick, you could go and get a hat trick, but it wasn't quite there. But I hope tomorrow night against North Macedonia, it's one of those that big, big knights in Wales that everybody goes home and thinks, yeah, we're really seeing a really strong Wales team right now. I just wanted to ask Rob, I'm just really interested that Harry Wilson looks like he's going to be captain for the game.

You're talking about what's happening at the top of the pitch being so crucial to setting the tone for Wales. How do you see him as a leader? You know, do you think he's got those qualities? How important is he for the team? Do you know why? The last couple of years, Harry Wilson has become that key, key player because one, in his growth in his career,

he's become a goal scorer. He's playing in the Premier League. He's playing regularly at Fulham. He's found a team where he's not going out on loan all the time, a team that appreciates him. And also what's happened with Gareth Bale, retiring and Aaron Ramsey in and out, he's grown into a leader himself.

So him being captain, tomorrow and I, I think it's going to be great. It's great for him, great responsibility. And do you know what? He's been doing that anyway. In terms of when you look at this qualification, the last qualification, he's always been a key man, whether in creating the goals that he scored, he always makes everybody else better. So I think it's a perfect timing for him.

I'm looking forward to that. The big thing is going to be who plays behind Harry Wilson because Ethan Amperdu suspended. Jordan James who scored the other night, the winner, he's suspended. But there's a big hole in midfield. So I wonder if Craig is thinking Harry Wilson might just drop a little bit deeper

and take on even more responsibility on the defensive side as well. But listen, I think Harry Wilson is growing into a top-top player. And I mean, we seem a lot in the Premier League scoring these great goals and being this key player for Fulham. But he's been doing that for a number of. of years now with Wales. Rob, thank you very much for joining us.

All the best tomorrow night and you can catch commentary of Wales against North Macedonia on Sports Extra tomorrow evening. Let's chat Ireland next after they came from behind thanks to a Troy Parrot hat trick

to win in the 96th minute. It was dramatic stuff and he spoke to Sammy Mockbell about how many times he's watched it back. Probably about 500 times. Even last night when I got into bed couldn't sleep lying. they're just imagining it over and over again.

Can you try for me to put into words the emotions of the last 24 hours? Are you, you know, are you generally an emotional person? And I guess if you are, I guess what's happened over the past few hours is a lot to comprehend. To be fair, in general, I'm not normally emotional. I said on the interview last night. It's the first time that I cried in years. I can't even remember the last time that I cried.

But it was just the whole build-up of things that just all kind of came out. Yeah, I don't know. I've seen my family there on the crowd. It made me a bit emotional as well. So it's the first time I've felt something like that. Like, I've scored goals before, but none as meaningful as the last one last night. A former Ireland midfielder, Andy Reid, is with us. Andy, have you ever done anything on a football pitch that you've watched back over 500 times?

No, not quite. Not quite, but I never scored a 96-minute winner to get my country into a playoff spot. So you can't blame Troy for looking back on that. Absolutely incredible scenes. It really, really was. Five goals in the two games to get... I mean, the 96-minute winner was impressive enough, but five goals in two games to get Ireland a playoff play.

I mean, it was just ridiculous. It was ridiculous stuff watching. Brilliant stuff. Yeah, I mean, absolutely incredible. Considering that it's, you know, it's been a really rocky qualifying campaign. There's been some okay bits, but there's been some pretty poor bits as well. And I think if you take it back kind of four or five days to just before the Portugal game, I don't think anybody really gave Ireland too much a too much kind of hope.

You know, you're home to Portugal, really, really tough game. Obviously, on paper, world-class players and come up with a performance like that, which was incredible in itself. And then, you know, you have to run. on that wave, you have to take that kind of promise forward and into an away game against Hungary, which is a tough place

to go, you know, they've got plenty of good players, hostile environment, so you know it's going to be tough. You end up going goals down in the game as well. And I think it's a testament to the resilience that the team have shown that at times over probably not just this campaign, but over the last

probably four or five years, this team and individuals within this team as well have taken a lot of stick, but they've come out fighting and that was an incredible I mean I've been watching kind of videos all day that people have been sending me from Ireland and seeing stuff on Twitter of pubs going absolutely crazy

when the goal went in and so incredible scenes and much needed I think for the Irish football environment Andy I was there when Hal Grimson had just taken over when Ireland played England in the Nations League in Dublin and I must admit at that point I wouldn't have seen this great story unfolding

it was a bit rocky from at the start it didn't look like it was going to be the best fit but from the outside it does feel like something is starting to grow with the team that it's got better and better is that your sense do you think that this could be the start of something? Yeah I mean look you would hope so

I mean it's football is such a there's such fine margins you know if Ireland don't be Portugal and they don't kind of get that winner land night and there's no game to look forward to in the in the in the in the playoffs then you know maybe he comes under under more pressure and like I said it's been really rocky there's been some good bits has been some poor bits and and I think I'm probably I suppose sat on the fence a little bit that I didn't really know which way it was going to go and and I don't

want to sound kind of too negative because it's an incredible kind of performance with the boat of the performances but there's still plenty of work to do you know we've qualified for a playoff, which is great and we'll go in with really high hopes and, you know, be really ambitious to try and kind of get through. But, you know, in Irish football in general, there's been a barren spell.

It's been a really tough period for Irish fans. There hasn't been a lot of great football and there haven't been the results that we've needed. So I suppose as a footballing nation, we will grab hold of wherever we can and take all the positives we can. But, you know, it's just that little bit of

warning that I kind of say, you know, there's still plenty of work to do at underage level kind of all the way through. We need funding. There needs to be more funding from the government for the good people who do work there and know plenty of coaches. I work through the underage set up myself. We need more

funding over there to build up the academies for since Brexit, it's been really difficult for the young players because they can't come over to the UK to kind of play their trade until they're 18. So more investment needs to go in. So there's a big project that needs kind of really sort

now over there. Scotland were the same. You latch on to that positivity and the hope that comes around good results. How much have things changed, even just since these two results over this last week in terms of a positive feeling around

the national team and around football in Ireland? Yeah. No, incredible. And it's all everybody's talking about. I'm loads of friends and family kind of onto me straight after the game last night saying you better be able to get some tickets for the playoff game.

and even talking about if we get to the World Cup can you get tickets for this and so on so there's a real kind of renewed optimism that like I said it wasn't there seven days ago and I suppose it just goes to show

you how quickly football can change a couple of performances and that's all them fans want to see they want to see kind of hard work people giving 100% when they step out onto the pitch and they live for them moments we've had great moments

in Irish football you think back to goals that Robbie Keen scored going back forward and Noel Quinn, John Aldridge and Ray Houghton scoring against England

at Euro ADA, you know, Italian 90. So there's been incredible moments that we've had in Irish football and the Irish football

in public they crave them moments again. So everybody's hopeful that them days will come back again and we can get to some major tournaments because I know

I would probably be biased with being Irish but the Irish but the Irish fans, they bring such a special atmosphere to every tournament that they've been to. So I think everybody would probably wish that the Irish fans end up going again pretty soon. Yeah, hopefully some big moments still to come.

Andy, thanks for joining us this evening. Just wanted to get a few of your final thoughts from you to James and Jonathan. The hope was that this expanded World Cup would maybe give opportunities. And we know that Wales are through to a playoff via the Nations League, is Scotland, Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland,

they've guaranteed playoff places. Scotland could actually join England and going through automatically tomorrow. How positive should we be across the board about where the national game is right now for all four nations, James? Yeah, very. I mean, it's all good as long as we avoid each other.

I haven't managed to do that for a while. That would be nice. We can all enjoy our tournament together for a change. But not as I think you listen to Andy, and a lot's changed for them in the week. But if you look at the League of Ireland, teams in Europe. They're really making their name for themselves and being competitive. You see some young

players then coming through and getting their moves. Maybe once I've learned the game a little bit. Northern Ireland, I think they've got a really good young squad that are hungry and will get better. We heard Rob Earnshaw speak about Wales, who certainly seem to be on the up. And we've got a Scotland team that have been at the last two euros.

History is there for Scotland tomorrow and hopefully we can enjoy watching these teams in the playoffs and cheer on from the sidelines rather than being part of it. Well, that would be lovely. What Are your predictions, Jonathan? Well, I'm going to be positive. Just listening to Andy there.

Just listen to Andy to talk about how excited Ireland are. Getting into a playoff. Let's remember, that's them getting into a playoff. Scotland has already got that in the bag. So there's nothing to lose. Last 25 minutes against Greece showed how Scotland can play when, caution to the wind,

when there's nothing to lose, when we go for it. Why not go for it? Why not start the game like we finish? the game in Athens and if we do that I think it's a game where if Scotland

play like they can if we bring our best game we win it and we're at the World Cup what could be better than that Love to end on a positive note Jonathan James thank you very much

a huge night for Scotland tomorrow night you can listen to Scotland against Denmark for a place in the World Cup live right here on 5 live tomorrow night Wales against North Macedonia

big night for Wales too that will have live commentary on Sports Extra and BBC sounds for listening. Tomorrow's episode we'll have all the reaction from a huge night at Hamden Park. 105 yards are on the return

Where speed, power and skill collide And the Eagles have beaten the cheese convincingly in Super Bowl 59 5, 5 lights for NFL Listen on BBC Sounds