Ben Stokes announced his retirement to the England team before the morning session of the final test v New Zealand... with the crowd chanting his name as news spread around Trent Bridge in the afternoon, he takes a wicket with the very next ball. Incredible theatre, pure Ben Stokes?

After the seismic news for English cricket, how much blame lies with the ECB? Should we just pause to reflect on Stokes's impact? and what next? Cricket broadcaster Mark Nicholas joins Gabby and Mark.

Alongside that huge news, there is also the small story of a World Cup reaching it's knock out phase. Ghana manager Carlos Queiroz's comments about the 48 team tournament becoming a 'vulgar, ordinary tournament' have sparked debate in an already controversial competition. But does the achievements of Cabo Verde, DR Congo and many more, serve to prove him wrong? Former Premier League defender Nedum Onouha also joins.

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: George Sexton-Kerr & David Finch

Video Producer: Samuel Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Jasmine Wissart

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

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After Scotland’s humbling at the hands of Brazil, Mark has his say on FIFA’s “crap way to qualify for the knockout stages of a World Cup”...

Former USMNT, Spurs & Aston Villa Goalkeeper Brad Friedel joins Gabby & Mark to talk about the sporting miracle which is inspiring Mauricio Pochettino and his USA team’s belief that they can go all the way at their home world cup.

And with qualifiers set to end today, we meet Wimbledon wildcard Marcus Willis to talk about the gruelling realities of qualifying for the big slams if you’re a player outside the top 50.

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🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Finch

Video Producer: Samuel Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Jasmine Wissart

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents

Lionel Messi became the all-time leading goal scorer at the men’s World Cup, while hours later, arch rival Cristiano Ronaldo announced he was "back” after scoring two goals against Uzbekistan...

Could two of the greatest players of all time could be set for a world cup collision course in the final chapter of their epic rivalry.

Mark & Nedum weigh in on a huge night for Ghana who stopped Thomas Tuchel's England in their tracks and just hours before they kick off against Brazil, Nedum gives his verdict on how Scotland can stop Vinicius Jnr & Co.

Plus, Nedum has his say on the viral topic of the moment from World Cup 2026: Mark Chapman’s choice of shirt for TV.

📩 Got a question for The Sports Agents? https://forms.gle/9SBbW1SYWqXLKnRT7

🖥️ Watch our full episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SportsAgentsPod

📱Follow us on socials:

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📥 Email: thesportsagents@global.com

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Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Finch

Video Producer: Samuel Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Jasmine Wissart

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

👕 The Sports Agents have merch! You can buy yours now: https://store.global.com/collections/the-sports-agents