Advertise on podcast: The Wayne Rooney Show

Who will win the World Cup? Who are the real favourites to lift the trophy? And what does it actually take to succeed on football's biggest stage? Wayne Rooney is joined by Manchester United legend Edwin van der Sar to debate the leading contenders, relive World Cup heartbreak with the Netherlands and explain why some players thrive under the biggest pressure while others don't. They also lift the lid on life under Sir Alex Ferguson, revisit Manchester United's greatest team, relive the battles with Barcelona, discuss the evolution of goalkeeping and look back at Van der Sar's unforgettable assist for Rooney.

Why can't Brazil produce another Ronaldo? Have they lost what made them the world's most feared football nation? Wayne Rooney is joined by Brazil legend Romário to relive the iconic 1994 World Cup triumph, explain why Brazil are still searching for the next great No.9 and reveal why he volunteered to take a penalty in the World Cup final. Romário also names the greatest player he ever saw, agrees with Wayne that modern football has become too tactical and reveals why he'd have loved to play alongside Wayne.

Could an African nation finally win the World Cup? How close did Ghana come to making history? Wayne Rooney and Michael Essien relive glory, heartbreak and unforgettable battles From Ghana's unforgettable rise at the 2006 World Cup to the heartbreak of Luis Suárez's infamous handball in 2010, Michael Essien reflects on carrying the hopes of a nation, the pressure of football's biggest stage and why Ghana still believe their greatest achievement is still to come. The pair also revisit the brutal battles between Manchester United and Chelsea, discuss José Mourinho's winning mentality, and reveal why facing each other was one of the toughest challenges of their careers.

What’s it like to score your country’s first-ever World Cup goal? What separates World Cup winners from everyone else? And can England finally go all the way? Tim Cahill sits down with Wayne to relive Australia’s plucky 2006 World Cup campaign, what life was like under Guus Hiddink and reveals the mentality that took him from Australia to Millwall, Everton and football’s biggest stage. They also debate England’s chances under Thomas Tuchel, why character can matter more than talent at major tournaments and the moments that define careers. Plus, Everton memories, Wayne’s wish that he’d spent longer playing alongside Cahill and life after football.

Gaël Clichy joins Wayne for the latest World Cup debate covering England's hopes, France's expectations and Jordan Henderson's controversial selection. There's also a passionate defence of Kylian Mbappé, with comparisons to an all-time great and a warning that football sometimes does not fully appreciate brilliance until it's gone. This is a fascinating look inside life at a major tournament, with the truth behind France's infamous 2010 World Cup controversy and why modern defenders are struggling. Plus, predictions, dark horses and who could lift the trophy.

Can Scotland finally make World Cup history? Ryan Christie joins Wayne to reveal why this squad believes it can achieve something no Scotland team ever has. Wayne explains why he’s backing Steve Clarke’s side to surprise people, opens up on Scott McTominay’s remarkable rise and questions whether Manchester United made a huge mistake by letting him leave. Could McTominay be the player who makes the difference? Plus, Christie reveals what makes this Scotland dressing room so special, the dream of facing Brazil on football’s biggest stage and why belief inside the camp has never been higher. Can Scotland finally get out of their group and prove everyone wrong?

Theo Walcott and Jermaine Defoe join Wayne Rooney to revisit one of England's most controversial World Cup decisions. Did England get it right by taking a 17-year-old Walcott to the 2006 World Cup? Was Defoe unlucky to be sent home after travelling with the squad? And what really went wrong with Sven’s and Capello’s teams? The trio relive the highs, heartbreaks and untold stories from England's World Cup campaigns, before giving their verdict on Thomas Tuchel's current squad and England's chances of finally going all the way.

Wayne Rooney goes behind the scenes at Soccer Aid with Danny Dyer, Angry Ginge and Usain Bolt. And Danny doesn’t hold back on West Ham's relegation and Jarrod Bowen's England snub. How did Angry Ginge prank Wayne into turning up for FIFA training when there wasn't even a session? And Ginge shares his candid views on Pep leaving Manchester City. Plus, why does Usain Bolt think Manchester United are finally moving in the right direction? Why are England like Arsenal and who is he backing at the World Cup?

Wayne Rooney returns to Everton with the manager who gave him his debut, David Moyes. What really went on before Sir Alex Ferguson finally signed Wayne? Why did Everton have to sell their biggest homegrown star? And would Wayne have done anything differently? From secret transfer meetings and emotional reflections on leaving his boyhood club, to the untold stories behind Rooney’s explosive rise, this is a fascinating reunion between two men whose careers are forever linked. Plus, brutal old-school pre-seasons, brilliant dressing room stories, and what do they both think of England’s and Scotland’s chances at the World Cup?

The Premier League season is OVER and Wayne, Kelly and Kae react to West Ham’s relegation, Tottenham surviving by the skin of their teeth and Sunderland completing one of the stories of the season by qualifying for Europe. Actor and lifelong Hammer Tom Davis joins the show to give his verdict on where it’s all gone wrong, from recruitment and ownership to the club losing its identity after David Moyes left. Wayne questions the players’ intensity and explains why the warning signs have been there all season. The panel also debate whether Tottenham were lucky to stay up and if Roberto De Zerbi can finally turn them around. There’s praise for Sunderland’s unbelievable rise from the Championship to Europe and Wayne shares why Chelsea missing out on Europe could actually help new manager Xabi Alonso next season. Elsewhere, the team discusses Bruno Fernandes breaking the Premier League assist record and some of the online backlash to Manchester United celebrating individual awards. Wayne outlines why he dislikes guard of honours during matches and he reveals the ONLY time he’s ever cried at football. Plus: Wayne dishes out his end-of-season award: best signing, most improved player, surprise package and the games that defined the campaign. You can watch The Wayne Rooney Show on BBC Football YouTube, iPlayer, as well as listen on BBC Sounds.

Pep Guardiola leaving Manchester City? Wayne Rooney gives his instant reaction to one of the potential biggest managerial stories in recent years. Have City planned for this? Did Peps’ behaviour after the FA Cup final reveal this was coming, and was Maresca always the natural heir? Wayne also discusses how Pep has changed English football more than any modern manager. And that Manchester City “won’t be as successful” without him.

Was Mo Salah right to publicly criticise Liverpool on his way out - or has one of the Premier League’s greats got this badly wrong? Wayne Rooney gives his brutal verdict on Salah’s explosive comments, questions Liverpool’s leadership, and reveals the Sir Alex Ferguson fallout that saw him dropped for the Manchester United legend's final home game. The Anfield Wrap’s John Gibbons joins to give the Liverpool fans’ perspective as the panel debates the club’s identity crisis and Arne Slot’s future. Plus, Xabi Alonso to Chelsea - have they finally got it right? And with Michael Carrick closing in on the Manchester United job, what does Wayne think he needs to succeed?

Wayne Rooney sits down with Jordan Pickford to talk Everton, England and World Cup ambition. Can Everton push for Europe? What is life really like as England’s number one? And how does Pickford handle pressure for club and country? Jordan Pickford opens up on Everton’s progress, his ambition to win the World Cup with England and the mentality needed to perform at the highest level. He also discusses goalkeeper techniques, dealing with criticism and why Wayne Rooney was one of his football heroes growing up. Plus, Wayne goes behind the scenes at Everton, takes penalties against Pickford and catches up with players and staff around the club.

What’s it really like trying to stop Wayne Rooney at his peak? And how did it go when he becomes your teammate and then your boss? Phil Jagielka explains exactly what went on when he joined Wayne at Derby County during one of their most tumultuous periods, working under him as a colleague while the club battled shocking off-field issues, points deductions and constant uncertainty. From rivals to teammates for club and country, Wayne and Phil lift the lid on life inside shared dressing rooms, and what Wayne is really like up close: the competitor, the leader, and the personality behind the headlines. They also reveal which England defenders they believe should make it to the World Cup.

James Nelson-Joyce joins Wayne Rooney in Liverpool and it doesn’t take long before talk turns to a potential role in This City Is Ours. But can he actually act? Wayne fancies his chances as an actor. There's a deep dive into football on Merseyside. Would Wayne have loved to play for Klopp? Who really runs the city - Liverpool or Everton? Expect strong opinions, Scouse humour, and a few digs along the way. James also opens up on the success of This City Is Ours, his journey to a BAFTA nomination, and the reality behind the scenes. How do you deal with rejection? What does it mean to represent Liverpool on screen? And why do Scousers always stick together?