Max Rushden and co discuss English teams’ success so far in the Champions League, a shambolic day for the FA and look ahead to the weekend’s action

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Max Rushden, Barry Glendenning, Paolo Bandini and Archie Rhind-Tutt discuss the best and the worst of the English game – where their teams reigned supreme in each of their respective Champions League groups but off the field it’s been a depressing week. We cover the key points of the DCMS select committee inquiry into the FA and Mark Sampson which put its governance through a grilling as they apologised for racist remarks made towards England players Eni Aluko and Drew Spence.

In part two it’s a return of Ryan Babel-watch as the pod round up the rest of the European action, including a look at the Europa League. On the international stage, find out why Italy may have been pleased to avoid the Republic of Ireland in the World Cup play-off draw and if Northern Ireland could take advantage of a sulking Switzerland.

Finally the panel ponder who would be a good fit for Leicester following Craig Shakespeare’s sacking and preview the weekend’s Premier League clashes. There’s also just enough time to mention a penalty shootout win for an England youth side (yes, really) and debate which manager would be the last man standing in a Royal Rumble-style battle.

Back on Monday! As are comments.

p.s. we’re BACK with our first Football Weekly Live show of the year. It takes place on Thursday 14 December at the Emmanuel Centre. Find more information and tickets here.