Chris Flanagan

Chris Flanagan

Senior Staff Writer

Chris joined FourFourTwo in 2015 and has reported from more than 20 countries, in places as varied as Ivory Coast and the Arctic Circle. He's interviewed Pele, Zlatan and Santa Claus (it's a long story), as well as covering the World Cup, AFCON and the Clasico. He previously spent 10 years as a newspaper journalist, and completed the 92 in 2017.

Latest articles by Chris Flanagan

‘There’s going to be a moment where England are under the cosh – to win the World Cup, someone is going to have to take the game by the scruff of the neck’ Joe Cole on what England need to do to win the World Cup

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The former West Ham and Chelsea playmaker was a part of England’s 2002 and 2006 World Cup squads

EXCLUSIVE
‘I spoke with Jurgen Klopp, with Sadio Mane, but signing for Liverpool didn’t feel right at that point’ Jeremy Doku on the Premier League move he turned down

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Belgian playmaker almost moved to Anfield as a teenager

EXCLUSIVE
‘I spoke with Pep Guardiola, and obviously you don’t need a lot of convincing to go to Manchester City. He showed his interest in me, which made me comfortable signing’ Jeremy Doku on how his Etihad move came about

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Belgian international made the switch to Manchester City in the summer of 2023

EXCLUSIVE
‘England aren’t the greatest team in the heat, but we got to the semi-finals in Italy in 1990 when it was hot – if you let the little things get to you, it’s all negatives’ Former England favourites open up on the challenge of the North American climate

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE England will have to overcome the North American heat if they are to end 60 years of hurt this summer

EXCLUSIVE
Former West Ham United striker Michail Antonio
West Ham United legend Michail Antonio exclusive: ‘I’ve been talking to a few clubs since leaving Qatar, but I’m thinking that I could possibly retire – I'm weighing things up, I’m going to make a decision by the middle or end of June'

By Chris Flanagan Published

The former Hammers forward made a comeback after a horrific car accident – at 36 though, he's considering whether to hang up his boots this summer

Player
Nottingham Forest manager Brian Clough, November 1992
TV ace tells FourFourTwo about starting his career next to Brian Clough

By Chris Flanagan Published

The Nottingham Forest legend was known for sometimes doing the outrageous, but he became a friend to an up-and-coming commentator

Coaches & Managers
Arsene Wenger celebrates in front of the Arsenal fans after winning the title at White Hart Lane
‘I thought Arsene Wenger was crazy for not playing me in the FA Cup final, but we had an unforgettable night days later – we climbed a mountain that year’ Arsenal legend tells FFT about winning the double, days after his omission from a showpiece fixture

By Chris Flanagan Published

The Gunners won two memorable trophies in 2002 – clinching the title at Old Trafford, after a surprising change for the cup final in Cardiff

Player
Glenn Hoddle has worked as a pundit and a commentator
‘Too many teams try to just defend against Manchester City – in the FA Cup final, Chelsea have got to think “Where can we hurt them?” If that’s on the counter, pick a team with pace, even in midfield’ Glenn Hoddle tells FFT about his Wembley gameplan

By Chris Flanagan Published

In an exclusive interview, the former Chelsea and England boss explains how his old club can spring an upset at Wembley

Team
HULL, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 13: Joe Hart working as a television pundit for TNT Sports ahead of the Emirates FA Cup Fourth Round match between Hull City and Chelsea at MKM Stadium on February 13, 2026 in Hull, England. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)
‘Will James Trafford be England’s next regular goalkeeper? It’s all about timing – I’ll always be there for him as a friend, and the FA Cup final is another opportunity to shine’ Joe Hart lifts the lid on his chats with the Manchester City shot-stopper

By Chris Flanagan Published

In an exclusive interview, the former Three Lions keeper assesses Trafford's career so far, and is asked whether he might eventually succeed Jordan Pickford

Player
‘Harry Kane will be spurred on by his penalty miss in Qatar. He’s almost unshakeable in his mentality’ Stuart Peace and Chris Waddle on what it takes to come back from spot-kick misery

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE Pearce and Waddle both missed spot-kicks in the shootout against West Germany in the 1990 World Cup semi-final

EXCLUSIVE
‘Thomas Tuchel is a massive weapon for England in the big moments. He’s more decisive and that’s what wins you games’ Danny Murphy on the Three Lions’ difference-maker coach

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The German is preparing to lead England at this summer’s World Cup

EXCLUSIVE
‘When Cole Palmer scored in the Euros final, I don’t think I’d shouted as much in my life! It made me want to do it as well’ Morgan Rogers on watching his former Man City teammate excel on the biggest stage

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE Rogers made his England debut shortly after the Euro 2024 final

EXCLUSIVE
‘People look at Trent Alexander-Arnold defensively and think that he’s not as good as others. I’d pick him every day of the week for what he gives you going forward’ Stephen Warnock on why the Real Madrid man must be picked for the World Cup

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Real Madrid right-back did not feature in the March friendlies

EXCLUSIVE
‘There have been difficult moments, dark times where it hasn’t always gone my way and it’s been challenging, but that’s all part and parcel of football’ Morgan Rogers on the setbacks he overcame to make it to the top

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The Aston Villa star endured several loan spells before making it in the Premier League

EXCLUSIVE
‘I was next to Graeme Souness when he planted the Galatasaray flag in Fenerbahce’s pitch and was thinking, ‘Oh boy, this isn’t going to go down well’ Brad Friedel on Souness’ infamous flag plant

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The fiery Scot produced one of the most provocative acts in recent football history

EXCLUSIVE
‘People might see it as me, Cole Palmer and Jude Bellingham competing for the number 10 spot, but we’re just trying to get the best out of each other for England’ Morgan Rogers on the Three Lions competition for place

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The attacking trio all rose through the England youth ranks together

EXCLUSIVE
Morgan Rogers tells FourFourTwo exclusively how Thomas Tuchel organises England

By Mark White Published

England star Morgan Rogers is one of Thomas Tuchel's key men, and looking to lead England at the World Cup

Player
Leicester City legend on memorable celebration with David Beckham following famous 2016 title win

By Isaac Stacey Stronge Published

Ten years on from Leicester City’s famous win, we suspect some of the players are still recovering from the celebrations

Player
Ex Leicester City star reveals plans for title-winning squad to meet up

By Isaac Stacey Stronge Published

Leicester City’s most famous squad are keen to celebrate the milestone

Player
Tottenham Hotspur star admits he put his body on the line for Europa League triumph

By Isaac Stacey Stronge Published

Spurs lifted their first trophy in 2008 by beating Manchester United last season

Player
Aston Villa star Morgan Rogers on playing Champions League football

By Isaac Stacey Stronge Published

Morgan Rogers played his first Champions League season with Aston Villa last term

Player
Tottenham Hotspur midfielder James Maddison recounts living out England dream

By Isaac Stacey Stronge Published

The Tottenham Hotspur midfielder hasn’t had the easiest international career, but it’s one he rightly has immense pride in

Player
'We were alongside Maldini, Zola, Baresi - how did we even have a chance?' Terry Phelan on World Cup 94

By Joe Mewis Published

EXCLUSIVE The former Manchester City defender was a part of Jack Charlton’s USA 94 squad

EXCLUSIVE
FFT389.feat_wcplayoffs.gettyimages_2206168696
World Cup 2026 Playoffs: The complete guide

By Chris Flanagan Published

The last six places at this summer’s tournament are up for grabs – watch out for the unofficial world champs, a Pacific Ocean archipelago, plus a former Manchester United coach in Iraq…

Competition
Chris Waddle has still never watched back his penalty miss from the 1990 World Cup semi-final.
‘I think there’s a dark horse to watch out for, who will have a good go at the World Cup – they are a very good side’ England legend Chris Waddle reveals the unexpected country he thinks everyone should keep their eyes on in North America this summer

By Chris Flanagan Published

In an exclusive interview, the former Three Lions winger says England can compete for the trophy this summer – and names his wild card tip to do well

Team
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