Football Q&A: Phil McNulty — 10Most Questions
Football fans, mark your calendars—Phil McNulty, BBC Sport’s long‑serving chief football writer, is answering your questions in an exclusive Football Q&A on 10most.net. From the prospects of England in major tournaments to the state of the modern game, we’ll pose the 10Most pressing questions you care about. Below is a preview of the questions we’re sending his way—and why they matter.
Who Is Phil McNulty — And Why This Matters
Before we dive into the questions, a few words on why having McNulty’s perspective is a big deal. He has held the role of Chief Football Writer for BBC Sport since July 2000, covering numerous World Cups, European Championships, Premier League seasons, and more.
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His reputation for incisive analysis, candid views and deep experience makes this Q&A one fans and pundits alike will watch closely.
Across two decades, McNulty has observed tactical revolutions, financial upheavals, shifting media landscapes, and evolving fan attitudes. In this forum, we get to hold him to account—while letting your voice guide the conversation.
The 10Most Questions
Below are the ten standout questions we believe capture where football stands today—and where it might go tomorrow. Some were crowdsourced from fans; some arise naturally from the challenges shaping modern football.
1. Is This England’s Moment? Can They Finally Win a Major Tournament?
For years, “this is our year” has been repeated—only for heartbreak to follow. With a young, talented squad and increasing maturity, can England break through? What are the tactical weak spots Southgate still must fix?
2. What Really Ails Manchester United — And Can They Recover?
United remain one of the great enigmas of the modern game: enormous resources, passionate fanbase, but inconsistent performances. What’s missing—leadership, recruitment, stability? How far behind are they internally compared to their rivals?
3. Are Arsenal Serious Title Contenders – Or Still a Project in Progress?
Under Arteta, Arsenal have risen in standing. But are they ready to complete the leap from “challenger” to “champion”? What gaps (in experience, depth, mentality) might still hold them back?
4. Which Young English Player Has the Biggest Upside Right Now?
England is flush with young talent—Bellingham, Saka, Mainoo, Toney, and more. Who is still underrated? Who might become indispensable in the coming years?
5. Is the Premier League Still the Best in the World — Or Just the Most Expensive?
Many point to broadcast money and salaries as the Premier League’s defining factor, but does quality, intensity, global appeal, and competitive balance still justify its claim to be the world’s best league?
6. VAR: Fixable Innovation or Inevitable Bane?
From hesitation in goal celebrations to inconsistent handball calls, VAR remains deeply controversial. In your view: is it salvageable, or should it be scrapped (or radically reformed)?
7. Who Is the Most Underrated Manager in the Premier League?
We often hear about the star managers—Pep, Klopp, etc. But who works quietly, punches above expectations, and deserves more credit than they get?
8. Can Anyone Stop Manchester City? And Should We Be Worried If They Dominate?
City’s sustained success is remarkable. But is the rest of the field catching up tactically or financially? Is such dominance healthy or harmful for domestic competition?
9. Club vs. Country: Has the Gap Grown Too Great?
With so much money, technology, conditioning, and analytics at the club level, is international football now playing in a different universe? How can national teams remain relevant, competitive, and distinct?
10. What Is the Single Biggest Change Football Needs Over the Next 5 Years?
From sustainability (financial, environmental) to governance, fan engagement to player welfare—what’s the one transformation you’d prioritize to keep the game vibrant and fair?
Why These Questions Matter Now
These aren’t just abstract talking points—they reflect real tensions and opportunities in football today:
Expectations vs. Reality: Nations expect trophies, clubs expect resurgence; the pressure is immense, and scrutiny is instant.
Generational Shift: The next wave of stars is emerging—how they handle the jump to greatness will define a decade.
Structural Issues: The concentration of power and wealth in a few clubs continues to threaten competitive balance.
Technology & Fairness: VAR, goal‑line tech, data analytics—these tools promise fairness but often aggravate controversies.
Football’s Identity: As commercialization intensifies, how do we preserve the soul, spontaneity, and human element of the game?
The answers McNulty gives will not only reflect decades of observation but may also push the debate in new directions.
How You Can Participate
Don’t just watch—join in. We’re still accepting your questions for McNulty. Whether you want to challenge him on a particular club, press him on policy, or ask something no one else has thought of—submit your question via our Q&A submission form (link below). The top submissions will be included in the published feature.
We’ll vet entries and aim to include a mix of big-picture questions and fan-specific angles (club loyalty, tactical curiosities, controversial takes).
When & Where to Read the Full Q&A
The full Q&A with Phil McNulty goes live next [insert date] exclusively on 10most.net. Make sure you:
Bookmark the page
Subscribe to our newsletter
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We’ll also be sharing selected responses, behind‑the‑scenes commentary, and perhaps even follow‑ups if new debates emerge.
Sneak Peek: What McNulty Has Said Before
To whet your appetite, here are some past McNulty observations that showcase how he approaches questions:
On VAR: He has remarked that VAR “is not going anywhere but… it needs improving,” specifically in stadium communication and clarity on marginal offside calls.
On fixture congestion: He has flagged how top clubs may welcome more matches if they bring revenue, even when players and fans suffer.
On club uncertainty: Regarding Everton’s struggles, he commented on a “cloud of uncertainty” impacting morale and performance.
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On accountability: His coverage doesn’t shy from critique—he’s openly criticized teams (e.g. Everton) for lack of urgency or poor performances.
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Expect more of that sharp, honest tone in his answers.
What We Hope to Achieve
Through this Q&A, we aim to:
Bridge the fan–expert gap: You get direct access to one of football’s most respected voices.
Stimulate new ideas: Even well-trodden topics may take fresh turns through probing questions.
Spark conversation: The Q&A is just the beginning—comments, debates and follow-ups will carry the discussion forward.
Hold the powerful to account: Clubs, leagues, governing bodies—they all feel the pressure from public discourse.
Football evolves fast, but many of the questions remain perennial. With your voice and McNulty’s insight, we hope to shine fresh light on the challenges, myths, and possibilities ahead.
