The BBC's new football drama, Dear England, premiered on Sunday night, and viewers were quick to share their verdicts on social media. Starring Joseph Fiennes as former England manager Gareth Southgate, the series is a fictionalised account that follows the highs and lows of the England men's football team from 2016 to 2024.
Cast and Premise
The drama, based on James Graham's play of the same name, also features Jodie Whittaker as psychologist Pippa Grange, Daniel Ryan as England football coach Steve Holland, and Will Antenbring as Harry Kane. Other cast members include John Hodgkinson as Greg Clarke, Jason Watkins as Greg Dyke, and actors portraying Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford, Dele Alli, Marcus Rashford, Raheem Sterling, Wayne Rooney, Jordan Henderson, and Eric Dier.
The official synopsis reads: "With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take England back to the promised land. The country that gave the world football has delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can't the England team win at their own game?"
Viewer Reactions
The first episode aired on BBC One and iPlayer on Sunday night, and viewers quickly praised Joseph Fiennes' portrayal of Southgate. One person wrote on X: "Joseph Fiennes as - no, IS! - Gareth Southgate. Playing a blinder!!" Another added: "Got the Southgate casting spot on." A third commented: "Joseph Fiennes is actually incredible as Gareth Southgate. The mannerisms, the voice, the look - it's uncanny. Superb performance." A fourth viewer similarly shared: "That Southgate voice is uncanny." A fifth echoed the sentiment: "I watched Dear England in the theatre and it was really good. This might be even better. Fiennes is impeccable."
Other fans commended the drama overall. One said: "#DearEngland is great. I saw this at the theatre and it was a gem." Another added: "Eight minutes in, and I'm liking this already." A third wrote: "#DearEngland Watched the stage show at Birmingham Hippodrome it was brilliant, very funny and poignant. This has started well."
Episode Details
The first episode saw Gareth Southgate take on a team at an all-time low, with a jaded fanbase after an embarrassing defeat to Iceland. Haunted by his own disastrous penalty miss as a player, he enlists the help of a psychologist to change the team's mindset and tackle their biggest fear. Dear England continues tomorrow night, with the final two episodes airing next Sunday and Monday. The series is available to stream on BBC iPlayer.
