Netflix's The English Game has been praised by viewers as a 'superb' period drama with 'great costumes and sets', making it a perfect binge-watch for Downton Abbey fans. The series, set in the 1870s, is based on real-life events that shaped English football as it is known today.
Story of Football's Transformation
The show chronicles the pivotal moment that transformed football from a pursuit reserved for the privileged classes in the UK to a sport enjoyed by all. Viewers follow working-class sporting hero Arthur Kinnaird and his upper-class counterpart Fergus Suter as they revolutionise the game.
Arthur served as president of The Football Association for 33 years and is widely considered the first real football star. Fergus was one of the earliest players, recognised as potentially the first ever professional footballer. After his football career, Fergus joined the Royal Marines and died of enteric fever while stationed in Egypt three years later.
Cast and Creator
Edward Holcroft and Kevin Guthrie take on the two principal roles, with Charlotte Hope as Margaret Alma Kinnaird and Niamh Walsh as Martha Almond. The cast has delivered an excellent portrayal, with one viewer stating it is "Binge worthy for sure."
The show's creator, Julian Fellowes, is known for Downton Abbey, and one admirer posted on Rotten Tomatoes: "Very well acted with tons of care and consideration put into the show as a whole. The period drama mixed with football makes for a very interesting and entertaining watch to say the least."
Historical Accuracy Criticism
Some viewers have raised issues with the programme's historical accuracy, noting that Suter didn't secure the cup with Blackburn the year following his move to Darwen. In reality, he claimed his first FA Cup after his sixth season in Lancashire. The show also conflates the two Blackburn sides, Blackburn Olympic and Blackburn Rovers.
Despite this, many are delighted with how the story captures the essential details and the deeper significance of the sport to its followers and British society. All six episodes of The English Game are available to stream now exclusively on Netflix.
