sports
Dear England: James Graham's Stirring, Joyful Football Drama Will Make You Cry and Shout at the TV
This stellar adaptation of James Graham's award-winning play is a stirring take on national identity – even if not all the actors look like the real footballers. Put it this way, Wayne Rooney will be very pleased indeed
TL;DR
- The BBC adaptation of James Graham's play "Dear England" focuses on Gareth Southgate's time as England manager.
- The series emphasizes the emotional weight of Southgate's missed penalty in Euro 96 on the English psyche.
- It covers the period from 2016, when England faced crises like Brexit and poor football performance.
- Southgate recruits psychologist Dr. Pippa Grange to help players overcome mental blocks.
- The drama explores broader themes including English values, changing masculinity, and racism in football.
- Joseph Fiennes delivers a performance with "wonderful vulnerability" as Southgate, and Jodie Whittaker has "poignant exchanges" as the team psychologist.