With the World Cup just around the corner, BBC viewers will be pleased to know that there's a football-themed series charting the rise of former England manager Gareth Southgate and his national team that's about to drop.
And if, like me, you ordinarily wouldn't jump at the chance to watch a footie-themed drama, think again. Dear England is based on James Graham's theatre show starring Joseph Fiennes, which went on to earn two Laurence Olivier Awards in 2024 for Best New Play and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play (Will Close).
The four-part series lands on Sunday and follows football manager Gareth Southgate as he takes over England in 2016. The synopsis reads: "With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth Southgate 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?"
With the upcoming series bringing England football's story to a new audience, we thought we'd take a look at the cast bringing the real-life players to life on screen – how many do you recognise?
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© BBC/GettyJoseph Fiennes – Gareth Southgate
In Dear England, Joseph reprises his leading theatre role as Gareth Southgate, but fans may recognise him from his sinister portrayal of Fred Waterford in The Handmaid's Tale, the famous bard in Shakespeare in Love, or as Silas Holmes in Young Sherlock.
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© BBC/GettyJodie Whittaker – Pippa Grange
Jodie has stepped into many roles over her career, including Doctor Who, Broadchurch and Frauds. This time, she plays real-life team psychologist Pippa Grange.
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© BBC/GettyWill Antenbring – Harry Kane
Will is a rising actor who made his BBC debut in Mr Loverman in 2024. He plays England captain Harry Kane.
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© BBC/GettyBobby Schofield – Wayne Rooney
Bobby, who has credits including This City Is Ours, Time and The Covenant, plays one of England's most famous players, Wayne Rooney.
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© BBC/GettyAdam Hugill – Harry Maguire
Having appeared in Sherwood, The Watch, Doctor Strange and 1917, Adam is bringing England centre-back Harry Maguire to life.
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© BBC/GettyJosh Barrow – Jordan Pickford
Josh (Vera, Temple) is also reprising his theatre role as the safe pair of hands that is England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.
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© BBC/GettyAbdul Sessay – Bukayo Saka
Abdul, who has appeared in My Oxford Year and Doctor Who, is playing right winger Bukayo Saka.
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© BBC/GettyFrancis Lovehall – Raheem Sterling
Francis has credits on A Thousand Blows, Small Axe and Criminal Record. He's playing winger Raheem Sterling.
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© BBC/GettyEdem-Ita Duke – Marcus Rashford
Another Vera alum is Edem-Ita, who has appeared in War of the Worlds and Venice at Dawn and will play England forward Marcus Rashford.
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© BBC/GettyJacob Greenway – Jude Bellingham
Jacob has starred in Riot Women and The Watchers, and will be bringing Midfielder Jude Bellingham to life on screen.
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© BBC/GettyAlfie Middlemiss – Phil Foden
Theatre actor Alfie has a few TV credits to his name, including Emmerdale Farm and The Madame Blanc Mysteries. He'll be playing midfielder Phil Foden.
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© BBC/GettyDavid Shields – Jordan Henderson
David, who has starred in Black Mirror, The Crown, Masters of the Air, will be playing midfielder Jordan Henderson.
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© BBC/GettyLewis Shepherd – Dele Alli
Another actor reprising his role from the stage adaptation is Lewis, who plays midfielder Dele Alli. Lewis has also appeared in Lynley and 10 Swords & The Moon.
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© BBC/GettyRiess Fennell – Jadon Sancho
Riess is a relative newcomer, having appeared in small roles on Doctors and The Football Fanatics. He plays winger Jadon Sancho.
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© BBC/GettyDaniel Quincy Annoh – Ollie Watkins
Daniel has featured in The Recruit and Donkey Dust, and plays centre-forward Ollie Watkins.
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© BBC/GettyHamish Frew – Eric Dier
Hamish, best known for his credits on Joan and The Girlfriend, plays centre-back Eric Dier.
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© BBC/GettyDom Rayner – Cole Palmer
Dom is a newcomer to the world of acting and debuts as midfielder/winger Cole Palmer.
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© BBC/GettyDaniel Ryan – Steve Holland
Daniel, who is best known for The Bay, The Lady and Mount Pleasant, plays Steve Holland, the assistant manager of the England team.
Dear England comes to iPlayer and BBC One from Sunday 24 May with episodes three and four arriving on Sunday 31 May. You can watch the drama on BBC One on Sunday and Monday nights.
