The BBC has released the gripping first trailer and a fresh batch of images for ‘Dear England,’ the highly anticipated four-part drama adapted from James Graham’s award-winning stage play about Gareth Southgate and the transformation of the England men’s football team.
Clocking in at 90 seconds, the emotionally charged trailer introduces Joseph Fiennes as Southgate, stepping into one of the most scrutinised jobs in British sport. Tasked with rebuilding a fractured national side haunted by decades of heartbreak and penalty shootout failures, Southgate sets out to reshape not only the squad, but the psychology surrounding English football itself.
The trailer teases the mounting pressure, media frenzy and emotional scars that have long shadowed the England team. As Gareth attempts to lead the squad toward redemption, the drama explores why the country that invented football has repeatedly struggled to conquer the international stage.
Based on extensive interviews and research, is described as a fictionalised retelling of the struggles, triumphs and defining moments behind England’s modern football era.
Alongside Joseph Fiennes, the series boasts a major ensemble cast led by Jodie Whittaker as England team psychologist Pippa Grange. Jason Watkins portrays former FA chairman Greg Dyke, while John Hodgkinson takes on the role of former FA chairman Greg Clarke.
Daniel Ryan stars as assistant manager Steve Holland, with Sam Spruell appearing as fictional coach Mike Webster.
The England squad is portrayed by an impressive lineup of rising stars, including: Adam Hugill as Harry Maguire, Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford, Lewis Shepherd as Dele Alli, Will Antenbring as Harry Kane, Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford, Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling, Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka, Jacob Greenway as Jude Bellingham, David Shields as Jordan Henderson, Hamish Frew as Eric Dier, Alfie Middlemiss as Phil Foden, Riess Fennell as Jadon Sancho, Daniel Quincy Annoh as Ollie Watkins, Bobby Schofield as Wayne Rooney, Sam Baker Jones as Jack Grealish, Dom Rayner as Cole Palmer, Xander Westcarr-Parsons as Jesse Lingard.
The series is written by acclaimed playwright James Graham, adapting his Olivier Award-winning National Theatre production, which won Best New Play in 2024.
Episode one is directed by Rupert Goold, who also helmed the original stage production, while Paul Whittington directs episodes two through four.
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Episodes one and two of will debut on BBC iPlayer at 9pm on Sunday, 24 May. The remaining two episodes will arrive on the platform the following Sunday, 31 May.
The drama will also air on BBC One on Sunday and Monday nights at 9pm beginning Sunday, 24 May.
