Dear England - cast announced for James Graham's tv adaptation

James Graham’s Dear England, which tells the story of England football manager Gareth Southgate and his transformation of the team, is to become a television drama.

A fictionalised account of the struggles and successes of England’s football teams, based on extensive research and interviews, Dear England premiered at the National Theatre to five-star reviews and a sell-out run in 2023, before transferring to London’s West End. It commences a national tour this autumn.

Graham has now adapted the play into a four-part television drama, commissioned by BBC One.

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?

With Joseph Fiennes set to reprise his Olivier award nominated role as Gareth Southgate, a wider cast has now been announced to join him.

Jodie Whittaker plays (Doctor Who) plays Pippa Grange, the England men’s team psychologist, while Jason Watkins (The Game) is former FA chairman Greg Dyke and John Hodgkinson (Small Axe) reprises his stage role as former FA chairman Greg Clarke.

Dear England cast — L-R: (Top) Jodie Whittaker (Image: Pip), Jason Watkins (Image: Natasha Merchany), John Hodgkinson (Image: Michael Shelford), Daniel Ryan (Image: Simon Annand) (Bottom) Sam Spruell (Image: Pip), Adam Hugill (Image: Harry Livingstone), Josh Barrow (Image: Ori Jones), Lewis Shepherd (Image: Harry Livingstone).

Daniel Ryan (The Hack) is Steve Holland, former assistant manager for the England men’s team and Sam Spruell (The Gold) will also star as fictional coach, Mike Webster.

Adam Hugill (Sherwood), Josh Barrow (Hostage) and screen newcomer Lewis Shepherd reprise their respective stage roles as Harry Maguire, Jordan Pickford and Dele Alli.

Dear England further cast — L-R: (Top) Will Antenbring (Image: Finn Daragh), Edem-Ita Duke (Image: Michael Wharley), Francis Lovehall (Image: Ruth Crafer), Abdul Sessay (Image: Olivia Spencer), Jacob Greenway (Image: Anthony Yates), David Shields (Image: Lee Malone), Hamish Frew (Image: Dan Pick), Alfie Middlemiss (Image: James Melia), Riess Fennell (Image: Adam Hills), Daniel Quincy Annoh (Image: YellowBelly Photo), Bobby Schofield (Image: Ian Lyset), Dom Rayner (Image: M.A.D Photography) and Alexander Parsons.

The wider cast includes Will Antenbring as Harry Kane, Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford and Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling. Abdul Sessay is Bukayo Saka, Jacob Greenway is Jude Bellingham, David Shields plays Jordan Henderson and Hamish Frew is Eric Dier.

Plus, Alfie Middlemiss is Phil Foden, Riess Fennell is Jadon Sancho and Daniel Quincy Annoh is Ollie Watkins.

Additionally, Bobby Schofield plays Wayne Rooney, with newcomers Dom Rayner and Alexander Parsons playing Cole Palmer and Jesse Lingard respectively.

Writer and Executive Producer, James Graham, says:

“Bringing the national game to the National Theatre over two years ago was one of the most rewarding moments of my writing life. Getting to tell this inspiring story of Gareth’s quiet revolution, and its themes of redemption, resilience, kindness and compassion in sport. To kick off its journey on screen now, and on our national broadcaster, is a huge opportunity and I’m so grateful to world class cast and creative team we’ve assembled.”

Produced by Left Bank Pictures (The Crown) filming has commenced on Dear England. Rupert Goold, who directed the stage play, directs episode one, while Paul Whittington (This Town) will direct episodes two to four.

The series will air on BBC iPlayer and BBC One in 2026. We’ll keep you posted.