The BBC's new drama, Dear England, starts with a painful reminder of Gareth Southgate's penalty miss in the Euro 96 semi-final. This moment still hurts for many England fans, and it's what makes the four-part series so compelling.

Gareth Southgate, played by Joseph Fiennes, is shown watching football on TV in 2016, looking thoughtful. This was a tough time for England's men's squad, which had just been knocked out of the Euros by Iceland. The UK was dealing with the aftermath of the Brexit vote at the same time.

The first few minutes of the show are a quick history lesson for anyone who doesn't know much about English football in the mid-2010s. It includes a scene where manager Sam Allardyce is asked to quit after just one game, following a scandal where he gave advice on player transfers over a glass of wine. He didn't last long, and his departure marked a significant change.

After this, the show really gets going. Southgate, who's managing the under-21 men's team, is asked to become the caretaker coach for the main squad. He's the kind of guy who buys croissants for his staff and remembers the cleaner's name, which makes him a nice change from the previous manager. This approachable nature helps him connect with his team.

The show then introduces the young players, with their names flashing on screen like they're in a heist movie. It's a bit cheesy, but it works. Southgate also recruits psychologist Dr. Pippa Grange, played by Jodie Whittaker, to help the team deal with their mental issues. She's an important addition to the team, and her role can't be overstated.

As the series goes on, it tackles some big themes, like what it means to be English and how ideas about masculinity are changing. There's a powerful scene where Black England players face racist chants from the crowd. This scene is particularly moving, and it highlights the challenges they face.

Joseph Fiennes does a great job of playing Southgate, capturing his vulnerability without making him a caricature. Jodie Whittaker is also excellent as the team psychologist, and her conversations with the players are really moving. They're not afraid to show their emotions, and it makes the show more relatable.

By the time the show gets to the 2018 World Cup, where England wins its first ever penalty shootout, you'll be cheering along with the team. It's easy to forget that they didn't actually win the tournament in the end. They won't win it all, but their journey is still inspiring.

“Come help fix England with me,” Southgate says to Dr. Grange, and that's basically what the show is about. It's not just a story about football; it's about the country and its people. The show explores what it means to be English, and it's a complex issue.

The show's title, Dear England, comes from an open letter Southgate wrote to fans in 2021, defending the team's decision to take the knee before matches. It's a powerful symbol of the team's commitment to fighting racism. They won't back down, and they're committed to making a change.

Overall, Dear England is a great watch, even if you're not a huge football fan. It's a story about people, not just a game. The show's themes are universal, and they're relatable to anyone who's struggled with identity or belonging.

  • The BBC drama Dear England is based on James Graham's play of the same name.
  • It stars Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate and Jodie Whittaker as Dr. Pippa Grange.
  • The show explores themes of English identity, masculinity, and racism.
  • It covers the England team's journey from 2016 to the 2018 World Cup.
  • The title comes from an open letter written by Gareth Southgate in 2021.