The man playing Gareth Southgate in an upcoming BBC One drama about the football manager's time in the England hot seat says he's dreaming of a "big Hollywood finish" to Euro 2024.
After previously playing Southgate in the hit National Theatre stage show, "Dear England", Joseph Fiennes will be reprising his role as the England boss when the four-part series is adapted for BBC One next year.
The play followed the Three Lions' journey through the 2018 World Cup, the heartbreaking penalty shoot-out defeat in the final of Euro 2020 and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
However after Ollie Watkins' last-minute goal against the Netherlands secured England a place in the final of Euro 2024, Fiennes is hoping for one last glorious chapter in the tale. "For England to win it would be great," he told What to Watch. "I'm definitely looking for that big Hollywood finish, with some silverware being handed over. I'll have my fingers crossed!" It's thought writer James Graham (Sherwood, Quiz) will be waiting for the end of Euro 2024 before he starts adapting the series, however whatever the score on Sunday night Fiennes says he's a big fan of Southgate.
"In many ways the series is meditation on identity on national identity, self-identity, mental health and men's mental health," he explains. "It's all about facing your fears, being authentic to yourself within a working environment of teammates and finding that joy."
The play upon which the series is based is comprised of three acts, covering the three major tournaments in which Southgate has led the Three Lions.
However, with the BBC confirming the drama will be made up of four episodes, there's plenty of room for a glorious finale if England manage to defeat Spain in Berlin.
An official statement from the BBC on Dear England reads as follows...
"It’s time to change the game. The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss. Why can’t the England team win at their own game?
"With the worst track record for penalties in the world, Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land."
Stirring stuff!
