James Graham has praised former England manager Sir Gareth Southgate, calling him a “hero for the ages”.
The playwright is best known for writing the award-winning play Dear England, which tells the story of Sir Gareth’s time as England manager when he took the team to two European Championship finals and a World Cup semi-final.
The play has now been adapted into a BBC TV series and stars Joseph Fiennes as Sir Gareth while Doctor Who star Jodie Whittaker portrays Pippa Grange, the England men’s team’s psychologist.
Speaking about the former manager, Graham told Radio Times: “He wasn’t a bully, a psychopath or a show-off … Gareth achieved this incredible change through kindness and goodness and inclusivity.
“He hasn’t drowned in bitterness or become resentful.
“He comes back a better, stronger person, and decides to do an incredible amount of good in this team and in the country.
“For that reason, Gareth is, to me, a hero for the ages.”
Dear England won the best new play at the Olivier Awards in 2024.
It debuted at the National Theatre before the sold-out show was transferred to the West End in 2023, going on to win the prestigious theatre accolade.
Fiennes said the TV series is not pretending to be a documentary.
He said: “This is a fictitious look behind the scenes at the FA (Football Association) and at Gareth’s work with the England team in an attempt to explore bigger ideas beyond football, like national identity, masculinity and racism.”
The upcoming TV adaptation also stars Will Antenbring as Bayern Munich striker Harry Kane, The Crown’s Jason Watkins as former FA chairman Greg Dyke, and The Bay star Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland, the former assistant manager for the England men’s team.
Dear England airs on BBC One on Sunday May 24 at 9pm.
