Meet the Dear England cast and the real-life players they're portraying on screen

With the World Cup just around the corner, BBC viewers will be pleased to know that there's a football-themed series charting the rise of former England manager Gareth Southgate and his national team that's about to drop. And if, like me, you ordinarily wouldn't jump at the chance to watch a footie-themed drama, think again. Dear England is based on James Graham's theatre show starring Joseph Fiennes, which went on to earn two Laurence Olivier Awards in 2024 for Best New Play and Best Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play (Will Close). The four-part series lands on Sunday and follows football manager Gareth Southgate as he takes over England in 2016.

The synopsis reads: "With the worst team track record for penalties in the world when he takes over as manager, Gareth Southgate 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 the upcoming series bringing England football's story to a new audience, we thought we'd take a look at the cast bringing the real-life players to life on screen – how many do you recognise? Dear England comes to iPlayer and BBC One from Sunday 24 May with episodes three and four arriving on Sunday 31 May.

You can watch the drama on BBC One on Sunday and Monday nights.