James Graham’s Request to the National Soccer Team: Skip Watching ‘Dear England’
James Graham Addresses Potential Ratings Challenge for BBC’s "Dear England" Ahead of World Cup
James Graham, the creator of Dear England, is poised for a significant ratings push with the upcoming BBC adaptation of his acclaimed stage play. However, he expressed concern that the subjects of his work, the England soccer team, might choose to focus elsewhere during its debut.
At the London launch of Dear England and with the World Cup approaching, Graham remarked on the game’s impact, suggesting, "I wouldn’t want them to watch it; I want them to really focus on what they’re doing. I wouldn’t want to be the one responsible for disrupting our best chance [of winning the World Cup] in a long time."
Graham extended this sentiment to England’s manager, Gareth Southgate, particularly during major tournaments. “I’m glad [Southgate] didn’t come and see it during the final tournaments,” he noted, emphasizing that the authentic stories of the players should remain untarnished by his dramatized interpretation.
For lead actor Joseph Fiennes, who portrays Southgate, the priority lies with the fans. He stated, “The players will get so much if the fans can see it and understand the way in which James has delivered the lives, fictitiously, of these young men and the extraordinary pressures they face.” Fiennes recently met Southgate, describing him as a “remarkable man and an absolute gent.”
Graham, a long-time admirer of Southgate, drew inspiration for the play’s title from the manager’s poignant open letter to the public following the pandemic.
The expansive BBC series will explore the last decade of English soccer, produced by Left Bank, known for its work on The Crown. Notably, episodes three and four introduce new material featuring manager Thomas Tuchel, which Graham noted would allow the narrative to evolve as events unfold.
Should England break 60 years of disappointment and secure the World Cup, Graham believes Southgate should receive “equal credit” alongside Tuchel for reinvigorating the team since he assumed leadership in 2016.
With the World Cup set to commence in a few weeks in North America, the BBC will be providing coverage alongside ITV. The much-anticipated Dear England is scheduled to premiere next Sunday.
