The BBC has officially announced the full cast for its highly anticipated six-part drama Dear England, based on James Graham’s acclaimed National Theatre play. The series tells the story of Gareth Southgate and his mission to revive the England men’s football team, especially its struggles with penalty shootouts.
Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who, Toxic Town) joins the cast as Pippa Grange, the team’s psychologist. Jason Watkins (The Crown, The Game) plays Greg Dyke, and John Hodgkinson reprises his stage role as Greg Clarke, both former FA chairmen. Daniel Ryan will portray Steve Holland, the team’s former assistant manager, while Sam Spruell appears as fictional coach Mike Webster.
The casting also reveals the actors playing the England football squad:
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Adam Hugill as Harry Maguire
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Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford
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Lewis Shepherd as Dele Alli
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Will Antenbring as Harry Kane
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Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford
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Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling
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Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka
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Jacob Greenway as Jude Bellingham
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David Shields as Jordan Henderson
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Hamish Frew as Eric Dier
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Alfie Middlemiss as Phil Foden
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Riess Fennell as Jadon Sancho
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Daniel Quincy Annoh as Ollie Watkins
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Bobby Schofield as Wayne Rooney
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Dom Rayner and Alexander Parsons as Cole Palmer and Jesse Lingard
Joseph Fiennes, who earned an Olivier nomination for the role on stage, will reprise his performance as Gareth Southgate, capturing the coach’s quiet leadership and efforts to change the culture of the England team. The drama explores how Southgate tackled years of disappointment and led a cultural shift in English football.
Produced by Left Bank Pictures (The Crown, This City is Ours), filming is underway in the South of England. The show will premiere on BBC One and BBC iPlayer in 2026.
The play, which debuted at the National Theatre, won the Olivier Award for Best New Play and enjoyed multiple sell-out runs before touring nationwide. Writer James Graham expressed his excitement:
“Bringing the national game to the National Theatre was one of the most rewarding moments of my writing life. Getting to tell Gareth’s story—full of resilience, redemption, and compassion—on screen is a huge opportunity.”
Director Rupert Goold will helm episode one, while Paul Whittington (The Crown, White House Farm) will direct episodes two through four. The producing team includes Tina Pawlik (Ted Lasso, Top Boy), Andy Harries, Rebecca Hodgson, Jo McClellan, and Sami El-Hadi. Sony Pictures Television will handle international distribution.
BBC’s Lindsay Salt, Director of Drama, added:
“With Joseph Fiennes, Jodie Whittaker, and a top-tier production team, BBC audiences are in for a real treat.”
