A four-part series recounts a dramatized version of how football nearly came home under Southgate
“Dear England” is a dramatized deep dive into the incredible story of Gareth Southgate’s eight-year reign as England manager. Football fever is about to sweep the globe with the impending 2026 World Cup, so there’s no better time to investigate how it nearly came home, with Joseph Fiennes starring as Southgate.
When Southgate took over the England men’s national team in 2016, the Three Lions were at a pretty low ebb, having been knocked out of the European Championships by minnows Iceland. The former defender transformed the team in a short space of time, and in 2018, he led them to the World Cup semi-final.
It was ultimately another case of heartbreak, of course, but in the following years, England reached the Euro 2020 final at Wembley, losing to Italy, and were again runners-up, this time Spain, at Euro 2024. Though silverware always eluded Southgate, he and his players lifted the spirits of the whole nation and made England one of the most formidable teams in the world once more.
Naturally, then, this story was given the dramatic treatment. “Dear England” was first turned into a stage play, and James Graham has adapted his own work into a television series starring Fiennes and Jodie Whittaker, the latter as psychologist Pippa Grange.
Relive the highs and lows of the England journey with this inspiring interpretation. Here’s how you can watch Dear England online and from anywhere.
How to watch Dear England online from anywhere
Thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network), “Dear England” should be available to Brits no matter where they are. The software allows your devices to appear to be back in the U.K. and watch iPlayer for free, as if you were back home.
Not all VPNs works for this – but ExpressVPN (try risk-free) does (we use it daily) and you can get our exclusive free gift card offer below:
Using a VPN is incredibly simple.
- Install the VPN of your choice. Try ExpressVPN (try risk-free).
- Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you’re away from the U.K. and want to view a U.K. service, you’d select U.K. from the list.
- Sit back and enjoy the show. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch Dear England online and on-demand.
‘Dear England’ — all you need to know
‘Dear England’ – cast
- Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate
- Jodie Whittaker as Pippa Grange
- Jason Watkins as Greg Dyke
- Daniel Ryan as Steve Holland
- Bobby Schofield as Wayne Rooney
- David Shields as Jordan Henderson
- Adam Hugill as Harry Maguire
- Will Antenbring as Harry Kane
- Francis Lovehall as Raheem Sterling
- Josh Barrow as Jordan Pickford
- Jacob Greenway as Jude Bellingham
- Hamish Frew as Eric Dier
- Edem-Ita Duke as Marcus Rashford
- Daniel Quincy Annoh as Ollie Watkins
- Lewis Shepherd as Dele Alli
- Alfie Middlemiss as Phil Foden
- Abdul Sessay as Bukayo Saka
‘Dear England’ – trailer
‘Dear England’ – episode guide
- Episode 1: With the England team at an all-time low after an embarrassing defeat to Iceland, Gareth Southgate becomes the new manager. Haunted by his own penalty miss with England, he inherits a broken team and a jaded fanbase. With psychologist Pippa Grange, he sets about changing the team’s mindset and tackling his and England’s biggest fear – penalties. (May 24)
- Episode 2: After a breakthrough World Cup reignites belief, the England team return to a tournament on home turf, amidst the Covid pandemic. As the pressure to win increases, Pippa Grange questions her role. Meanwhile, Gareth tries to unite a divided country ahead of Euro 2020, where he hopes the team finally bring it home at Wembley. (May 25)
- S2 Episode 3: Synopsis TBC (May 31)
- S2 Episode 4: Synopsis TBC (June 1)
Is Dear England Suitable for All Ages?
No. Dear England is generally intended for older children, teenagers, and adults and is expected to suit viewers around the TV-14 or equivalent guidance level due to mature themes and sporting pressure. Some scenes may include emotional intensity, competitive tension, and realistic discussions around public scrutiny and mental performance. Parents may want to review the series first before younger viewers watch independently.