Dear England the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate

It’s time to change the game.

The country that gave the world football has since delivered a painful pattern of loss.

Why can’t England’s men win at their own game?

With one of the worst track record for penalties in the world, England manager Gareth Southgate knows he needs to open his mind and face up to the years of hurt to take team and country back to the promised land.

Dear England by James Graham and directed by Rupert Goold, tells the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate.

For those not inspired by the focus of this production, Mr Goold is a playwright who has made classics out of subjects like the quiz show, Who Wants to be a Millionaire?, and the Labour Whips office during the 1970s.

The National Theatre has announced that this sold-out production will transfer to the Prince Edward Theatre, in London’s West End, from October, 9 for a limited 14-week run.

Mr Graham said: “To put the national game on the stage of the National Theatre has been an utter dream and, in particular, to see the subject matter draw in new audiences to watch a play.

“It fills me with such excitement and joy to be bringing Rupert’s euphoric and entertaining production to the West End, with all its incredible movement and music and – what seems to be, for audiences so far – a deeply moving story inspired by the incredible journey of the men’s England football team.”

Tickets: www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/productions/dear-england/

Picture: Joseph Fiennes as Gareth Southgate and Dear England cast at the National Theatre Picture: Marc Brenner