Dear England … the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate.

The National Theatre has announced it will run Dear England, a new play by James Graham telling the story of the England men’s football team under Gareth Southgate.

Directed by Rupert Goold, Dear England will play in the Olivier theatre from June with Joseph Fiennes cast as Gareth Southgate.

Director of the National Theatre, Rufus Norris, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming James Graham back to the National Theatre this summer with his new play.

“Dear England is a captivating examination into the complex psychology of the much-loved “beautiful game”.

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 the worst track record for penalties in the world, 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.

Playwright James Graham said: ‘To tell this story of the national game on the stage of the National Theatre is just the greatest thrill, if an intimidating responsibility.

“With Dear England, to be given the opportunity to shine a light on another public institution in the form of the England men’s football team is, I know, an exciting opportunity.

What Gareth Southgate has attempted in his quiet cultural reform of England football I find epic and deeply moving.

“And I’m so grateful to be surrounded by some of British theatre’s most exciting creative talent to unite around this new show.’

Joseph Fiennes, who starred in The Handmaid’s Tale, plays Gareth Southgate in this new show.

Picture: Dear England Picture: Rob Rae