The 2026 FIFA World Cup is upon us, and the excitement is palpable. As the United States prepares to host the global soccer spectacle, all eyes are on England, hoping to replicate their 1966 victory. But beyond the pitch, there's a fascinating story unfolding, one that delves into the character of England's former manager, Gareth Southgate. In this article, I'll explore the man behind the team, drawing on insights from James Graham, the creator of the play and TV show 'Dear England'.
The Real Gareth Southgate
Gareth Southgate, the man who led England to the 2018 World Cup semi-finals, is a private individual. He's known for his humility, shyness, and introversion. But what makes him truly fascinating is his willingness to lend his support to 'Dear England'. James Graham, the show's creator, spent time with Gareth at the England training camp, meeting his team and becoming acquaintances. This experience gave James a unique perspective on the man behind the manager.
"He's a very humble, shy, introverted guy, which I think we can all respect," James told HELLO!. "He could see the value in having a cultural, artistic representation of his project alongside the sporting one. His family, his kids, his friends, like most normal humans, don't want to watch an actor playing him on stage. But he's been great."
What makes this particularly fascinating is the contrast between Gareth's private nature and his public persona. As a manager, he's known for his leadership and strategic thinking. But behind the scenes, he's a man who values his privacy and prefers to stay out of the spotlight. This dichotomy raises a deeper question: How do we balance our public and private selves, especially in the context of high-pressure situations like the World Cup?
The Birth of 'Dear England'
Before 'Dear England' was a hit TV show, it was a play. James Graham pitched the idea to his director over drinks in a gay bar, a setting that might seem unlikely for a story about competitive masculine sports. But it was this very setting that sparked the idea. James wanted to explore the human side of Gareth Southgate, the man behind the manager, and the team behind the team.
"[My director and I] were doing a play on Broadway called Ink, and I pitched [Dear England] to him in a gay bar uptown," James shared. "It is not [a] likely setting for a story about competitive masculine sports. I'd worked up the courage to pitch it over drinks."
This raises a deeper question: How do we create art that captures the essence of a person or a team? How do we balance the need for accuracy with the need for artistic expression? These are questions that 'Dear England' grapples with, and they're questions that resonate with anyone who's ever tried to capture the essence of a person or a team in art.
England's World Cup Hopes
England hasn't won the World Cup in 60 years, but they have a good shot at taking home the title this year. Now coached by Thomas Tuchel, the team is ranked 4th by FIFA. James shared his thoughts on England's chances at the 2026 World Cup with HELLO!, saying: "Obviously [my hopes are for a] win, but I think we have to be realistic and yet, one of the lessons I love that Gareth tried to instill in his fans was that you have to enjoy the journey towards winning."
In my opinion, James hits the nail on the head. The journey towards winning is just as important as the destination. It's the lessons we learn along the way, the experiences we have, and the people we meet that shape us. And in the context of the World Cup, it's the passion and dedication of the fans that make the tournament so special. So, as England prepares to take on Croatia, let's remember to enjoy the journey, whatever the outcome.
A Final Thought
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup unfolds, let's take a moment to appreciate the man behind the team. Gareth Southgate, the private individual, the humble manager, and the strategic leader. He's a man who values his privacy, but he's also a man who's willing to lend his support to 'Dear England'. And in doing so, he's given us a glimpse into the human side of soccer, the man behind the manager, and the team behind the team. So, as we cheer on England, let's also cheer on the man who's led them to this point, and let's remember that the journey towards winning is just as important as the destination.
