WHAT'S IN A GAME? 'DEAR ENGLAND' PROBES THE NATION THROUGH THE LENS OF ITS SOCCER TEAM
Cricket Today|October 28, 2023
That redemptive story inspired Graham to use sports "to make sense of the national moment" for a country that has been plunged into political instability and forced to question its place in the world since the U.K.'s 2016 referendum decision to leave the ...
WHAT'S IN A GAME? 'DEAR ENGLAND' PROBES THE NATION THROUGH THE LENS OF ITS SOCCER TEAM

Outside of families, few relationships are as intense as those between sports teams and their fans. In the case of England’s bond with its national soccer team, it’s not always been healthy.

James Graham’s play “Dear England” looks at the state of the nation through the ups and downs — and there have been many downs — of England’s men’s soccer team. From 1966 World Cup champions to persistent underachievers dogged by a rump of hooligan supporters, the team became a source of national anxiety.

That changed under manager Gareth Southgate, who since 2016 has forged England’s most cohesive squad in many years. Best known for his low-key manner and three-piece suits, Southgate transformed the team’s fortunes and its culture, drawing new fans and instilling a newfound sense of pride.

That redemptive story inspired Graham to use sports “to make sense of the national moment” for a country that has been plunged into political instability and forced to question its place in the world since the U.K.'s 2016 referendum decision to leave the European Union.

“I think that there is a self-defeating tailspin we get into when we get in trouble,” Graham said, referring to both soccer and society. “As demonstrated in our political system right now. We keep doubling down on the failure.

“I think we could possibly afford ourselves a healthier response to losing whereby you then reset and reform and reinvent -- which is what Gareth tried to do,” Graham told The Associated Press during a break in rehearsals.

Denne historien er fra October 28, 2023-utgaven av Cricket Today.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

Denne historien er fra October 28, 2023-utgaven av Cricket Today.

Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.

FLERE HISTORIER FRA CRICKET TODAYSe alt
Ben Stokes: The Comeback Man Of England Cricket
Cricket Today

Ben Stokes: The Comeback Man Of England Cricket

Stokes, who played match-winning innings for England in the finals of the 50-over World Cup in 2019 and the T20 World Cup in 2022, came out of ODI retirement to feature in last year's dismal World Cup defense. After knee surgery over the winter, he opted out of the...

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
MS Dhoni Set To Play Another IPL Season In 2025: A Masterstroke Or A Rule-Bending Move By BCCI?
Cricket Today

MS Dhoni Set To Play Another IPL Season In 2025: A Masterstroke Or A Rule-Bending Move By BCCI?

MS Dhoni last played for India during the 2019 ICC Cricket World Cup; few could have predicted that we would still be discussing his participation in the Indian Premier League (IPL) more than five years later. Yet, here we are in 2025...

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
VERSTAPPEN SHOWS HIS PETTY SIDE WHEN FIA FOOLISHLY PUNISHES HIM FOR CURSING
Cricket Today

VERSTAPPEN SHOWS HIS PETTY SIDE WHEN FIA FOOLISHLY PUNISHES HIM FOR CURSING

Verstappen was the youngest driver ever to start an F1 race and the youngest Fl race winner, and he has made clear he doesn't plan to stay to become the oldest winner in the sport's history.

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
PEP GUARDIOLA IS FACING MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS MANCHESTER CITY FUTURE
Cricket Today

PEP GUARDIOLA IS FACING MORE QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS MANCHESTER CITY FUTURE

Guardiola likely knows he will never find another club like City in elite European soccer. Backed by the spectacular riches of Abu Dhabi's ruling family, he has been allowed to build a team in his image, with exorbitant amounts spent to assemble a squad that has enjoyed unprecedented....

time-read
3 mins  |
October 2024
PATTON KIZZIRE ENDS DROUGHT WITH 5-STROKE VICTORY IN FEDEX CUP FALL OPENER
Cricket Today

PATTON KIZZIRE ENDS DROUGHT WITH 5-STROKE VICTORY IN FEDEX CUP FALL OPENER

Unlike in 2023 when Theegala was followed by a large gallery on his way to winning, Kizzire and Lipsky played the final round in front of a small crowd at the picturesque course in the heart of the Napa Valley wine country. For the second straight day, Kizzire had to make up...

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
IPL 2025: TWO PLAYERS EACH FRANCHISE MUST RETAIN
Cricket Today

IPL 2025: TWO PLAYERS EACH FRANCHISE MUST RETAIN

Shreyas lyer and Sunil Narine As the defending champions of IPL 2024, Kolkata Knight Riders will be looking to retain a core that helped them secure their title. The first name on the list is captain Shreyas lyer, who has been instrumental in stabilizing the team...

time-read
5 mins  |
October 2024
FIVE SHOCK RELEASES FROM FRANCHISES THAT MIGHT HAPPEN AHEAD OF THE IPL 2025 MEGA AUCTION
Cricket Today

FIVE SHOCK RELEASES FROM FRANCHISES THAT MIGHT HAPPEN AHEAD OF THE IPL 2025 MEGA AUCTION

Rohit Sharma, the stalwart of Mumbai Indians, could be shockingly released ahead of IPL 2025. After Mumbai reinstated Hardik Pandya as captain in the 2024 season, Rohit played a secondary role. The tensions between...

time-read
4 mins  |
October 2024
END OF BABAR AZAM'S CAPTAINCY ERA
Cricket Today

END OF BABAR AZAM'S CAPTAINCY ERA

The PCB said it had backed Babar as the T20 and ODI captain, but his decision to resign reflected his desire to focus more on making a greater impact as a player.” Babar announced he was stepping down, saying he wanted to deliver more for the team as a player...

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
TOM LATHAM TAKES OVER AS NEW ZEALAND TEST CAPTAIN
Cricket Today

TOM LATHAM TAKES OVER AS NEW ZEALAND TEST CAPTAIN

Latham has already captained New Zealand in nine tests, taking over from Williamson when _ he was recovering from an elbow injury. He has also led New Zealand in 44 one-day internationals.... if

time-read
2 mins  |
October 2024
CRICKET UMPIRE ALEEM DAR TO QUIT
Cricket Today

CRICKET UMPIRE ALEEM DAR TO QUIT

Root, who is technically excellent and owns pretty much all the shots, overtook Cook's record of 33 test centuries by an England batter last month when he made hundreds in both innings against Sri Lanka at Lord's...

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024