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.

This story is from the October 28, 2023 edition of Cricket Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the October 28, 2023 edition of Cricket Today.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM CRICKET TODAYView All
Is Sarfaraz Khan A Flash In The Pan?
Cricket Today

Is Sarfaraz Khan A Flash In The Pan?

Sarfaraz's international performance has been inconsistent and underwhelming. His recent outings have left many questioning whether he's truly ready for the pressures of the highest level or if his success in domestic cricket is simply a flash in the pan.

time-read
5 mins  |
November 2024
5 Players Who Don't Deserve A Spot In The Indian Test Team
Cricket Today

5 Players Who Don't Deserve A Spot In The Indian Test Team

Virat Kohli, once the backbone of India's batting lineup, is struggling to find his footing. The once-reliable batsman and former captain is now far from his peak, with his recent performances suggesting he may be holding India back. Kohli's record in 2024 has been underwhelming...

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma: Are They Still The Best? It's Time For A Rethink
Cricket Today

Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma: Are They Still The Best? It's Time For A Rethink

The time has come. You probably know their names. You probably also know the countless number of games they have won for their country at the back of their audacious skills with the bat. But now, as seen in recent times, you also know...

time-read
7 mins  |
November 2024
J.T. POSTON WINS THIRD CAREER PGA TOUR TITLE
Cricket Today

J.T. POSTON WINS THIRD CAREER PGA TOUR TITLE

He made three birdies in a four-hole stretch on the back nine of the final round and led by four shots with three holes to play. Poston still had to sweat it out to the very last putt...

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
VICTOR WEMBANYAMA LIVED UP TO ALL THE HYPE AS AN NBA ROOKIE. IN YEAR 2, THE SPURS STAR WANTS MORE
Cricket Today

VICTOR WEMBANYAMA LIVED UP TO ALL THE HYPE AS AN NBA ROOKIE. IN YEAR 2, THE SPURS STAR WANTS MORE

If San Antonio is going to get back into the playoff mix this season, Wembanyama will have to be one of the biggest reasons why. Still officially listed at 7-foot-3 by the he looks at least Spurs a couple of inches taller, though he says he hasn't grown...

time-read
4 mins  |
November 2024
MESSI MANIA HELPS DRIVE RECORD GROWTH FOR MLS
Cricket Today

MESSI MANIA HELPS DRIVE RECORD GROWTH FOR MLS

Two matches exceeded 70,000 fans and five matches exceeded 50,000. In an April match at Arrowhead Stadium, there were 72,610 on hand to watch Lionel Messi and Inter Miami play Sporting Kansas City...

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
FROM COACH CAL AT ARKANSAS TO ALABAMA'S TITLE PURSUIT.STORYLINES ABOUND IN SEC FILLED WITH TALENT "
Cricket Today

FROM COACH CAL AT ARKANSAS TO ALABAMA'S TITLE PURSUIT.STORYLINES ABOUND IN SEC FILLED WITH TALENT "

Arkansas is No. 16 despite Calipari having to rebuild the entire roster. Kentucky is at No. 23 under Mark Pope, who played for the Wildcats in the 1990s before leaving BYU after last season for what was always his dream job...

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
NEW ZEALAND WINS CRICKET'S WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP FOR FIRST TIME
Cricket Today

NEW ZEALAND WINS CRICKET'S WOMEN'S T20 WORLD CUP FOR FIRST TIME

The White Ferns added to their one-day title at the 2000 Cricket World Cup and became the first New Zealand team to win a T20 World Cup, with the men's team - the Black Caps - yet to achieve this feat...

time-read
3 mins  |
November 2024
NEW ZEALAND WHITE FERNS SPLIT US$2.3 MILLION AFTER WINNING T20 WORLD CUP
Cricket Today

NEW ZEALAND WHITE FERNS SPLIT US$2.3 MILLION AFTER WINNING T20 WORLD CUP

New Zealand's first-ever victory in the World Cup of cricket's shortest format was a massive surprise. The White Ferns had lost 10 consecutive T20 matches before beating South Africa in a warm-up match. That pre-tournament...

time-read
2 mins  |
November 2024
DAVID WARNER'S LEADERSHIP BAN ENDS
Cricket Today

DAVID WARNER'S LEADERSHIP BAN ENDS

Warner received a penalty for his role in the 2018 sandpaper scandal in South Africa, on top of a one-year ban from cricket, which was also imposed on Steve Smith, with a lesser playing suspension given to Cameron Bancroft.

time-read
1 min  |
November 2024