U-NEXT, a video streaming service operated by U-NEXT Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Tenshin Tsutsumi), will begin exclusive distribution of 'Dear England' on Monday, June 1, 2026, at 9:00 AM.
The series is a four-part adaptation of the acclaimed National Theatre stage play, which won the Best New Play at the 2024 Laurence Olivier Awards and became a social phenomenon in the UK. It profoundly portrays the trajectory of Gareth Southgate, the real-life manager who transformed the collapsing England national football team into a symbol of hope through unique leadership. The story, based on real events, chronicles an tumultuous eight-year period, from facing extreme pressure and relentless media criticism to the intense battles of EURO 2024 and Southgate's eventual departure.
A Story of Hope and Unity That Saved a Desperate Team For 50 years, the England national team had been branded with disappointment and was on the verge of collapse, bearing the weight of a negative history and public despair. In 2016, Gareth Southgate, a man who once carried the trauma of his own missed penalty kick, was appointed interim manager. To break the toxic machoism prevalent in the sports world, he recruited psychologist Pippa Grange. He implemented unconventional reforms that prioritized the mental growth of players, unafraid to show vulnerability.
Starring Joseph Fiennes, Japanese Dub by Hiroki Yasumoto Joseph Fiennes continues his role as Southgate from the stage play. In the Japanese dubbed version, Hiroki Yasumoto, known as an avid football fan, delivers a passionate performance as Manager Southgate. Other talented voice actors such as Mutsumi Tamura and Taku Yashiro also feature in the cast.
Distribution Overview 'Dear England' (4 episodes) Start Date: June 1, 2026 (Mon), all 4 episodes available at once (Subtitled and Dubbed) Viewing Page: https://video.unext.jp/title/SID0304995 Distribution Type: Unlimited viewing
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- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: News
- Products / services: U-NEXT