Sport and theatre bare such a close resemblance but often keep themselves to themselves. Delighted was I, as a huge fan of both these forms of entertainment, that the National Theatre’s grand Olivier space is the current ‘home ground’ to James Graham’s new play bringing the England football team to the stage.

‘Dear England’ takes us on Gareth Southgate’s journey as Manager of the national squad through two World Cups and a European Championships, bringing themes of psychology, fear, team spirit and loneliness to its core. Of course, his infamous penalty miss from the 1996 shootout against Germany is at the heart of the story. 

James Graham is arguably one of Britain’s greatest current playwrights and, after his recent retelling of the coughing scandal of ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ in his award-winning play (and now television series) ‘Quiz’, is more than used to writing about real events and adapting them for the stage. Once again, he hits the back of the net here.

Together with Rupert Gould’s slick and energetic direction, it’s a truthful and nostalgic look back into the England teams of the last six years and the trauma – specifically penalty defeats – it has caused to both individuals and the whole nation.

In the central role of Southgate is Joseph Fiennes who bares an uncanny resemblance to the man himself and has mastered his mannerisms and expressions to perfection. He gives a natural and charming performance which starts timidly but grows in confidence to blossom into the heroic stature that the real Southgate has with some football fans today.

He hires psychologist Pippa Grange, played by the ever reliable Gina McKee, to help the team to talk to each other and try to work out what’s going on inside their heads. All of the famous players you’d expect and want to see are included and the impressions are generally spot on. Credit to Bryony Jarvis-Taylor for casting on both resemblance and talent, which can’t be easy. Josh Barrow as the thunderous and over-the-top Jordan Pickford is faultless, Adam Hugill is the ideal dense Harry Maguire and there are strong impersonations of Sven Goran Eriksson, Wayne Rooney and Sam Allardyce along the way. The standout performance though is Will Close’s hilarious Harry Kane. Graham’s writing of the character is perfect but Close’s ability to exude all the comedy and honesty from the writing is a joy to watch.

Special mentions must also go to Paul Thornley, Tony Turner and John Hodgkinson as Southgate’s insightful coaching team. All give brilliantly dynamic showings and Hodginkson & Turner multi-role as FA chairmen Greg Dyke & Greg Clarke impeccably.

The whole cast are strong and Gould’s direction brings pace and vigour into an ensemble piece which is an entertaining and genuine romp through football memories. It’s an extremely fun show and technically dazzling too – Es Devlin’s electronic set design and Ash J Woodward’s smart video design aiding the piece wonderfully. 

It’s got a lot of heart and is authentically funny. Don’t let the near three-hour running time put you off – it flies by and you’re left singing the classic anthems of ‘Vindaloo’, ‘It’s Coming Home’ and ‘Sweet Caroline’ for hours after. If England don’t win a trophy soon, maybe ‘Dear England’ will…

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