All the team are there played by credible look alikes, Daragh Hand as Marcus Rashford, Lewis Shepherd as Dele Alli who has family trauma, Will Close as Harry Kane whose gift is in his feet rather than when called upon to speak, but whose diffidence will make us smile. Jordan Pickford (Josh Barrow) is the goalie and Harry Maguire (Adam Hugill) and Jordan Henderson (Will Fletcher) all shine. Movement is down to two, choreographer Ellen Kane and Hannes Langoff who besides theatre dance, teaches yoga. Their emphasis is recreating the excitement of football moves throughout the play and for individual actor/players to showcase their footballing talent.

Southgate will also explore with his team what England means to each of them drawing attention to their diverse experiences and up bringing. It is an inclusive approach which unites the audience as well. He will also raise how the St George’s flag can have negative connotations.

There is an amazing amount of football history and character studies in Dear England, all of it easy to follow and there is also room for great comedy.

 I have not felt as enthusiastic about a play about sport since Mike Bartlett’s Chariots of Fire and I am longing to see Dear England again. I have no hesitation in awarding it five joyous stars from Theatrevibe, the site that doesn’t do stars.