‘Gareth Southgate made football more appealing’

One of the stars of the play which tells the story of Gareth Southgate’s reign as England manager has said he changed the way she looked at football.

The Olivier Award-winning Dear England, which will make its debut outside of London for the first time at The Lowry theatre in Salford, tells the “uplifting, at times heartbreaking, and ultimately inspiring” story of Southgate’s “revolutionary tenure”, its producers have said.

Actress Liz White, who plays sports psychologist Pippa Grange in the show, said the former England boss’s approach had changed her perception of the national side.

“I certainly watched all the tournaments for which Gareth was manager,” she said.

“He made it more appealing to me… because he’s a gentleman and he spoke very eloquently and he dressed very smartly.

“It just seemed to be a better culture… when he was there.”

Dear England is at the Lowry from 29 May to 29 June.