Joseph Fiennes: My first thought on Croatia is Modrić and our 2018 World Cup loss

British actor Joseph Fiennes, preparing for the premiere of his new biographical drama 'Dear England,' found himself immediately recalling Croatia's victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semi-finals. "When I hear 'Croatia,' all I think of is Modrić and how we lost to you in the semi-final at the World Cup in Russia," Fiennes said with a laugh when asked about his reaction to being interviewed by Croatian media.

The series, based on James Graham's acclaimed play, delves into the English national football team's journey through three major tournaments: the 2018 World Cup in Russia, Euro 2021, and the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. It focuses not on triumph, but on the often-unseen dramatic circumstances and, crucially, on the experience of defeat.

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When I hear 'Croatia,' all I think of is Modrić and how we lost to you in the semi-final at the World Cup in Russia.

Fiennes plays former England manager Gareth Southgate in the BBC production, which premieres on HBO Max. He noted that while a story of victory might be simpler, a narrative centered on dealing with loss offers deeper insights. "This series opens up much deeper questions," he explained. "It's about football, yes, but it also touches on themes society often avoids, viewed through the lens of football."

The drama examines the immense pressure faced by young athletes and the consequences of that burden. It also addresses issues of racism, national identity, and the meaning of representing one's country. Fiennes highlighted that exploring how to cope with defeat is a more challenging, and perhaps more compelling, aspect of the story.

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This series opens up much deeper questions. It's about football, yes, but it also touches on themes society often avoids, viewed through the lens of football.