? ON THE TUBE TONIGHT-
(all times CLT)

Was football only meant for the elite? The English Game is a British historical miniseries of six episodes that show you how football went from an aristocratic game to an open one welcoming all. The episodes depict the inception of modern football in the 19th century when football was transitioning from a largely amateur and upper-class sport to a game that began to embrace professionalism and attract players from working-class backgrounds. These supposed underdogs made an effort to challenge the dominance of the privileged elite and gain recognition within the football establishment. Eventually, football became an escape for the working class. The narrative revolves around Arthur Kinnaird (Edward Holcroft), a member of an aristocratic family who has conflicting thoughts between conforming to his societal expectations and being empathetic towards the working class, and understanding their growth in the game. Fergus Suter (Kevin Guthrie), is a talented working-class Scotsman, who is torn between his loyalty to the Darwen Football team (working-class team) and the opportunity for better financial projects offered by Blackburn FC. The series also delved into various aspects of society highlighting the growing wealth gap, social inequality, and the challenges faced by women in the Victorian era.

Tags: