The English Game

Behind the Scenes of The English Game: Class, Costumes, and Creative Choices

Netflix’s The English Game (2020) isn’t just a period drama about the birth of modern football—it’s a story of class divides, unlikely friendships, and the messy, human side of sports history. latestnetflix.com's view is that while the series has drawn praise for its gripping narrative, the behind-the-scenes details reveal just as much about the show’s ambition to balance authenticity with drama.

Class Divide in the Spotlight

At the heart of The English Game is the tension between working-class players and the aristocratic elite who dominated 19th-century football. Actors Kevin Guthrie (Fergus Suter) and Edward Holcroft (Arthur Kinnaird) have spoken about how this dynamic shaped their performances. In interviews, the duo discussed the challenges of portraying characters whose backgrounds were worlds apart—both on and off the pitch. Holcroft, who plays the privileged Kinnaird, and Guthrie, as the working-class Suter, emphasized how their real-life friendship helped bridge the gap between their characters’ rivalry . The series doesn’t just dramatize class conflict; it leans into the personal stakes, making the audience root for both sides.

Costumes and Character

One of the most talked-about aspects of The English Game is its attention to period detail, particularly in the costumes. Kevin Guthrie, who plays the trailblazing Suter, joked in a behind-the-scenes feature about his character’s signature look: denim flares. While the comment was lighthearted, it underscored how the show’s wardrobe team used clothing to reinforce the class divide. Suter’s practical, slightly scruffy attire contrasts sharply with Kinnaird’s polished, upper-class ensembles, a visual shorthand for their opposing worlds . The costumes weren’t just about aesthetics—they were a storytelling tool, grounding the characters in their social realities.

Historical Accuracy: Fact vs. Fiction

The English Game takes creative liberties with history, but how much? According to a deep dive into the series’ accuracy, the show blends real events with fictionalized drama. While Fergus Suter and Arthur Kinnaird were real figures, some plotlines—like the romantic subplots and certain match outcomes—were embellished for narrative effect . The series’ creators have defended these choices, arguing that the spirit of the era matters more than strict adherence to every detail. Still, for purists, the show’s blend of fact and fiction has sparked debate.

The Making of a Sports Drama

The production faced unique challenges in bringing 1870s football to life. Unlike modern sports dramas, The English Game had to recreate a version of the game that looked nothing like today’s Premier League. The "Making Of" featurette reveals how the cast trained extensively to mimic the physicality and style of Victorian-era football, which was far rougher and less structured than the modern game . The actors’ dedication to authenticity—from learning period-accurate ball-handling techniques to enduring the physical demands of the sport—added a layer of realism that resonates with fans.

What’s Missing?

Despite the rich behind-the-scenes content, some details remain elusive. There’s little public information about the show’s budget, the exact number of episodes (though it’s a limited series), or the creative tensions that might have arisen during filming. Rumors about potential sequels or spin-offs have circulated, but nothing has been confirmed . For now, The English Game stands as a self-contained story, leaving fans to speculate about what could have been.