Sixty Years of Hurt: Trailer

About this episode

The episode explores the history and cultural significance of the England Men's Football team through the lens of national identity and social commentary.

'Sixty Years of Hurt with David Baddiel' explores the meaning of England and Englishness through the history of the England Men’s Football team. This is a social and cultural history as much as a sporting one, examining the story England tells about itself and how it's changed, via the medium of the international game. The series delves deep into how national myths are both forged and reflected in the fate of eleven young men with three lions on their shirts. It takes in the view from England’s sporting rivals, from Wales to Argentina, and asks what light the success of England’s Woman casts on the story of England’s Men. Across the series, comedian, writer and football fan David Baddiel will be joined by contributors including Stephen Fry, Alex James, Maisie Adam, Elis James, Barney Ronay, Roy Williams, Des Lynam, Stuart Pearce, Jean Williams, David Goldblatt, Pippa Grange, Jonathan Wilson, David Seaman, Omid Djalili and many more. The England football team always, somehow, represents a nation. Its dramas are our dramas, its divisions are our divisions, its story is our story. A story about race and history, talent and rivalry, class and courage, violence and beauty. But what…

People in this episode

Host: David Baddiel

Guests: Stephen Fry, Alex James, Maisie Adam, Elis James, Barney Ronay, Roy Williams, Des Lynam, Stuart Pearce, Jean Williams, David Goldblatt, Pippa Grange, Jonathan Wilson, David Seaman, Omid Djalili

Topics covered

• English football history
• national identity
• cultural history
• sporting rivalries
• social commentary
• myths and narratives

Keywords

• England football
• David Baddiel
• cultural history
• national identity
• football rivalries
• social history
• England Women's success
• myths
• sporting narratives

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: BBC Radio 4, BBC Studios Audio, Left Bank Pictures

Books & works: Dear England

Places: England, Wales, Argentina

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• Sixty Years of Hurt: 3. England v Hooligans · May 30, 2026 · 28 min
• Sixty Years of Hurt: 2. England v Mavericks · May 23, 2026 · 28 min
• Sixty Years of Hurt: 1. England v The World · May 15, 2026 · 28 min
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• Two Nottingham Lads: 3. Six Weeks in Mariupol · January 7, 2026 · 30 min