Joseph Fiennes on playing Gareth Southgate: He has a steel spine

Joseph Fiennes on playing Gareth Southgate: He has a steel spine (Ian West/PA)

Joseph Fiennes says Gareth Southgate has “a steel spine” as he prepares to step into the role of the England football manager in a new play at the National Theatre.

The actor, known for his villainous role as Fred Waterford in The Handmaid’s Tale, said it was a “huge relief” to be playing a character audiences would sympathise with.