as Mike Bassett, a former player turned manager from the lower leagues who leads Norwich City to the Mr. Clutch Cup. He then becomes manager of England but is derided by the fans and English media for not being good enough for the role. Amanda Redman as Karine Bassett, Mike's wife whose patience and loyalty is put to the test when her husband's popularity plummets during England's poor run of form. Bradley Walsh as Dave 'Doddsy' Dodds, Bassett's first team coach, he is a sycophantic yes man, who agrees with everyone else's opinions echoing instructions and very rarely offering any of his own thoughts. Philip Jackson as Lonnie Urquart, Bassett's assistant manager and used car salesman (a reference to Lawrie McMenemy under the Graham Taylor era) who is very old-fashioned in his beliefs and often compares the England players' performances to cars. He is opinionated but is more concerned with getting the players to buy cars from him. Martin Bashir as Interviewer (Narrator), Bashir narrates the entire film, also appearing in scenes as the interviewer who is given complete access to the England setup as part of the documentary. He offers an impartial view of the events that unfold. Geoffrey Hutchings as Geoffrey Lightfoot, the head of the Football Association, he pays very little interest in Mike or his role. Phill Jupitus as Tommo Thompson, a news reporter who is very sceptical about Mike but after making a bet with him later is seen to quit his job and become a bin man when England beat Argentina. Danny Tennant as Jason Bassett, Mike's son who is a youth team player at Norwich City, he is later targeted by bullies when pressure mounts on his father. Footballers Dean Lennox Kelly as Kevin 'Tonka' Tonkinson, a Geordie playmaking midfielder. He is an alcoholic, often in trouble but is the most gifted player on the team. He is based on Paul Gascoigne. Robbie Gee as Rufus 'Smallsy' Smalls, a Trinidad-born Newcastle United centre forward who is enduring an international goal drought since missing his penalty against Portugal two years prior. He struggles with self-confidence, he is based on Andy Cole. Geoff Bell as Gary 'Wacko' Wackett, team captain and a hard tackling, intimidating Leicester City central defender who is often sent off. He is later arrested for joining in with rioting English football hooligans. He is based on Steve Walsh and Terry Butcher.