FILMS THAT WILL HIT

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MISSING your football fix this weekend? Games across the nation have fallen victim to the coronavirus.

But there’s no need to miss out on the beautiful game completely.

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Whether it’s watching a classic football movie or documentary on DVD, on demand or on telly, you can still get a dose of the magic.

Here JAMES MOORE has picked 25 brilliant ways to forget the crisis and have a ball…

1. THE ENGLISH GAME

Go back to where it all kicked off, with this new Netflix series. It charts the origins of football in the 1880s. From Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, the six-episode drama is available now.

2. ESCAPE TO VICTORY

Football’s version of The Great Escape features a stellar cast including Michael Caine and Sylvester Stallone alongside real players such as Bobby Moore and Pele. As Allied prisoners of war during World War Two, they attempt to break out when they take on the Germans in an exhibition game.

3. DIEGO MARADONA

Famous for his Hand of God moment against England during the 1986 World Cup, this fascinating documentary looks at the brilliance of the Argentinian footballer but also his battles with drink and drugs. It’s being shown on Channel 4 at 9pm tonight.

4. BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM

Take a trip back to the Noughties to enjoy the classic that made Keira Knightley a star. It follows a girls’ team as they wrestle with a male-dominated game. Watch it via Amazon Prime.

5. THE DAMNED UNITED

Michael Sheen shines as iconic football boss Brian Clough in this 2009 film that charts the manager’s ill-fated time as gaffer at Leeds United. It’s available on Amazon Prime.

6. FOOTBALLERS’ WIVES

The hit ITV drama followed the dramas on and off the pitch of the players at Earls Park Football Club and their wives and girlfriends. It starred the likes of Zoe Lucker and all five series are available on DVD.

7. SUNDERLAND ’TIL I DIE

Go behind the scenes with this fly-onthe-wall doc, following the north-east club’s first season back in the Championship after it was relegated from the Premier League. It’s on Netflix and season two is coming in April!

8. MANCHESTER CITY:

ALL OR NOTHING

Following the club’s record-breaking season in 2017/18, this documentary is a must for any City fan, charting how Pep Guardiola’s side stormed their way to the title. It’s on Amazon Prime.

9. FEVER PITCH

Adapted from Nick Hornby’s bestselling book, this 1997 film follows the life and loves of an Arsenal fan played by

Colin Firth during the Gunners’ First Division-winning season of 1988-89.

10. WHEN SATURDAY COMES

Grab a DVD of this 1996 classic, which sees real-life Sheffield United fan Sean Bean cast as factory worker Jimmy Muir, who is talent-spotted and ends up playing for his beloved Blades.

11. BOBBY ROBSON: MORE THAN A MANAGER

The former England boss was one of the best-loved people in the game and this 2018 film follows the story of his club success with sides such as Ipswich and his roller-coaster ride with the national side. It’s currently on Netflix.

12. ZIDANE: A 21ST CENTURY PORTRAIT

Try to get your hands on this acclaimed documentary about French legend Zinedine Zidane, which focuses on the star mat the

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