Butcher: Invisible Wounds England football legend Terry Butcher opens up for first time about tragedy of loss of hero serviceman son with PTSD

A major feature-length ITV documentary about footballer Terry Butcher will chart his career as well as the devastating personal tragedy of the loss of his Army veteran son.

Butcher is one of England's most celebrated players, with 77 caps, seven times as captain. Photos and footage of him playing on with a bandage around a head injury during a vital World Cup qualifier provide one of the iconic images of the national team's history. Butcher's achievements in the club game include trophy-winning stints at Ipswich Town and Glasgow Rangers.

But Butcher: Invisible Wounds also tells the story of the personal loss he endured following the death of his son Chris, a British Army veteran who passed away after suffering severe PTSD.

Butcher said: "I wore the Three Lions shirt with pride, and I would have given anything for my country. But nothing could have prepared me for losing Chris. This film is about making sure his life — and what we went through — means something. If it helps even one person realise they're not alone, then it's done its job."

The theatrical documentary was produced by the Emmy-winning company Sylver Entertainment, and written and directed by Stuart Burley, marking his feature directorial debut following more than two decades creating premium sports content. 

Alongside Butcher's own account, the film features contributions from Gary Lineker, Ally McCoist, Kieron Dyer and Alan Brazil, offering perspective on his career, character and the wider impact of his story.

The film will premiere theatrically in Ipswich on 15th May, followed by a cinema run. It will be aired nationally on ITV and ITVX in June, timed to coincide with England's opening match at the World Cup.

The film charts Butcher's life on and off the pitch, the profound impact of his son's death on him and his family, and his journey toward recovery - a path that led him to Combat2Coffee, the peer-support organisation founded by Nigel Seaman, which has become a vital lifeline for thousands of veterans across the UK.

The film is executive produced by Victoria Barrell and Simon Lazenby for Sylver Entertainment, with Burley directing.

Stuart Burley said: "Terry Butcher, the footballer, the warrior, is a great story on its own, an iconic figure, one of only three men to lead England in a World Cup semi-final. But the story I wanted to tell is far deeper, that of a father and son who captained their country.

This is a film about bravery, grief and hope. The strength Terry has shown in making this has been inspiring. The wounds will never heal, but with a newfound purpose, he is showing courage far beyond a bloodied head."

Commissioning the film for ITV, Richard Botchway, Assistant Commissioner, ITV Sport, said: "Terry Butcher is one of the defining figures of English sport, a symbol of commitment and resilience. But this film reveals a different kind of courage: the courage to speak openly about grief, trauma and loss. At a time when the nation comes together around football, this story brings a deeper conversation into the spotlight, one that ITV is proud to platform."

Creative producer John Grint brings extensive experience across sports storytelling, shaping the film's emotional narrative and archival depth.

Sylver Entertainment has established itself as one of the UK's leading producers of premium documentaries, with a slate including McEnroe (2022, Sports Emmy-winner), Lomu (BFI-backed), Schmeichel (2025), and Hill (2025, Sky Documentaries).

Victoria Barrell of Sylver Entertainment said: "Our focus has always been to explore the human story behind sporting greatness. With Terry, that meant telling a story far beyond football — one about loss, resilience and purpose. We're proud to bring this to audiences with ITV at a moment when its message feels especially urgent."

BUTCHER: INVISIBLE WOUNDS WILL BE BROADCAST ON ITV4 AT 10PM ON SUNDAY 9TH JUNE AND AVAILABLE ON ITVX AFTERWARDS