It obliterates the previous best of 9.3 million
A record 17.5 million people tuned in to watch the Lionesses, according to Barb data.
England’s near-60 year wait for a major football trophy ended on Sunday night when Sarina Wiegman’s side secured an extra-time victory over Germany.
A second-half lob from substitute Ella Toone put England 1 up, and victory was sealed when Chloe Kelly netted a goal line scramble in the 111th minute.
Not a bad time to get your first international goal! #BBCEuros #BBCFootball
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 31, 2022
The victory has been widely lauded on social media, with the Queen even sending out a congratulatory message.
“Your success goes far beyond the trophy you have so deservedly earned.
“You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations.”
The Queen has sent a message of congratulations to the @Lionesses:
— The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 31, 2022
According to the TV ratings, a massive 17.5 million people tuned in to watch the game at its peak – almost 80 per cent of all UK people watching TV at the time.
Across the broadcast, which ran from 4.50 PM BST to 9.30PM BST (08.50 AM PT to 01.30 PT), the game was watched by an average 11 million viewers, another record high for women’s football.
It was the second most watched show in terms of average audience this year, slightly behind the coverage of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.
In contrast, the men’s Wimbledon final achieved a peak viewership of 7.5 million.
England will celebrate their Women’s Euro 2022 triumph with a victory party at Trafalgar Square this afternoon.
Up to 7,000 fans will be able to attend the event, with gates opening at 11am. Highlights of the tournament will be shown on a big screen before Sarina Wiegman and the England team take to the stage for a Q&A and trophy lift.
The event will be broadcast on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 12.40pm onwards, hosted by Lionesses legend Alex Scott MBE, and is expected to end by 2pm.
Related links:
- Alex Scott and Ian Wright call out those ‘not brave enough’ to back women’s football
- Chelsea manager Emma Hayes in tears after England win Euro 2022
- People can’t get enough of Alessia Russo trying to read the German tactics note
- Chloe Kelly runs off with BBC mic to sing Sweet Caroline after winning Euros
