BBC reveal more than 20 MILLION people watched England’s Euro 2020 win against rivals Germany… making it the MOST watched programme of 2021, edging out ITV’s coverage of ‘Battle of Britain’ against Scotland
England’s win over Germany at Euro 2020 was watched by more than 20 million people, the BBC have announced.
Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions had been watched by 18.4m viewers for their Battle of Britain against Scotland on ITV in the group stages.
But the knockout win over Germany, which has set up a quarter-final with Ukraine on Saturday, is now the best watched programme of 2021 with a peak audience of 20.6m viewers.
More than 20 million people tuned in to the BBC’s coverage of England’s win against Germany
The broadcaster revealed a peak audience of 20.6m viewers for the Euro 2020 last-16 match
The best-watched programme of the year continues to be shattered by the Three Lions with optimism growing of a first major trophy since the 1966 World Cup.
ITV took the BBC’s crown with the Scotland match, improving on viewing numbers for England’s first game against Croatia (11.6m).
But the public service broadcaster have now wrestled back their title with the match against Germany dominating screens across the country to be the most-viewed programme of 2021 in the United Kingdom so far.
Raheem Sterling continued his incredible scoring run at the tournament as he scored for 1-0
The BBC will also host England’s quarter-final tie against Ukraine in Rome on Saturday night as they look to once again smash their viewing record for the year.
TV viewing figures are expected to grow as England’s journey in the competition progresses, with Southgate’s side now predicted to reach the final with Ukraine and one of Denmark or Czech Republic in their way.
England’s World Cup semi-final defeat by Croatia in 2018 got a peak audience of 27.5 million people, which was the most viewed programme on TV since the London 2012 Opening Ceremony.
There was a nervousness inside Wembley from a partisan home crowd as well as inside homes and pubs across the country in what was a huge game for the Three Lions.
Fans were left with wild celebrations inside Wembley as Harry Kane sealed a famous 2-0 win
England grew into the game and had their star man at this tournament in Raheem Sterling to thank for the opening goal.
Sterling, who scored both of England’s goals in the group stage, escaped his defender inside the box to tap in Luke Shaw’s cross from the left with 15 minutes to go.
Tension built thereafter when German talisman Thomas Muller was through one-on-one only to put his shot wide.
Harry Kane sealed a famous victory five minutes before the end as he headed in Jack Grealish’s cross.