England’s penalty loss to Italy in the Euro 2020 final was the most watched TV event in the UK since the funeral of Diana, Princess of Wales.
Ratings peaked as the match, which was broadcast on both the BBC and ITV, reached the penalty shoot out when around 30.9 million viewers tuned in to watch England’s men’s team miss out on lifting their first major trophy since 1966.
According to BARB’s overnight figures an average of 29.85 million tuned in for the whole 120 minutes.
In comparison, last year’s statement by UK prime minister announcing coronavirus restrictions in March was watched by more than 27 million viewers.
BBC host Gary Lineker tweeted that the broadcaster’s coverage reached 25 million viewers on BBC One, with just under six million watching on iPlayer.
