England’s Euro 22 final win over Germany was watched by a peak TV audience of 17.4 million, a new record for women’s football in the UK, according to overnight ratings from the BBC.
The previous record was set during England’s 2019 World Cup semi-final defeat by the United States, which had a peak audience of 11.7 million. The Lionesses’ 2-1 win after extra time is the most-watched programme in the UK so far this year.
Goals from Ella Toone and former Everton forward Chloe Kelly secured the trophy for the England women, who were watched by 87,000 supporters at Wembley Stadium on Sunday (31 July). It is the first major tournament title for the country since 1966, after England’s men lost their European final to Italy in 2021.
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Up to 7,000 supporters will have the opportunity to join the team at an event hosted by TV pundit and ex-player Alex Scott in London’s Trafalgar Square from 11am on Monday. Scott, a former England international, said the Lionesses’ win would be a game changer in terms of raising the profile of women’s football.
She told BBC Breakfast: “These Lionesses have raised the bar. They have changed the way women’s football is viewed in this country.
“The train has left the station and it is gathering pace. It will be tragic to take any steps back after what we have witnessed yesterday and through the whole tournament.
“There must be an opportunity for every single girl to play football if they want to.”
The Queen also had high praise for the team, saying their “success goes far beyond the trophy.”
She said: “You have all set an example that will be an inspiration for girls and women today, and for future generations.”
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