Highest TV ratings in UK for England v Italy Euro 2020 final

The UK saw its highest TV ratings as the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy peaked at an audience of 30.95 million viewers.

According to overnight figures, on average, 29.85m watched the entire game. Viewing figures hit their highest during extra time as the Three Lions battled against the Azzurris for the European title. The match at Wembley Stadium on Sunday was broadcast live by both the BBC and ITV.

Combining the figures from both broadcasters, the final game of the tournament had the highest TV audience since the funeral of Princess Diana in 1997.

The penalty shootout was a tense moment for both nations. England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford saved two of Italy’s attempts. Meanwhile, England striker Marcus Rashford hit the post before Italian goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnrumma saved Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka’s spot-kicks, handing Italy the win.

Making UK broadcasting history

How people view television has changed over the years with the prevalence of online streaming and catch-up services. It is possible to count ratings and measure audiences in so many different ways now. But it is clear to see that Sunday night’s final is one of the biggest UK audiences in broadcasting history. 

The highest recent audience was in March 2020. Over 27 million people tuned in to watch Prime Minister Boris Johnson outline stringent restrictions in a coronavirus announcement.

The previously highest rating football event was the semi-final of the 1990 World Cup. 25.2 million watched as England lost in a painful penalty shootout against West Germany.

Most people chose to watch the match on BBC rather than ITV by a ratio of more than four to one.

Current figures include people watching on ITV+1. However, official numbers for the audience of Sunday’s Euros final could potentially rise when they take into account people watching via catch-up services.

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