Euro 2020: A record 27.6 million people watched the England-Denmark semi-final match, according to the British TV company

England’s victory in the Euro 2020 semi-final over Denmark on Wednesday was watched by 27.6 million people, setting a new record for a football match shown on a British channel, ITV reported.

The figure, calculated across TV and smart devices including phones and laptops, beat the 27.5 million who watched England’s defeat by Croatia in the 2018 World Cup, a match also broadcast by ITV, it said

Wednesday’s match peaked with 26.3 million viewers on ITV, and an 89.3% share, with a whistle-to-whistle audience of 23.9 million, making it the most watched match of the tournament so far, ITV said as per a Reuters report.

Coverage of Sunday’s final will be shared by BBC and ITV.

On Wednesday, Captain Harry Kane ended England’s 55-year wait for a major men’s final appearance with a dramatic extra-time winner, converting the rebound after Denmark goalkeeper Kasper Schmeichel had saved his contentiously awarded penalty. England had the chance to win another trophy for the first time since 1966 after beating Denmark 2-1 in the Euro 2020 semi-final

England have little time to bask in the glory of their semi-final victory, with the Three Lions back at Wembley on Sunday, where Italy stand between them and a maiden European crown. The Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate insisted the preparations would begin immediately.

“So it’s the biggest possible test we can have. We have a day less to recover but we’ve got to prepare from now. It is wonderful to have the opportunity to take them on,” said Southgate.

“We’re in a final, we’ve got to enjoy that fact, but there is one more massive hurdle to try and conquer. Italy are a very good side, they have really shown outstanding form, have defensive warriors at the back, it’s going to be a great game to look forward to. We’ve had three memorable games on the bounce.

“We said we wanted to create memories for our nation, now we’ve got to finish the job. Finals are there to be won, we’ve got to regroup, repair and recover because tonight has taken a lot emotionally and physically,” Southgate has said.