The England women's football team, affectionately known as the Lionesses, have once again proven their star power by attracting a staggering television audience for their Euro 2025 qualifier against Italy. Broadcast simultaneously on both ITV and BBC, the match became one of the most-watched women's football games in UK history.
Record-Breaking Viewership Numbers
Early reports indicate the match drew an impressive combined peak audience of over 5 million viewers across both channels, with ITV securing the lion's share of viewers. This marks a significant milestone for women's football, demonstrating its growing popularity among British sports fans.
Broadcasters Battle for Viewers
In an unusual move, both major terrestrial broadcasters aired the match live, creating a fascinating ratings battle. ITV emerged as the clear winner in this head-to-head competition, attracting approximately 60% of the total audience.
What This Means for Women's Football
The phenomenal viewing figures represent another step forward for the women's game in England, building on the success of the Lionesses' 2022 Euro victory. Sports analysts suggest these numbers will strengthen the case for more prime-time coverage of women's football on free-to-air channels.
The match itself ended in a 1-1 draw, keeping England's qualification campaign on track while delivering edge-of-the-seat entertainment for millions of viewers across the nation.
