By Jon Donnis
In a remarkable display of unity and excitement, England's Men's Euros opener against Serbia captivated more than half of the UK's television audience on Sunday evening. The BBC's comprehensive coverage of the event on BBC TV and BBC iPlayer drew in viewers by the millions, showcasing the nation's enthusiasm for the tournament.
The match, broadcast live on BBC One, reached a peak audience of 15 million viewers. This staggering figure underscores the widespread appeal and anticipation surrounding England's performance in the Euros. Additionally, the match was streamed 3.5 million times on BBC iPlayer, indicating a significant shift towards digital consumption of live sports. On average, 10.5 million viewers tuned in, representing a 60% share of the TV audience during the broadcast.
Alex Kay-Jelski, Director of BBC Sport, expressed his delight at the massive turnout, stating, "The nation came together in huge numbers to follow BBC Sport's coverage of the first weekend of the Men's Euros. Whether it was the tension of England's opening win, the fallout of Scotland's tough start, the exciting performances from Germany and Spain or the heartwarming story of seeing Christian Eriksen score three years on from his collapse on the pitch, it's great that we can showcase the best sporting storytelling across BBC TV, iPlayer, Radio and Online."
The BBC's extensive coverage of the tournament extends beyond live broadcasts. Fans can access a wealth of content, including TV highlights and digital clips, on the BBC Sport website and social media platforms. This multi-platform approach ensures that audiences can engage with the tournament in various ways, enhancing their overall viewing experience.
Looking ahead, the BBC is set to continue its robust coverage of the Euros with upcoming matches featuring home nations. Viewers can look forward to Scotland facing Switzerland on BBC One from 7.25 pm on Wednesday, June 19, and England taking on Denmark on BBC One from 4 pm on Thursday, June 20. Both games will also be available on BBC iPlayer, BBC 5 Live, BBC Sounds, and online, ensuring fans do not miss a moment of the action.
This surge in viewership highlights the enduring popularity of football in the UK and the critical role that the BBC plays in bringing major sporting events to the public. The comprehensive coverage and storytelling provided by BBC Sport not only keep fans informed but also bring them together to share in the triumphs and tribulations of their favorite teams.
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