England’s Euro 2020 final loss to Italy was THIRD most watched TV event in UK history with massive 31.1million viewers
ENGLAND'S cruel penalty shootout defeat to Italy in the Euro 2020 final was the third most-watched TV event of all time.
The Wembley clash hit an all-time high of 31.1million viewers across BBC and ITV who both had rights to broadcast.
But the latest England heartbreak was trumped by England winning the 1966 World Cup on views.
Bobby Moore and co lifting the Jules Rimet after beating West Germany had 32.3m tuning in.
In second spot is the 32.1m who watched the emotional funeral of Princess Diana in 1997, again shown on BBC and ITV.
The fourth most-watched programme of all time was the 1969 Royal Family Documentary with 30.7m watching over two days on the two channels.
And in fifth is an entry from soapland.
An incredible 30.15m people saw Dirty Den walk out on wife Angie on Eastenders in the 1986 Christmas Special.
And there could be some sore heads this morning following England's spot-kick nightmare.
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TV SMASH HITS
The five most-watched TV programmes ever...
- England win 1966 World Cup - 32.3m viewers
- Princess Diana's funeral, 1997 - 32.1m viewers
- England lose to Italy in Euro 2020 final - 31.1m viewers
- Royal Family documentary, 1969 - 30.7m viewers
- Dirty Den walks out on Angie, Eastenders, 1985 - 30.15m viewers
Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho and Bukayo Saka all failed to score their penalties as Giorgio Chiellini and co lifted the trophy.
And while Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate and his crop of exciting young talent has galvanised the nation, there have been some questions over the manager's selections for the shootout.
It was his three subs who missed the penalties, and it was left to 19-year-old Saka to score to keep England in the game.
But he saw his effort saved by giant keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. A tearful Saka was consoled by Southgate at the end.
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