A peak audience of 16.3 million people tuned in to watch England’s dramatic 2-1 win over DR Congo in their last-32 knockout tie on Wednesday.

The 17:00 BST kick-off was watched on average by 14 million people on BBC TV, the most watched moment on the BBC this year.

England’s World Cup group games against Croatia and Ghana kicked off at 21:00 while the Panama game was at 22:00.

The Croatia opener (15.4m peak) and win over Panama (13.8m peak) were shown on ITV, while the draw with Ghana attracted a peak audience of 15.4m on the BBC.

England manager Thomas Tuchel has urged parents to let their children stay up to watch the tie against Mexico, while pubs in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open until 05:00 on Monday for the game.

“There’s so much school to go to, but the World Cup is every four years. Let them watch,” reported Tuchel after the win against DR Congo.

“There will be a big match in four days, and we need the support of everyone, especially the children.”

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