England vs USA World Cup semi-final the most watched television programme of 2019

The match attracted a live audience close to 12m

England's defeat against the USA in the semi-final of the Women’s World Cup attracted a record-breaking peak television audience of 11.7m.

The game, shown live on BBC One, stands as the most-watched television programme of 2019 and drew in 50.8 per cent of the available audience.

The game was England’s fourth fixture to reach a new record peak audience for women’s football.

England lost 2-1 in a dramatic match at Lyon, where the USA twice took the lead either side of Ellen White’s strike.

Christen Press opened the scoring for the 2015 champions and Alex Morgan restored the lead before half-time. Phil Neville’s side had the chance to take the game to extra time from the spot, but Steph Houghton’s 83rd minute penalty was saved.

Neville said his England players should take pride in inspiring a next generation of footballers with their performances in France.

"We should be proud, we've touched the hearts of the nation back home and they've left their hearts on that football field so I'm happy," he said.

"We've come to this tournament, we've done our very best. We've not left anything in that dressing room and I've told them that there should be no tears tonight.”

Sweden take on the Netherlands in the second semi-final with the USA playing the winner on Sunday, while England will play the side that loses that tie.