ngland’s highly anticipated clash against Germany is expected to attract the largest home television audience ever recorded for a women’s soccer game.
There will be about 90,000 fans full Wembley Stadium – most hope the . to watch Lionesses to secure the first major tournament title for a team from England since 1966 – while millions more people watch from homes, pubs and fan zones.
The record UK viewership for a women’s match is nine million, which was achieved during England’s defeat to the United States at the 2019 World Cup, according to ratings organization Barb.
An all-female RAF fly pass will go up in the air prior to kick-off on Sunday at 5pm.
Flanked by two Typhoon fighter jets, a C-130 Hercules transport plane manned by three women will fly over the arena in north-west London.
Hoping to bring back the championship silverware for the first time, the Lionesses are the underdogs against their eight-time Euro-winning opponent, but they will get huge support from the home crowd.
Prime Minister Boris Johnson tweeted his support for the team, as did Labor leader Sir Keir Starmerwhich saw England beat Sweden 4-0 in the semi-final.
Johnson urged the Lionesses to “bring it home” alongside a photo of English flags adorning number 10.
He also told the team in a letter that they had inspired girls and women to “know beyond any doubt that football is not just for boys”.
Sir Keir said his daughter was one of those inspired by the team.
He said: “As a parent, I know how important it is to see strong, successful role models in sport.
“What you and your team achieved this summer will be celebrated not only as a great moment for English football, but also as one that has encouraged and inspired young women like my own daughter.”
For those watching at Wembley, the main road to the stadium is a no-go drinking zone due to the chaos that overshadowed last year’s final.
Thousands of ticketless fans crowded into the stadium for England v Italy in the summer of 2021, although this year’s final is expected to draw a different crowd.