A peak audience of 16.3 million viewers watched England's dramatic comeback victory over DR Congo on Wednesday, with an average of 14 million tuning in on BBC television. Harry Kane's late brace in the final 15 minutes rescued England after DR Congo struck early in the seventh minute, securing their place in the last 16.

The match generated massive digital engagement too, with 10.4 million streams across BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app. The live coverage page attracted over 20 million global views, including 14 million from the UK, making it the BBC Sport platform's biggest day since the previous World Cup.

England now faces Mexico at the iconic Estadio Azteca in Mexico City on Monday, with kick-off scheduled for 01:00 BST. This overnight fixture presents challenges for young fans, prompting Thomas Tuchel to suggest writing excuses for school so children can watch.

BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski hailed the "extraordinary audience figures" showing the BBC as the nation's destination for major sporting moments. The World Cup dominated 34% of all BBC iPlayer streaming during the final group stage week, while BBC Sport's social media content reached 889 million video views.