BBC announce record-breaking viewing figures for Mexico vs England clash as millions of Brits brave 1am kick-off

ENGLAND fans weren’t put off by an early-morning kick off against Mexico, as they tuned-in in their millions to cheer on the Three Lions.

Supporters were forced to pull an all-nighter when storms pushed kick off at the Azteca Stadium to 2am, instead of 1am.

But that didn’t matter, with the BBC’s viewing figures revealing record-breaking numbers.

A staggering 9.1 million people watched Thomas Tuchel’s men win their dramatic last-16 clash in Mexico City.

It is the biggest television audience ever for a live UK broadcast between 02:00 and 04:00.

Staggeringly, BBC’s highlights package was streamed 5.9m times on BBC iPlayer, the BBC Sport website and app, and on the BBC Football YouTube channel.

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While, a peak audience of 1.1m and 900,000 on average watched the re-run on BBC Two from 07:10.

And fans were treated to a courageous performance from the England team.

Jude Bellingham scored twice to give England a 2-0 lead, before Julian Quinones reduced the deficit.

Jarell Quansah was then sent-off for a dangerous tackle on 54 minutes , as our boys had to face playing most of the second half with 10 men.

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The knockout stages of the World Cup are hotting up as we head towards the business end of the tournament.

England believe football might finally be coming home after 60 years of hurt, with Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham on fire.

But the likes of France, Spain and Argentina are all serious contenders to go all the way.

Heavyweights Germany, Netherlands, Brazil and Portugal have all been knocked out.

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Harry Kane restored England’s two-goal cushion from the penalty spot on the hour-mark, after Anthony Gordon was fouled in the box.

However, a Raul Jimenez penalty just nine minutes later provided a nervy ending to the game.

But, with their backs to the wall, England survived a barrage of Mexican attacks to make it through to the quarter-finals.

They face Norway on July 11 next, after Erling Haaland and Co saw off Brazil 2-0.