A peak audience of 24 million people tuned in to watch England’s defeat by Argentina in the World Cup semi-final, making it the most watched live television event in the past five years.

The BBC One and iPlayer audience was the biggest for a broadcaster since the Euro 2020 final between England and Italy, which was held in 2021.

England’s 2-1 loss in Atlanta averaged 22.1m viewers on BBC One and iPlayer.

There were an additional 12.6m streams on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport website and app.

Anthony Gordon opened the scoring for England early in the second half before Enzo Fernadez equalised with five minutes left.

Lautaro Martinez’s stoppage-time header earned defending champions Argentina a place in a second consecutive World Cup final.

The BBC Sport live coverage page on the website and app was viewed more than 24.6m times globally, including 18.8m in the UK.

England face France in the third-place play-off in Miami on Saturday at 22:00 BST.

Argentina play Spain in the final in New Jersey on Sunday at 20:00.

Both matches will be live on BBC One, iPlayer, radio and the BBC Sport website and app.

“Last night may not have brought the result England fans were hoping for, but it was another occasion that united millions across the UK in support of the team,” said BBC Director of Sport Alex Kay-Jelski.

“The extraordinary reach of our coverage across TV, iPlayer, BBC Sounds, the BBC Sport website, app and socials reflects the enduring power of major sporting events to create shared experiences on a remarkable scale.

“We’re incredibly proud to have been alongside audiences throughout England’s World Cup journey, bringing every moment to fans across the UK.

“While England’s campaign has come to an end, the story of this World Cup is not over.”