England Women’s World Cup Quarter Final on BBC Two

July 8, 2011   ·   0 Comments

The BBC have confirmed that England’s World Cup quarter final against France will be broadcast live on BBC2.

Initially scheduled to only be accessible via the red button, the BBC announced on early Friday evening that their decision had been changed and the last-eight clash will now be shown live on terrestrial television.

“This is great news,” said National Coach Hope Powell. “The BBC have been fantastic for the women’s game over the years. They broadcast all our matches at the 2007 World Cup in China and that helped raise our profile, and they are doing a similarly good job this time round. The crew they have got over here in Germany are doing a sterling job and I’m delighted that our quarter final is on terrestrial TV.”

The FA’s Group Commercial Director, Stuart Turner, was equally complimentary about the BBC’s coverage of England’s World Cup campaign. He said: “We are absolutely delighted that the BBC have taken the decision to screen England’s World Cup quarter final against France on BBC2 this weekend.

“In the build-up to, and throughout the tournament, the BBC have been nothing but supportive to the England team and this has been reflected in their excellent coverage across all of their platforms.

“For the team to know they will have the support of the domestic audience will be a great boost ahead of an important game.”

A BBC representative said last night: “Owing to the growing public interest in this national football match, we have decided to move it to BBC Two rather than showing it on the red button service.”

The match will kick-off at 5pm and coverage will get underway at 4.50pm. Should England beat France, their semi-final encounter, against either USA or Brazil, will also be broadcast live on BBC2, on Wednesday evening.

England reached the quarter final of the World Cup by topping Group B with seven points. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Mexico and then beat both New Zealand (2-1) and Japan (2-0) to seal their place in the knockout stages.

Tags: BBC Two, England, France, Hope Powell, Women's World Cup