England v France set for TV audience of more than 22 million

More than 22 million TV viewers are expected to tune in to England’s World Cup quarter-final against France, making it one of the most-watched programmes of 2022.

Fans breathed a sigh of relief that despite the match being shown on ITV1, the channel’s so-called Three Lions “curse” was broken with the 3-0 mauling of Senegal on Sunday.

Even Gary Lineker poked fun at the commercial channel for its significantly poorer win record for England games than the BBC. But supporters hope the Senegal result has put an end to suggestions that ITV is a bogey broadcaster.

The last-16 game saw a peak of 20.4 million viewers. TV bosses are delighted the 7pm kick-off on Saturday will attract an even bigger audience.

The team were boosted today when it was announced that Raheem Sterling will return to Qatar before the France game. The Chelsea player, 28, flew back to England on Sunday following a break-in at his family home in Surrey. He left the England camp to “prioritise the well-being” of his three young children but is now heading back to the World Cup.

Today Kyle Walker, Phil Foden, Bukayo Saka, and James Maddison were among the Three Lions stepping up training at the team’s Al Wakrah base.

Bookmaker William Hill has world champions France as favourites to qualify for the semi-final, with England priced at 6-5.

West Ham supporter Steve Mason, who flew to Doha from south east London, said nothing will stop the Three Lions lifting the World Cup trophy later this month.

Mr Mason, 60, a retired engineer, told the Standard: “ITV, Mbappé, rain or whatever – football’s coming home. No doubt in my mind.

“People need to hear about our players. The French have one or two, we’ve got Phil Foden, Jude Bellingham, Jack Grealish, Harry Kane and Declan Rice.

“Isn’t it strange we’re supposed to scared of France, yet we’ve played four, won three, drawn one and scored 12 goals?”

Ernie Bradshaw, 67, of Charlton, added: “We’re good at upsets and this is the tournament for them. You can see the progress England have made since the first game against Iran.”

Meanwhile, fans were warned of the “extortionate” cost for travelling last minute to Qatar for the game.

Cheap £50-a-night accommodation deals are vanishing, leaving many facing hotels that charge between £200 and £400.

Thomas Concannon, of the Football Supporters’ Association fans’ embassy in Doha, said the Barwa Barahat Al Janoub complex was no longer taking bookings. He added: “There’s a lot of availability because only eight teams are left in the World Cup but prices aren’t coming down.”