More than 7.6million fans were roaring England’s Lionesses on at home as they booked their place in the World Cup semi-finals.
Their 3-0 mauling of Norway on Thursday was the third time the TV viewing record for a women’s footie match had been broken in the contest.
The BBC1 broadcast of the match in Le Havre drew 38% of the audience to top figures for the clashes against Scotland and Cameroon.
Phil Neville’s squad has already flown to Lyon ahead of Tuesday’s semi.
And he has revealed they were inspired to their win by Olympic rower Katherine Grainger, ex-England skipper David Beckham and Arsenal legend Ian Wright.
Neville, who played at Manchester United with Becks, said the trio had made his preparations “easy”.
The 42-year-old said: “Katherine Grainger sent a video we played that gave you goose bumps in terms of what it takes to win. When my players saw her, I didn’t have to say much.
“Then we went downstairs and David and (his daughter) Harper were introduced to the team. That gave them a sense of how special the performances have been.
“And then to top it all off, Ian Wright was in reception, so I took him in and he started cracking jokes with them. So we were so relaxed before the game.
“My players loved it. They can relate to Katherine.
“David has been supporting us from day one and Ian knew all their nicknames and made them laugh. My job was easy.”
Lioness Fran Kirby, 25, said: “Becks came with his girl and it was special to meet her as she’s a big fan.
“When there’s big games, Phil brings out the big guns.”
Neville added: “I think we’re getting to that legacy moment. Twelve months ago we set out our objectives.
“All I wanted my players to say was they wanted to win the World Cup but they said they wanted more, to create a name people would relate to, badass women. They were thinking bigger.”
He also praised Lucy Bronze, 27, who was the star of Thursday’s match – and is back “home” for Tuesday’s semi as she plays for European champions Lyon.
