Gary Lineker has thanked the BBC audience after 25 million people tuned in to watch England in the Euro 2020 final.
It wasn't to be for the Three Lions as the nation was left heartbroken by yet another penalty shootout defeat.
Italy emerged victorious at Wembley, in a match that enjoyed a peak audience of 31 million.
The further 6 million watched on ITV, giving BBC a mammoth win in the ratings.
Lineker took to Twitter and said: "Goodness me. 25 million of you elected to watch the game with us on @BBCOne last night…as well as just under 6 million on @BBCiPlayer. Astounding numbers. Thanks for choosing us."
The former England star has long led the BBC's football coverage.
He was joined by Alan Shearer, Frank Lampard and Rio Ferdinand - all of whom have lost penalty shootouts during their time with the Three Lions.
Bukayo Saka was the unfortunate man who missed the decisive penalty in the shootout.
Marcus Rashford and Jadon Sancho also failed to convert from the spot, but Saka's saved effort gifted Italy the win.
“Heartbreak on young Saka,” said Lineker. “So much pressure put on such young shoulders.
“But he will come again! This England team will come again! They will be competitive for the next 10-15 years because England has a great crop of very exciting players.”
Gareth Southgate took full responsibility after the defeat to Italy.
The England boss claimed he was in charge of penalty takers amid criticism over the decision to give Saka the fifth kick.
"I chose the penalty takers based on what we've done in training and nobody is on their own," he said.
"We've won together as a team and it's absolutely on all of us in terms of not being able to win the game tonight.
"But in terms of the penalties, that's my call and totally rests with me."
He went on to say: "Tonight is going to be extremely difficult for all of us, of course. You have to feel that disappointment because the opportunities to win trophies like this are so rare in your life.
"But when they reflect on what they have done, they should be incredibly proud of themselves.
"The players have been an absolute credit. They have given everything they possibly could.
"They have been an absolute joy to work with and they have gone further than we've gone for so long. But it is incredibly painful in that dressing room."
