Football fans across the UK and beyond are always eager to catch England’s games. Whether it’s a high-stakes match in the UEFA Nations League, a friendly fixture, or a World Cup qualifier, knowing where to watch these games is crucial for fans. For those asking, “What channel is the England game on?” here’s everything you need to know about how and where to watch England’s football matches, including key details about broadcasting rights, streaming options, and how things are changing in 2024.

The History of England’s Football Broadcasting Rights

Historically, England’s football games have been broadcast across various channels, with the BBC and ITV leading the charge. The rights to air England’s matches were often shared between the two broadcasters. The BBC, known for its comprehensive sports coverage, would usually handle major tournaments such as the FIFA World Cup and the UEFA European Championship (Euros), while ITV would focus on friendly matches and qualifiers. These arrangements, which have been in place for decades, have given fans access to the national team’s games through free-to-air channels.

However, changes in broadcasting rights are common in the football world, and in recent years, the landscape has shifted slightly. Most recently, a significant change occurred when ITV secured the broadcasting rights for England’s international fixtures starting from September 2024, with a four-year deal in place that runs through to 2028.

ITV’s New Deal: What It Means for Fans

From 2024 onward, ITV will be the primary broadcaster for England’s matches, including all home and away qualifiers for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 UEFA European Championship. This deal also includes friendly internationals and the UEFA Nations League. For fans, this means that all of these games will be broadcast on ITV, making the channel the go-to place for live coverage of the national team’s fixtures.

ITV’s coverage also extends to streaming via its ITVX platform. With the rise of digital streaming, ITVX provides fans with an easy way to watch the games live on various devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Simply log in to the platform to access live streams, replays, and highlight shows. With the platform being free-to-air, all you need is an internet connection, and you’re ready to enjoy the action.

Channel 4’s Departure and ITV’s Resurgence

For the last two years, England’s matches had been broadcast by Channel 4 as part of a special agreement that lasted from 2022 to 2024. While this arrangement brought a fresh perspective to the coverage of England’s games, it was always a temporary deal. As of June 2024, Channel 4’s contract expired, and the rights returned to ITV, who had previously held them for many years. This move marks the end of Channel 4’s involvement in airing England football matches, but ITV has committed to providing comprehensive coverage of the team’s fixtures for the next few years.

What Games Will Be Broadcast on ITV?

From 2024 onwards, ITV will cover all of England’s competitive games, such as the home and away matches for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers, the 2028 UEFA Euro qualifiers, and Nations League fixtures. Additionally, the broadcaster will continue to air England’s international friendlies and warm-up matches leading up to major tournaments like the World Cup and the Euros.

Fans can expect high-quality coverage, with expert analysis, pre- and post-match discussions, and in-depth highlights. ITV’s long-standing reputation for comprehensive sports coverage means viewers can look forward to insightful commentary and a production standard that brings the game to life.

Special Events and Tournaments: BBC and ITV Joint Coverage

While ITV now has the rights to most England games, some major international tournaments are still shared between BBC and ITV. Both broadcasters will cover the 2024 UEFA European Championship and the 2026 FIFA World Cup, giving fans the option to choose between the two channels for live coverage of the competition.

BBC’s involvement in broadcasting major tournaments ensures that England’s matches in these prestigious events will be widely accessible. These shared rights agreements between BBC and ITV mean that regardless of which channel airs a particular match, fans will be able to watch all of England’s crucial games during the Euros and World Cup.

How to Watch England’s Matches Outside the UK

For England fans living outside the UK, watching the team’s matches can sometimes be a bit more complicated, depending on where you are. In many countries, major sports networks and streaming services have exclusive rights to air international football, including England’s games.

For instance, in the United States, England’s matches are often broadcast on networks like ESPN or Fox Sports. Fans in other countries can check with local broadcasters or online streaming platforms to see if the matches are available in their region. Many international networks have agreements to air matches involving major teams like England, and sometimes, streaming services like DAZN or fuboTV may carry these games as well.

How to Stream England’s Matches

In the modern digital age, streaming has become one of the most popular ways to watch football, and ITV has made sure to keep up with this trend. The ITVX platform, which is available both as a mobile app and a web service, offers free access to all of ITV’s football coverage, including England’s games.

For those who prefer watching on their TV, ITVX can be accessed via smart TVs, set-top boxes, or streaming devices like Amazon Fire TV, Roku, and Apple TV. This flexibility makes it easy for fans to enjoy the action from virtually any device, whether they’re at home or on the go.

Additionally, some fans may want to watch the games on a delayed basis, and ITVX also provides access to replays, highlights, and full-match coverage after the game has ended. This gives those who may not be able to watch live the chance to catch up on all the key moments of the match.

FAQs 

Where can I watch England’s upcoming football matches?

Starting September 2024, England’s matches, including UEFA Nations League, European qualifiers, and international friendlies, will be broadcast live on ITV. This includes both home and away games as part of a deal lasting until June 2028. Major tournaments like the Euros and World Cup will remain shared between ITV and BBC​.

Are England games free to watch on TV?

Yes, ITV broadcasts England’s matches free-to-air in the UK. This makes it accessible to all viewers with a TV license, ensuring fans can follow the team without additional subscription costs​.

How do I stream England’s games online?

You can stream matches live on the ITVX platform, available on most devices, including smartphones, tablets, and smart TVs. Simply create a free account to access the service. Ensure your internet connection is stable for a smooth streaming experience​.

What happened to Channel 4’s rights to England games?

Channel 4 previously held the rights to broadcast England’s matches from 2022 to 2024, including Nations League games and friendlies. However, ITV secured a new agreement starting in September 2024, resuming its long-standing history of broadcasting England’s fixtures​.

When is the next England match, and which channel will broadcast it?

England’s December 2024 matches will still be on Channel 4. However, subsequent matches from 2024 onwards, including UEFA EURO 2024 warm-ups, will air on ITV. Keep an eye on fixtures as dates and opponents are confirmed​.

In Summary

The England football team is a source of pride and excitement, and watching their matches should be as seamless as possible. As of December 2024, fans can enjoy the final broadcasts on Channel 4 before ITV takes over as the primary broadcaster in 2025. Whether on traditional TV or online streaming platforms, watching the Three Lions has never been more accessible.

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