ENGLAND’S World Cup victory over Tunisia was the most-watched TV programme of 2018 so far.

An average audience of 13.7 million saw the team open their World Cup campaign with a 2-1 win, thanks to a pair of goals from captain Harry Kane.

Ratings peaked at 18.3 million during the closing minutes, when more than two-thirds (69%) of all UK TV viewers were tuned to the match.

“Astonishing for an opening group game,” tweeted Gary Lineker, who introduced the match on BBC One. “The power of football and the World Cup.”