Sky chief executive Stephen van Rooyen confirmed the decision: “Our aim has always been to celebrate what could be a ‘once in a generation’ moment of a home team in a big final on home soil. So, if England reach the final, we will make the match available to everyone so the whole country can be part of a rare and special big sporting moment.”

Sky Sports will make the #CWC19 final available on free-to-air television should #ENG make it to the showpiece event at Lord’s on Sunday, July 14.

— Sky Sports (@SkySports) July 5, 2019

Highlights of the tournament have been airing on Channel 4 but the debate over free-to-air viewing has raged throughout the tournament, with viewing figures paling in comparison to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which has been broadcast on the BBC.

The rare move is a one-off from the company and although the practicalities are yet to be finalised, it will be well received by England fans who have championed such a decision even before the World Cup began, and several other high-profile names throwing their weight behind the campaign in light of England qualifying for the semi-finals.

With the group stage drawing to a close on Saturday, England are likely to take on India at Edgbaston in the semis on Tuesday.