World Cup clash with France to be broadcast live on BBC2.

England v France
FIFA Women's World Cup 2011
Quarter final
5pm BST Saturday 9 July
BayArena, Leverkusen

The BBC have confirmed that England’s World Cup quarter final against France will be broadcast live on BBC2.

Initially scheduled to only be accessible behind the red button, the BBC announced on early Friday evening that this decision had been changed and the last-eight clash will now be shown on terrestrial television.

“This is great news,” said National Coach Hope Powell. “The BBC have been fantastic for the women’s game over the years. They broadcast all our matches at the 2007 World Cup in China and that helped raise our profile, and they are doing a similarly good job this time round. The crew they have got over here in Germany are doing a sterling job and I’m delighted that our quarter final is on terrestrial TV.”

The FA’s Group Commercial Director, Stuart Turner, was equally complimentary about the BBC’s coverage of England’s World Cup campaign.

He said: “We are absolutely delighted that the BBC have taken the decision to screen England's World Cup quarter final against France on BBC2 this weekend.

"In the build-up to, and throughout the tournament, the BBC have been nothing but supportive to the England team and this has been reflected in their excellent coverage across all of their platforms.

"For the team to know they will have the support of the domestic audience will be a great boost ahead of an important game."

The match will kick-off at 5pm BST and coverage will get underway at 4.50pm BST. Should England beat France, their semi-final encounter, against either USA or Brazil, will also be broadcast live on BBC2, on Wednesday evening.

England reached the quarter final of the World Cup by topping Group B with seven points. They opened with a 1-1 draw against Mexico and then beat both New Zealand (2-1) and Japan (2-0) to seal their place in the knockout stages.