The population estimate for England in 1588 is 3.8 million, including children and elderly people. Only part of that population was old enough, willing, and equipped to fight. Existing garrisons and other defensive commitments would take another share of the available soldiers. Elizabeth I's mobile army therefore depended on the force left after these requirements, rather than the country's total headcount.
Notable Point · 49:32-51:07
England's population did not equal its available Armada army
An estimated English population of 3.8 million in 1588 must be reduced through several practical constraints before estimating an army against invasion.