The hosts of Good Morning Britain turned their attention to England’s knockout match
GMB viewers weren’t impressed(Image: ITV)
Viewers of Good Morning Britain were not impressed during the latest live show.
Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls were back in the ITV studio on Wednesday (July 1) to deliver the day’s biggest headlines from across the UK and around the world.
All eyes will be on Atlanta later today as England take on the Democratic Republic of Congo in their round of 32 match at the FIFA World Cup. England came through Group L unbeaten, following wins against Croatia and Panama, and a goalless draw with Ghana, but have so far fallen short of the sort of performances needed if they are to progress deep into the competition.
Their opponents have reached the knockout stage for the first time in their history, sealing their spot with a 3-1 win against Uzbekistan, in which Newcastle United striker Yoane Wissa scored twice.
Ranvir and Ed hosted a tense debate on GMB, after some fans are calling for their employers to give them a half day so they can enjoy the match, which kicks off at 5pm UK time.
Lindi Glass, the founder and director of Explode Social Media, has given her staff a half day to watch the match, while construction business owner Claudia Hearne firmly disagrees.
“It only happens every four years. I’m not a huge fan, but everybody is when the World Cup’s on. When it comes to business, I don’t think it’s about just salary, it’s about feeling great, it’s about output,” Lindi began.
Claudia interrupted to say: “This only happens every four years, but the games are happening several times over the next few weeks. If we manage to get through, we’ve got another five matches! Is that five half days we’re getting off?”
She went on: “How do we think the country is going to fare economically, would we be paralysed, if the 32 million workers in the country take a half day for one football match that’s not a final?”
Lindi replied: “Claudia, you’re at risk of sounding like a blithering plutocrat… I feel [like] that is an incorrect statement.”
ITV viewers were not impressed with the debate, with many sharing complaints on X (formerly Twitter).
“Congo are going to park the bus, England will struggle to break them down and the game will be s****. I can’t see us getting near the final so I’ve lost interest tbf,” one person wrote, with another adding: “Love a bit of shouting over each other 1st thing in the morning.”
A third said: “This programme is more ridiculous than ever,” with someone else sharing: “Why do u need a half day to get home an hour early?”
Another frustrated fan commented: “Where does it end … good question …. it doesn’t as everyone needs to be included these days with all the whataboutery,” while another wrote: “An afternoon off to watch #England play the rubbish #football they’ve been playing? You’ve got to be kidding!”
A seventh fan echoed the sentiment, saying: “What a load of old s****.”
Oasis legend Liam Gallagher even shared his thoughts on the GMB debate, writing: “Did RANVIR on GMB just say England fans who are working should be allowed to f*** off home early or am I hearing things.”
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays on ITV1 and ITVX at 6am, while England’s World Cup knockout match will air from 4pm on BBC One on Wednesday (July 1)