Good Morning Britain viewers expressed their displeasure during a recent segment that debated whether employees should be given half-days off to watch England's World Cup match against the Democratic Republic of Congo. The discussion, hosted by Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls on July 1, 2026, sparked a wave of criticism on social media, with many calling the segment 'ridiculous'.
Debate on Half-Day Leave for World Cup Match
Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls returned to the ITV studio on Wednesday morning to present the day's headlines, with much of the focus on England's round of 32 fixture at the FIFA World Cup in Atlanta later that day. England had advanced through Group L undefeated, with wins against Croatia and Panama and a goalless draw with Ghana, but had yet to deliver convincing performances. Their opponents, the Democratic Republic of Congo, reached the knockout stage for the first time after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, with Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa scoring twice.
The hosts facilitated a heated debate following calls from some supporters for workplaces to grant half-days to watch the 5pm UK time kick-off. Lindi Glass, founder and director of Explode Social Media, supported the idea, stating she had already given her employees a half-day off. '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,' she said.
Construction business owner Claudia Hearne strongly opposed the proposal. '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 argued. '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 responded by calling Claudia at risk of 'sounding like a blithering plutocrat' and deemed her statement incorrect.
Viewer Backlash on Social Media
ITV audiences were unimpressed with the discussion, with numerous viewers voicing criticisms on X (formerly Twitter). One viewer posted: '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.' Another added: 'Love a bit of shouting over each other 1st thing in the morning.'
A third stated: 'This programme is more ridiculous than ever,' while another questioned: 'Why do u need a half day to get home an hour early?' An exasperated viewer remarked: 'Where does it end ... good question .... it doesn't as everyone needs to be included these days with all the whataboutery.' Another posted: 'An afternoon off to watch #England play the rubbish #football they've been playing? You've got to be kidding!' A seventh viewer declared: 'What a load of old s****.'
Oasis icon Liam Gallagher also weighed in on the GMB discussion, posting: '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 aired from 4pm on BBC One on Wednesday, July 1.
