BBC Breakfast viewers expressed frustration over the show's extensive coverage of the FIFA World Cup semi-final, with many claiming to have muted their televisions. During Wednesday's (July 15) episode of the hit show, presenters Sally Nugent and Jon Kay returned to screens to deliver the day's top stories from the UK and beyond.
England's Biggest Match Since 1966
England are set to face Argentina in the World Cup semi-final today, marking their most significant match since winning the 1966 final at Wembley. Unsurprisingly, the match was a top story on Breakfast, but viewers at home voiced their annoyance as football coverage dominated the programme.
Throughout the show, multiple segments focused on the upcoming game. Sally and Jon welcomed former England captain Alan Shearer, who faced Argentina in the 1998 World Cup in France, onto the show via video call. Sports journalist John Watson reported on the football outside the BBC studio, while a clip of the Royal band playing a song and another of excited fans sharing their support were also aired.
England Manager and Fans React
England manager Thomas Tuchel appeared in a pre-recorded interview, and BBC sports journalist John Watson reported outside the studio among children playing football. This was followed by another discussion on the football back in the studio. With all the football content on display, viewers shared their frustrations on social media.
One viewer fumed: “OK!.. SO CAN WE NOW SHUT UP UNTIL AFTER THE GAME!” Another commented: “Got my mute button on #bbcbreakfast.” A third said: “Please please please let #England lose tonight....the fact i cant turn on the TV without hearing about bloody football.” Meanwhile, one added: “Nice of the Beeb to keep reminding us about the footy tonight just in case we forget after ten minutes #BBCBreakfast.”
Historic Rivalry Renewed
England and Argentina are ready to renew an historic World Cup rivalry as the two nations battle for a place in the final. England captain Thomas Tuchel was critical of his team's performance in their quarter-final extra-time win over Norway but expects a better performance against Argentina.
“We had too many technical errors in our last match that hold us back from finding a rhythm,” explained Tuchel. “We were rushed in our decision making, not patient enough or disciplined enough and it cost us our rhythm. We improved in the tournament in defending and defending as a team. This is something we need at the highest level (against Argentina). The acceleration, combined with technical execution, has to be at a higher level. A set-up like [from Argentina] will bring the best out of us and the best out of our players.”
BBC Breakfast airs everyday from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
