Good Morning Britain viewers expressed their frustration during the July 1 broadcast as hosts Ranvir Singh and Ed Balls moderated a contentious discussion about employees taking half a day off to watch England's World Cup round of 32 match against the Democratic Republic of Congo.
England's World Cup Journey So Far
England advanced from Group L undefeated, with wins over Croatia and Panama and a goalless draw against Ghana, but have yet to deliver convincing performances. Their opponents, Congo, reached the knockout stage for the first time in history after a 3-1 victory over Uzbekistan, where Newcastle United forward Yoane Wissa scored twice. The match kicks off at 5pm UK time on Wednesday, July 1, and will be broadcast on BBC One from 4pm.
The Heated Debate on GMB
Lindi Glass, founder and director of Explode Social Media, supported giving her team a half-day to watch the game. She argued: “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.”
Construction business owner Claudia Hearne opposed the idea, noting: “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 added: “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: “Claudia, you're at risk of sounding like a blithering plutocrat... I feel [like] that is an incorrect statement.”
Viewer Reactions on Social Media
ITV audiences were unimpressed, with many taking to X (formerly Twitter) to voice their displeasure. One viewer wrote: “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 commented: “Love a bit of shouting over each other 1st thing in the morning.”
A third viewer stated: “This programme is more ridiculous than ever,” while another asked: “Why do u need a half day to get home an hour early?” One disgruntled viewer posted: “Where does it end ... good question .... it doesn't as everyone needs to be included these days with all the whataboutery.” Another said: “An afternoon off to watch #England play the rubbish #football they've been playing? You've got to be kidding!” A seventh viewer summed up the mood: “What a load of old s****.”
Celebrity Reaction
Oasis icon Liam Gallagher also weighed in, 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.
