Anne Hegerty locks horns with GB News star as pair clash over Emma Hayes ITV World Cup 'sexism' controversy

Complete with a chalkboard for her World Cup tactical analysis segments, several viewers have questioned ITV bosses' creative choice.

The broadcaster has drawn criticism from viewers and media figures who question whether male pundits would receive comparable treatment during the tournament.

BBC presenter Dan Walker weighed in on the controversy, writing: "I really like Emma Hayes and I think she's an insightful pundit. I'm not sure why they have decided to make it look like she's writing the specials on a bistro chalkboard!"

A television source told the Daily Mail the arrangement was "hugely embarrassing" for the broadcaster, adding: "Can you imagine ITV putting Gary Neville on a set like that? No chance that would happen."

The 49-year-old coach, who secured 15 major trophies during her 12-year spell at Chelsea before taking charge of the United States women's national team, has been praised by fans for her commentary during the tournament.

However, some of Ms Hayes' comments have also made headlines for controversial reasons during the tournament, particularly those made after Cape Verde's remarkable goalless draw against European champions Spain in their Group H opener.

The African nation, one of the smallest countries ever to qualify for a World Cup, produced a disciplined defensive display to frustrate Luis de la Fuente's side in Atlanta.

Ms Hayes praised the team's organisation and resolve, stating: "Not at any moment did they jump out of areas in the wrong moments, they stuck to their task, they were disciplined, they were aggressive, they had very good transition moments."

She then added: "This is a victory for immigration and for the quality of a team that has been put together from all over the world that is representing their crest. It wasn't a fortunate result; it was well earned."

Critics felt Ms Hayes' decision to turn the result into an advertisement for "immigration" was an unnecessary political stand.

With so much conversation surrounding Ms Hayes' time as an ITV pundit, GB News contributor Adam took to X to reveal he'd had enough.

The pub owner fumed: "Why the f*** do we have a woman coach from the women’s game telling us about England men’s football tactics?!! Why?!!! @itvfootball #england #EngCro."

Among those who fired back at Adam was none other than The Chase star, Ms Hegerty.

The quizmaster fired back: "Because the women’s team has a better record than the men’s team?"

Adam defended his position, describing the two as "completely different games", and he wasn't alone in criticising Ms Hegerty's position.

"Please stop… just stop. The women’s team would lose to most amateur sides. Different world," another X user.

But Ms Hegerty stood firm, using Tennis as an apt analogy. "I know that. But we've had Martina Navratilova and Serena Williams commenting on men's tennis," she said in response.

Following a wave of further complaints, Ms Hegerty continued to stand her ground and dismiss critics.

Once more for the people at the back. The differences between men's and women's sports are differences in what the BODIES can DO. They are not necessarily differences in what the BRAINS UNDERSTAND.

— Anne Hegerty (@anne_hegerty) June 18, 2026

"Sorry, can you point me to where I suggested the women's team could beat the men's team, merely because I suggested a women's coach could have some useful insights? #england," she said to the feedback.

And she also hit out at "idiots" who, she claimed, missed the point of her initial post.

"Just reminding all you football idiots that Amelie Mauresmo would not have been able to beat Andy Murray at tennis. Doesn't mean she couldn't COACH him at tennis," she said.

And she doubled down further on Thursday afternoon, saying in another X post: "Once more for the people at the back. The differences between men's and women's sports are differences in what the BODIES can DO. They are not necessarily differences in what the BRAINS UNDERSTAND." (sic)