EMMA HAYES RETURNS TO ITV WORLD CUP SEGMENT AFTER SEXISM BACKLASH

Emma Hayes returned to her tactical analysis segment on ITV during Brazil's 3-0 victory over Haiti on Saturday morning, following criticism of the set's design. Hayes, head coach of the USA women's national team, provides in-match commentary from a rooftop studio in New York during hydration breaks in the first and second halves. Her segment appears on a blackboard set-up that some viewers on social media described as a "kitchen", with ITV accused of demeaning the respected coach through the presentation choice. The broadcaster made no public statement in response to the criticism.

Hayes' tactical insights have featured during high-profile matches including Spain's opening game and England's victory over Croatia. She works alongside other pundits including Roy Keane, Gary Neville and Ange Postecoglou for ITV's World Cup coverage. The segment is reserved for more prominent fixtures rather than appearing in all matches. Hayes' analysis during Saturday's Brazil versus Haiti match, which featured Matheus Cunha's goal, marked her return to the role following the social media backlash over the previous days.

During her Saturday appearance, Hayes addressed the criticism indirectly through her commentary. She opened her segment by saying "let's focus on the first-half. I know that's a challenge for some of us at home", whilst looking directly at the camera. The remark appeared to reference the recent controversy surrounding her set-up and the responses it generated online.