Ian Wright makes first ITV appearance since Eni Aluko row erupted
Ian Wright will appear on ITV’s coverage of England Women’s football this evening for the first time since his dispute with Eni Aluko in April.
The Arsenal icon joins the broadcaster’s panel for the Lionesses’ Euro 2025 semi-final against Italy in Switzerland, with kick-off scheduled for 8pm.
Wright wasn’t initially included in ITV’s punditry roster for the tournament but has been brought in for tonight’s crucial match.
His return to England Women’s television coverage follows a three-month absence after Aluko suggested he was dominating punditry roles in women’s football and limiting opportunities for female broadcasters.
The controversy emerged during a BBC Radio 4 Women’s Hour interview when Aluko argued that Wright’s extensive involvement in women’s football broadcasting was restricting opportunities for female pundits.
She stated: “I think he’s aware of just how much he’s doing in the women’s game. I think he should be aware of that.”
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Her remarks triggered significant criticism on social media, prompting Aluko to issue a public apology.
She later acknowledged: “I think I could have done better in responding to the question I was asked, and just keeping it as a general issue.”
Wright declined to accept her apology, a decision Aluko said she respected.
The 61-year-old will be part of a distinguished panel featuring United States women’s national team manager Emma Hayes, former England international Karen Carney and presenter Laura Woods.
Wright has maintained his connection to the tournament through his Crossways podcast alongside former England captain Steph Houghton, ensuring he remains well-informed about the competition’s developments.
His inclusion follows a pattern from the 2023 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, when he joined ITV’s broadcasting team from the semi-final stage onwards.
The defending European champions secured their semi-final berth through a tense penalty shootout victory against Sweden last Thursday.
Whilst Wright returns to ITV’s coverage, Aluko’s involvement with the broadcaster for Euro 2025 has concluded.
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She appeared in several matches during the earlier stages of the tournament, though none featured England, and won’t be part of the semi-final or final broadcasts.
England enter tonight’s match with an impressive record against the Italians, remaining unbeaten in their previous five encounters dating back to 2012.
Sarina Wiegman’s side are aiming to reach their third consecutive major tournament final, having triumphed at Euro 2022 before finishing as runners-up at last year’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
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