Hats Don’t Define Great Punditry

LAURA WOODS has responded to Eni Aluko’s criticisms regarding punditry and her remarks about Ian Wright.

Aluko raised concerns about Wright and male pundits in women’s football, questioning ITV’s choices for the Women’s Euros final held last summer.

The former Lioness was part of the broadcaster’s coverage during the tournament, but she and her former teammate Farah Williams were not selected for the final.

ITV chose to feature Wright, Emma Hayes, and Karen Carney, while Aluko argued that she and Williams would have made better selections given their extensive experience.

Woods challenged this perspective, asserting that punditry encompasses more than mere caps and praised ITV for their coverage throughout the Euros.

She remarked on X: “Caps don’t ensure employment or excellence in punditry.

“The manner in which you communicate, express yourself, conduct your research, engage your audience, and build rapport with your panel truly defines a great pundit.

“The idea that ‘the women’s game should be by women for women’ is one of the most detrimental phrases I’ve encountered. It hampers the progress of women’s sports and punditry as a whole.

“To foster growth, you should not gatekeep.

“Our aim is to inspire boys and men to connect with women’s football, not just girls and women. When they see someone like Ian Wright valuing it, they are more likely to join. That’s how a sport grows.

“Here’s a glimpse of our ITV team. We won Best Production at the Broadcast Sport Awards 2025 for our Women’s Euros coverage, and Seb Hutchinson was awarded Best Commentator. Clearly, ITV made the right decision.”

Aluko, 38, criticized ITV for including male pundits like Wright in the women’s final, highlighting that no female pundit has appeared in a men’s final.

She mentioned during the 90s Baby Show podcast: “During last year’s Women’s Lionesses final, I watched from the stands, not featured on ITV for the final.

“Next to me was Farah Williams, who has 170 caps for England.

“Among the two broadcasters, ITV and BBC, the BBC showcased Ellen White, Steph Houghton, and Nedum Onuoha.

“No offense to Nedum Onuoha, but I’m unclear about his international background. He was selected for the main panel for the England Women’s final.

“Looking at ITV, I was in the stands with 105 caps. Out of the six positions, two went to men, while 290 caps remained in the stands. I can’t recall any female pundit covering a men’s major final.

“I’m discussing pundits, and this situation doesn’t feel right. Why weren’t people like me and Faz (Fara) included? This isn’t an indictment on Ian or anyone else; it calls for broader recognition.”

Aluko’s recent statements follow her earlier controversial claims that Wright has “blocked” opportunities for women in football punditry.

The former Lioness has since apologized for her remarks, yet Wright has not accepted her apology.

Aluko noted on BBC Radio 4’s Woman’s Hour: “I’ve collaborated with Ian for a long time, and I see him as an exceptional broadcaster. Yet, he must acknowledge the influence he holds within the women’s game. He should be conscious of this.

“The reality is that opportunities are limited.

“If there were equal chances in the men’s game for broadcasters and coaches as in the women’s game, it would be a free-for-all.

“That is not the current reality. I cannot dominate the men’s game as Ian does.

“Men need to recognize they are participants in a growing sport for women, which hasn’t always offered these chances. It’s about awareness and empowering other women along the way.”

Wright, 62, expressed disappointment regarding Aluko’s comments and stated he cannot accept her apology.

He remarked: “I’m very disappointed by Eni’s statements.

“She knows how I’ve publicly supported her and the discussions we’ve had with my management.

“While I’ve seen the apology on social media, I cannot accept it, but I prefer to move on. I have no need for further commentary aimed at anyone.”