ITV has announced that former England international Eni Aluko will be part of its punditry team for the Womens European Championship next month.
Premier League legend Ian Wright has not been included in the broadcasters line-up for the competition in Switzerland, however, where Sarina Wiegmans England will attempt to defend the title of European champions.
Aluko and Wright engaged in a public disagreement earlier this year after the former Lioness, who played more than 100 times for England, named Wright as one of the men she believed to have blocked media opportunities for female pundits.
Ian Wright is a long-established advocate of womens football
Asked by BBC Womens Hour about Wrights contributions to the womens game, Aluko said that men should be aware that theres a finite amount of opportunities and the womens game needs to ensure that women are not blocked from having a pathway into womens football broadcasting.
Wright was a ridiculous target and Aluko later directed an apology to the ex-Arsenal man, described by ITV as an incredible advocate, but it met with a chilly reception.
Ive got to say Im very disappointed by what Eni has said, Wright posted on social media. She knows how Ive helped her, supported her publicly.
And I know the previous conversations shes had with me and my management. So, for me, Ive seen your apology on social media, but I cant accept it.
Aluko missed out on Englands Nations League thrashing of Portugal last month as ITV offered Wright its robust backing but will return to the screen in July.
His absence is not believed to be related to his spat with Aluko, reports the Mirror.
Wright has been a consistent supporter of womens football over the years, speaking with honesty and insight where some other male pundits could be accused of lacking the same approach.
Alukos apology acknowledged that fact but the 33-cap man was evidently affronted by her comments.
It was wrong for Ians name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. Ive known and worked with Ian for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him, said Aluko.
Englands Womens Euro defence gets underway on Saturday, July 5 against France in Zurich.
Wiegmans Lionesses will also face the Netherlands, again in Zurich, and Wales in St Gallen as they look to successfully navigate a very tricky Group D.
They became European champions on home soil in 2022 and reached the final of the World Cup the following year, losing out to host nation Australia in the final.
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