'Caps don't win automatic work' — Eni Aluko criticises pundit picks after Euro final

Eni Aluko worked alongside Laura Woods as part of ITV’s team that covered the Lionesses’ successful defence of their European Championship crown in 2025, but she did not work on the final. Ian Wright joined Karen Carney and Emma Hayes on screen for ITV’s coverage.

Speaking on the ‘90s Baby Show’, Aluko said she was in the stands with Farah Williams, who has 170 caps for England, while the BBC panel for the final included Ellen White, Steph Houghton and Nedum Onuoha. She pointed out that “out of six spots, two have gone to men, meanwhile you have got 290 (caps) sitting in the stands,” and asked: “Why are people like me and Faz (Fara) not there.”

Aluko added that the women’s game should be “by women, for women,” with male allies supporting rather than becoming “the main character of the show.” She said she had been “doing women's football when it didn't pay to do women's football” and argued that now, as the game reaps rewards, “women should be winning right now.”

England

eni aluko, lionesses, european championship, itv, bbc, farah williams, ellen white, ian wright, women's football, pundit selection