Eni Aluko accuses Laura Woods of 'gaslighting' after heated exchanges

The public war of words between Eni Aluko and Laura Woods has escalated, with the former England international saying Woods' comment that "caps don't win automatic work" left her feeling "gaslit." Aluko had earlier said her path towards punditry roles in the women's game has been blocked by Ian Wright.

After retiring, Aluko sought punditry opportunities and appeared on channels such as ITV and the BBC. She has argued that punditry roles in the women's game should be "gatekept" and criticised the decision to give two of six punditry spots for last year's Women's Euro 2025 final to men, naming Nedum Onuoha and Wright, saying the game risks becoming "stuck" if limited opportunities are taken by men.

Appearing on talkSPORT to defend her position, Aluko was targeted by Simon Jordan, who said, "I don’t think you are particularly enlightening, illuminating, engaging or charismatic," and accused her language of being "steeped in the sense of entitlement." The pair appeared to clash further during an ad break before the show returned to air.

England

eni aluko, laura woods, punditry, womens euro, ian wright, nedum onuoha, talksport, itv, bbc, simon jordan