Laura Woods has hit back at ITV colleague Eni Aluko over her ongoing feud with Ian Wright, warning that the former England international of Nigerian descent’s recent remarks risk undermining progress in women’s football coverage.
Aluko reignited controversy over the weekend by suggesting the women’s game should be “gatekept” and criticising male pundits, including Wright, for occupying positions she believes should be reserved for women.
Aluko, born in Lagos, had previously accused Wright of limiting opportunities for female broadcasters, a claim she apologised for publicly last year, though Wright did not accept the apology.
She renewed her criticism on the 90s Baby Show, questioning why male analysts were included in coverage of England Women’s finals while she and other high-capped former players were excluded.
Aluko argued that women who “planted the seeds” for the growth of the women’s game should now be prioritised and called for female voices to dominate punditry, asserting: “The women’s game should be by women, for women.”
Woods, who hosted ITV’s coverage of the Women’s Euros final last July, fired back on X, branding Aluko’s stance “one of the most damaging phrases I’ve heard.”
She emphasised that successful punditry relies on skill, research, and chemistry, not solely playing experience.
“Caps don’t win automatic work and they don’t make a brilliant pundit either,” Woods wrote, highlighting how male allies such as Wright can help grow the game by treating it seriously and attracting broader audiences.
Caps don’t win automatic work and they don’t make a brilliant pundit either. The way you communicate, articulate yourself, do your research, inform your audience, how likeable you are and the chemistry you have with your panel are what makes a brilliant pundit.
— Laura Woods (@laura_woodsy) February 9, 2026
Woods pointed to ITV’s award-winning coverage of the Women’s Euros, which included Wright alongside regular female pundits, as an example of an effective, inclusive approach.
The debate has reignited discussion over representation in women’s football media, with Aluko insisting that limited opportunities in the women’s game are now being taken by men, leaving women “stuck.”
She claimed that, despite her experience and advocacy for the sport, she has been sidelined from major punditry roles and expressed frustration at Wright for not acknowledging her perspective. Woods countered that exclusivity or “gatekeeping” is counterproductive, arguing that the sport benefits from broader participation and collaboration.
