Ian Wright makes ITV comeback for England semi-final after Eni Aluko row

Ian Wright will cover England Women for the first time since the Eni Aluko row when he appears on ITV’s broadcast of the Lionesses ’ match on Tuesday night. Sarina Wiegman’s side play Italy in the semi-finals of the Women’s Euros in Geneva – and Wright will be there to offer his punditry.

Wright has not appeared on TV as a pundit for women’s football since he was accused by Aluko of 'blocking opportunities for women' in women's football.

The former England and Arsenal striker has been a stalwart of women’s football for many years, championing the game across the board. But in an appearance on BBC Radio 4 Women’s Hour in April, ex-Lionesses forward Aluko suggested he shouldn’t work on women’s football because he is potentially taking the place of women.

Amid a huge backlash, Aluko quickly issued an apology, but Wright refused to accept it. "I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has said,” he said. “She knows how I've helped her, supported her publicly, and I know the previous conversations she's had with me and my management.”

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Wright has kept a low profile since the row, not appearing on ITV or the BBC’s coverage of the Women’s Euros in Switzerland. But The Telegraph says he will be in Geneva on Tuesday night, working alongside former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes, ex-England midfielder Karen Carney and presenter Laura Woods.

The 61-year-old has been covering the tournament on a podcast called Crossways with former England captain Steph Houghton. But this is the first time he will step in front of the camera since he took great offence at Aluko’s words.

Aluko has been a part of ITV’s coverage of the Euros, but has not appeared on any of England’s matches. She has since finished her work and will not be present for Tuesday night’s game, or for the final, on Sunday in Basel. ITV came out strongly in support of Wright during the row earlier this year. "Ian's standing in the sport is beyond question," a spokesperson said.

"As one of the UK's most respected and much-loved footballers and sporting broadcasters, with a career spanning nearly four decades, Ian is an incredible advocate, ally and brilliant broadcaster of women’s football from a grassroots level as well as at the highest international competitions."

Aluko claimed the Arsenal legend is "dominating" coverage of women's football before backtracking and apologising in a statement on social media. "lan Wright is a brilliant broadcaster and role model whose support for the women's game has been significant,” she said.

"In my interview with Woman's Hour this week, I was trying to make a broader point about the limited opportunities for women in football – whether that's in coaching, broadcasting or commercial spaces – and the importance of creating more space for women to thrive on and off the pitch.

"But it was wrong for lan's name to be raised in that conversation, and for that I sincerely apologise. I've known and worked with lan for many years and have nothing but love and respect for him."