Ian Wright made his position crystal clear upon returning to ITV's coverage of the Lionesses for their European Championship semi-final clash with Italy on Tuesday night.
The 61-year-old broadcaster had been enjoying time in Asia when England progressed to the tournament's latter stages.
Wright had initially been left out of ITV's coverage for the competition. However, he's now explained his return to punditry duties for the Lionesses' 2-1 win, defiantly saying that he 'had to be there'.
"I was in the middle of the Asian sea, taking it easy," Wright explained with a broad smile.
ITV
|Ian Wright made his position crystal clear upon returning to ITV's coverage of the Lionesses for their European Championship semi-final clash with Italy on Tuesday night
"Then England stumbled into the semis. I had to be here, I'm not missing England at this stage of the competition."
His comments appeared to brush aside the recent controversy surrounding his involvement in women's football broadcasting, emphasising that his presence at this crucial match was never in doubt.
The Arsenal icon's appearance on Tuesday evening represented his first punditry role for the Lionesses since a public dispute with former England international Eni Aluko.
Wright joined presenter Laura Woods alongside former Chelsea manager Emma Hayes and ex-England player Karen Carney for the broadcast from Stade de Geneve.
JUST IN: Lionesses reach Euro 2025 final after completing dramatic late comeback against Italy
ITV
|Ian Wright had been holidaying in Asia before returning to ITV for the Lionesses' 2-1 win over Italy
Woods welcomed him warmly, saying: "I'm rather delighted to have our old friend Ian Wright back in the fold. A special man for a special occasion."
The 61-year-old had not been part of ITV's initial tournament coverage plans. However, he had been following Euro 2025 through his Crossways podcast, where he provided analysis alongside former England captain Steph Houghton.
The dispute originated in April when Aluko suggested during a Radio Four Women's Hour interview that Wright should consider the extent of his involvement in women's football broadcasting.
She argued that his prominence potentially limited opportunities for female pundits seeking roles in the sport's coverage.
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"I think he should be aware of that," Aluko stated at the time, whilst acknowledging Wright as an excellent broadcaster with whom she had worked extensively.
The former Chelsea player, who earned 105 caps for England during a 12-year international career, expressed concern that women might face barriers entering broadcasting roles in women's football.
She highlighted the limited positions available in the developing sport and suggested male broadcasters needed greater awareness of this issue.
Wright firmly declined to accept Aluko's subsequent public apology, expressing disappointment about her comments.
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"I've got to say, I'm very disappointed about what Eni has 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," he stated.
Aluko has since acknowledged her error in singling out Wright. Speaking to the Daily Mirror last week, she admitted: "I think I could have done better in responding to the question I was asked, and just keeping it as a general issue."
She revealed attempting private reconciliation before resorting to a public apology, whilst expressing respect for Wright's decision to reject her overture.
PA
|England beat Italy 2-1 to make the final of Euro 2025, with Chloe Kelly scoring the winner
Meanwhile, England have made the final of Euro 2025 following a 2-1 win.
Michelle Agyemang and Chloe Kelly both struck to boost the Lionesses' hopes of defending their title.
Germany and Spain will lock horns in the other semi-final tonight.