Ian Wright made a return to ITV's coverage of the Euro 2025 final, joining Laura Woods, Emma Hayes, and Karen Carney in the studio. The former England striker, described as women's football's 'favourite uncle', downplayed his role as a lucky charm, saying: 'It's nothing to do with me. They've made it hard, I'm just pleased to be here.'
The BBC also fielded a strong panel, with Gabby Logan joined by Ellen White, Steph Houghton, and Nedum Onuoha. White expressed trust in manager Sarina Wiegman as team news arrived. Both broadcasters opted for lengthy buildups, with ITV stealing a 10-minute march by going live early from the centre circle of St Jakob-Park in Basel.
Coverage included reflections on the progress of women's football. ITV showed historical footage of dismissive comments from 1970s player Rodney Marsh and journalist Brian Glanville, followed by Lioness Beth Mead telling those who lived through that era: 'You helped change the game for the better, be proud of that.' Wright said the old attitudes were 'laughable now'.
Commentary duties fell to Robyn Cowen on BBC and Seb Hutchinson on ITV, with former England goalkeeper Rachel Finnis-Brown and ex-Leeds player Lucy Ward providing analysis. As Spain took the lead through Mariona Caldentey, Cowen called it 'a gorgeous Spain goal', while Ward said it was 'too easy'. At half-time, with England trailing, Wright lamented: 'We've been totally off it.' Hayes added: 'England lack freshness.'
Alessia Russo's equaliser prompted identical 'Russoooo!' roars from both commentators. As the match edged towards extra time, Woods admitted: 'I can't bear it,' while Hayes said: 'I love it.' The game's tension was summed up by Cowen's remark: 'I'm not sure this is good for our health.'
