Ian Wright Praised For Passionate Plea For The Future Of Women's Football After England Reach Euro 2022 Final

Ian Wright has been praised by England supporters for making a passionate plea for the future of women's football after the Lionesses reached the final of the Euro 2022.

England thrashed Sweden 4-0 at Bramall Lane on Tuesday night to book their place in Sunday's final at Wembley.

Goals from Beth Mead and Lucy Bronze set England on course for victory before a superb back-heel goal from Alessia Russo put the hosts three ahead.

Fran Kirby then sealed the win late on for England, who will now face either Germany or France in the final.

After the match, BBC pundit Wright said the success of the England team must be used to create a lasting legacy for women's football in the country.

"Whatever happens in the final now, if girls are not allowed to play football just like the boys can in their PE after this tournament then what are we doing?", said former Arsenal forward Wright.

"We've got to make sure that they are able to play and they've got the opportunity to do this because it's going to inspire a lot of people.

"Like there's no legacy to this? It there's no legacy after this then what are we doing?

"If there is no legacy after this, then what are we doing? Because girls should be able to play." 🗣

Spot on, @IanWright0 ❤️️#WEURO2022 #BBCEuros #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/ZdQxXPXxHh

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 27, 2022

"Girls should be able to play because this is as proud as I've felt of any England side. This is what it's about."

Wright has been praised for his comments by England supporters on social media.

"You've just got to love Wrighty, he backs the women all the way, has done from way back," wrote one fan on Twitter.

Another added: "One of the best guys in football, and I say that as a Spurs fan!"

A third wrote: "Been lucky enough to work with him a few times and honestly he's the absolute best. A case of definitely meet your heroes."

Earlier this month, Wright won plaudits for defending the BBC after Alan Sugar criticised the broadcaster over a supposed lack of male presenters in its coverage of the Women's Euros.

I ❤️ @IanWright0 so much. #ENG #ENGSWE pic.twitter.com/3G2QGRXKnn

— Sooz Kempner (@SoozUK) July 26, 2022

One of the best guys in football, and I say that as a Spurs fan!

— stacey miller 🌻🌹 (@even_thorizon) July 26, 2022

Been lucky enough to work with him a few times and honestly he's the absolute best. A case of definitely meet your heroes.

— Jim Daly: Football And Fatherhood at Ed Fringe (@jimdalycomedy) July 27, 2022

He's spot on as well.

Time for the neanderthals to wake up and realise just how exciting this team is.

It's on a par with the best feelings the men's teams have brought us.

It's coming home and it's the women who are bringing it🥰🥰🥰

— Craig Bromfield (@craigbromf) July 26, 2022

After Sugar had suggested Wright had been drafted in as a last minute pundit following his criticism, the former Arsenal man replied: "In your mind you actually thought that after you sent that tweet the BBC phoned me up, never mind the fact that we've been ready to do this – I've been booked for a year.

"You genuinely think they said 'Ian, you've got to get back from Germany ASAP, Alan Sugar has tweeted and we can't upset him. We need to get you on.'

"You genuinely believe that happened? I need to know! That says to me that your ego is totally out of control.

"Where are the people around you to hug you bro? You need some hugs man. Coming on Twitter for attention like this. It's laughable, stop doing it to yourself."