Eni Aluko: Former England player steps back from Women’s Football Awards after Ian Wright criticism

“I’ve decided to take a step back from being part of the hosting line-up this year,” she said.

“I don’t want to deflect from the joy, recognition, and celebration that this event is all about. This event belongs to the players, coaches, fans and everyone who has worked tirelessly to elevate the women’s game.”

Wright’s Instagram post in response to Aluko’s comments has been liked more than 137,000 times, including by England women’s players Mary Earps, Alessia Russo and Alex Greenwood.

The 61-year-old said he will “always” try to give back to the game of football after a 15-year professional career that started at Crystal Palace in 1985.

“Because of the past, where men blocked the women’s game for 50 years, the game has serious systemic challenges and it is going to take everyone to help fix it,” added Wright, who has worked alongside Aluko.

“We are the country that invented modern football so we have a responsibility to lead the way in women’s football.

“For me, I will always give back to the game. It has given me so much.”