Ian Wright tells fans not to worry about ‘who’s not here’ for the World Cup final, as ex-England international seemingly aims jibe at the Royal Family

Ian Wright seemingly aimed a jibe at the Royal Family and their absence throughout England’s Women’s World Cup campaign. 

Wright has been a long-standing supporter of the Arsenal Women, England Women and Women’s football in general – and continued that by attending Sunday’s final.

The former England international was on pitch-side punditry duty beforehand and spoke with Emma Hayes and Jill Scott about the upcoming fixture. 

But his involvement in the matter didn’t stop there as, afterwards, Wright sent out a post on social media that was seemingly aimed at the Royal Family. 

‘Don’t worry about who’s not here!!!’, the post read – with many fans replying and speculating that it was in fact aimed at the Royals. 

Prince William apologised for not attending the Women’s World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses in a video message with Charlotte

Wright was quick to post on social media about the ‘who’s not here’ in Australia for the final

Earlier on Sunday, Prince William apologised for not attending the World Cup final to cheer on the Lionesses – as palace sources claim he was concerned about his carbon footprint and the diplomatic ramifications of going to Australia. 

In a video posted on the Prince and Princess of Wales’ social media account, William wished the Lionesses luck alongside his daughter Princess Charlotte, who held a football. 

William said: ‘Lionesses, I want to send you a huge good luck for tomorrow. 

‘We’re sorry we can’t be there in person but we’re so proud of everything you have achieved and the millions you’ve inspired here and around the world. So go out there tomorrow and really enjoy yourselves.’ 

A beaming Charlotte, dressed in shorts and a t-shirt, added: ‘Good luck Lionesses!’ 

Kensington Palace sources last night cited several reasons why the prince has decided to watch the game at home in Anmer Hall, Norfolk, instead. One is the carbon footprint, particularly because he will travel to the US next month to support his green campaign, Earthshot.

It was also considered not to be a diplomatically sound move – both on a family and political level. William’s father Charles has still not visited Australia as King, a country where he is also monarch, and it is thought a short visit from his son would not be diplomatically astute.

A source added: ‘It was a finely balanced decision. The Prince of Wales hasn’t visited since 2014 so he would wish his next trip to Australia to be a substantial visit. He met them [the Lionesses] in St George’s Park before they flew out and he has been supporting them throughout the tournament by sending private good luck messages to the manager and team.’

The royals have been largely criticised in recent days for not planning to travel to the final, with fans of the England squad wondering if the same decision would have been taken if it was the men’s team in the final. 

Wright has been a frequent figure throughout ITV’s coverage of the Women’s World Cup

England’s Lionesses booked their place in the World Cup final against Spain with a famous victory over Australia on Wednesday

The England team’s Spanish rivals, however, will enjoy support from their Queen, Letizia, and her 16-year-old daughter Sofia. 

The pair will sit in the presidential box at the Accor Stadium, but won’t be joined by King Felipe, who is busy with other official duties.

On Saturday evening the royals were seen arriving in Australia, where they will ‘show, once again, the royal household’s support for national football’.

Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has also not attended today’s final against Spain which has fuelled further criticism – as the government frantically scrambled Foreign Secretary James Cleverly to Sydney to support Sarina Wiegman’s side.