Theo Walcott, the former Arsenal player, will be joining Gary Lineker on Match of the Day as a pundit for the upcoming season. He will be replacing Ian Wright, who emotionally stepped away from the role after 27 years. Alongside Walcott, Joe Hart, the recently retired goalkeeper, will also be joining the show. Hart had already dipped his toes into punditry during the Euros, where he provided expert analysis for the BBC. On the other hand, Walcott has been a regular feature on Sky Sports’ top-flight games since retiring from professional football last summer.
Wright, affectionately known as “Wrighty,” explained his decision to leave Match of the Day during an interview on the Stick to Football Podcast. He expressed that it was simply time for him to step back and take a break. The demanding schedule, which involved late nights and long journeys, was taking a toll on him. Wright felt that he needed to prioritize his energy and focus on other commitments.
Both Walcott and Hart bring extensive experience to the punditry panel. They have represented England at various international tournaments and have accumulated a combined total of 738 Premier League appearances. Walcott made his debut for the national team at the age of 17, becoming England’s youngest-ever senior player. He also had a successful career at Arsenal, scoring 108 goals in 270 appearances before moving to Everton in 2018. Hart, on the other hand, earned 75 caps during his time as England’s number one goalkeeper.
Des Lynam, the previous host of Match of the Day, expressed his disappointment at Wright’s departure. He praised Wright for his candid and passionate approach to punditry, noting that he had been a fan of the show since childhood. Lynam suggested that Micah Richards, the former footballer turned pundit, may be a suitable replacement for Wright due to his sense of humor and football knowledge. However, he acknowledged that no one could quite match Wright’s unique style.
With Walcott and Hart joining the Match of the Day team, viewers can expect fresh insights and analysis from two players who have had successful careers in the Premier League and on the international stage. Their presence on the show will undoubtedly add a new dynamic and perspective to the discussion of top-flight football.