Former England striker says her experience as an international footballer has shaped the way she approaches television punditry, arguing that criticism of players should remain fair, balanced and respectful.

White, England’s all-time leading goalscorer in women’s international football with 52 goals in 113 appearances, said her years representing the Lionesses continue to influence her perspective while analysing matches from the broadcast studio rather than the pitch.

Reflecting on England’s successful campaign at the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 under coach , White said she remains emotionally invested in the national team and understands the pressure players face during major tournaments.

“I’m a nail-biter. I’m horrible to watch a match with,” White said, describing herself as fully invested whenever England plays. She added that her playing career allows her to appreciate the emotions experienced by footballers competing on the biggest stage.

White said that understanding those pressures has become central to her work as a television analyst. She believes former players have a responsibility to ensure criticism remains constructive and would stand by the same comments in direct conversations with the athletes involved.

“When you’ve lived it and breathed it and you know what that feels like, it’s about having that fine balance of ‘would you feel comfortable saying it to someone’s face?’ Whatever you’re saying in front of the camera or in punditry. And if you would, then you feel maybe OK in saying that out loud on live TV,” she said.

The 37-year-old made the remarks after being inducted into the Hall of Fame at the in Manchester, an honour recognising her contribution to English football and the growth of the women’s game.

Looking back on her international career, White said representing England always brought a strong emotional response.

“I got goosebumps, complete joy and felt very lucky every time I represented my country,” she said.

White described her Hall of Fame induction as both an honour and an opportunity to reflect on achievements that were difficult to fully appreciate while she was still playing.

“When you’re playing it’s hard to reflect but, since I’ve retired, it’s been so nice to look back. I feel like you don’t really comprehend it when you’re in the moment. To have seen two parts of the women’s game’s growth, at the start and now the trajectory, it’s really special,” she said.

The recognition also drew praise from , chief executive of the National Football Museum, who described White as one of the defining figures of the modern era of English football.

Desmond said White has continued to represent the sport with “warmth, intelligence and integrity” through her broadcasting career following retirement.

The National Football Museum established its Hall of Fame in 2002 before relaunching the programme in 2019 with a commitment to achieving equal representation of women and men in recognising the sport’s most influential figures.

Since retiring from professional football, White has become one of the prominent voices in football broadcasting, using her playing experience to provide insight into elite competition while advocating for measured and respectful analysis of current players.