Laura Woods Issues Statement After Collapsing Live On Air

Laura Woods has issued a statement after she was 'taken ill' while presenting ITV's coverage of the women's friendly between England and Ghana.

Woods collapsed during the pre-match build-up segment ahead of the friendly at St Mary's Stadium.

She was caught by pundits Ian Wright and Anita Asante, with the cameras quickly cutting away before an advert break.

When coverage resumed, she had been replaced by pitchside reporter Katie Shanahan, who took over main presenting duties for the remainder of the evening.

Woods was presenting alongside Ian Wright and former Lionesses defender Anita Asante before being taken ill (Image: ITV)

Shanahan stated that Woods was 'in good hands' after being 'taken ill'.

Woods' fiancee, Adam Collard, stated that she was 'all ok and with the right people', adding: "Thank you for all of your kind messages."

Now, Woods has addressed the incident herself in a statement posted to Instagram, confirming that on-site paramedics believe she is likely suffering from a virus.

"Gosh, that was a bit weird," she began. "Sorry to worry everyone.

"I'm ok, the wonderful paramedics at Saints [Southampton] have said it's probably a virus, just need a bit of rest & hydration.

"I'm really embarrassed that happened on TV, but a big thank you to my colleagues at ITV who have really looked after me tonight. And to Wrighty and Neets for catching me. Sorry again."

Image: Instagram/@laurawoodsy

ITV reposted Woods' statement on Twitter alongside their own comment, writing: "Wishing you a speedy recovery."

The match itself at St Mary's Stadium saw England run out 2-0 winners over Ghana, with goals from Lucia Kendall and Alessia Russo.

Aston Villa midfielder Kendall scored her first Lionesses goal on six minutes, with Arsenal star Russo netting a penalty in the fifth minute of second half stoppage time.

It was the final match of 2025 for England after their Euro 2025 success and, though the scoreline might not have reflected it, it was largely a straight-forward evening for Sarina Wiegman's side.

The Lionesses fielded a relatively inexperienced starting XI - at least in terms of international caps - at St Mary's Stadium amid a number of injuries to key players.

Kendall, Arsenal's Taylor Hinds and the Manchester United duo of Maya Le Tissier and Jess Park were among those given opportunities, while West Ham's Anouk Denton made her senior debut from the substitutes' bench late on.