After opening coverage with a pre-recorded welcome, Woods introduced pundits Wright and Asante before passing to a video montage of England’s 8-0 win over China last weekend. However, her collapse came fewer than five minutes into the broadcast, with more than 40 minutes left to present before kick-off.
ITV announced on air afterwards that Woods had been “taken ill” and replaced by Shanahan who was on pitch-side duties at St Mary’s Stadium in Southampton.
“As you have probably noticed we don’t have the wonderful Laura Woods because she’s just been taken ill but she’s in very good hands so I’m stepping in at late notice,” Shanahan said when they returned after the ad break. “She’s in really good hands and we’re wishing her a speedy recovery.”
