We spoke about her transition from elite football into broadcasting, the evolution of Soccer Aid, and her perspective on what continues to drive her career.

Hi Alex! First of all, did you do anything nice on your bank holiday?

I literally relaxed. It was my first day off yesterday in a while, and I’ve been travelling to Norway and back for work. It was really nice, but I was just kind of in and out because I had a show over there, so it always sounds more glamorous than it is. I wish I could spend more time so I can actually see some stuff, but I have to save that for travelling.

Leather jacket Sandro / Shorts The Frankie Shop / Earrings Neima Row / Ring Jenny Bird

Hopefully you can go back properly one day. So obviously you’ve built a major career in broadcasting after your major career in football. How did that transition come about initially?

It’s really weird that people see me on TV now, but I’ve been broadcasting for over 10 years, which is wild to even think about. I moved back from America in 2012 when I was playing professionally over there. I came back to Arsenal W.F.C.and I was already thinking about my career after I retired. 

And I just loved conversations. I loved helping bring personality out of my teammates when they’d go and do interviews. So I kind of knew that that’s what I wanted to do. And then everyone was telling me I’m a natural in front of the camera. And I was like, “What do you mean? Everybody’s a natural.” And they were like, “Alex, put people in front of the camera—people freeze.” And I was like, “Really?”

So I was intrigued, and I went away. In 2013, I did a media degree whilst I was still playing for Arsenal. Part of that degree was doing placements, so I worked on Arsenal TV, I was behind the scenes at Sky Sports. So I was already doing all these things. And I think everyone was then kind of waiting for me to announce my retirement because the TV broadcasters could see that it was going to be a natural transition into TV. So yeah, it’s 10 years ago now. Time flies.

I was literally about to ask you if it came natural to you, but it seems like it was meant to be. 

Don’t get me wrong, there’s so much hard work behind the scenes that no one sees when you’re just front and centre on camera — all the preparation and the travelling here, there and everywhere. I think I’ve just always loved being on this side. Learning about people is a form of a different education: trying to understand and make someone else feel so comfortable that they can open up to you.

Did you ever have a little blip in front of the camera where you were like, oh my God, shit, why did I just say that? Because that would definitely happen to me.

Oh yeah. Well, for one, I’ve got a speech impediment anyway. So when I do slip up on a word, what would you do if you were sitting at home? If something’s funny, you are naturally going to laugh. Just because I’m in front of the camera, why would I then try to change and pretend I’m perfect when I’m actually not? That kind of allowed me to have a connection with people at home. Like, “Ah, she’s not perfect and she knows it, and she can laugh at herself.”

Shirt and skirt Ami / Boots Kalda / Earring Neima Row

That makes you more human as well. How do you manage pressure now in media work compared to when you were playing, is it a different kind of intensity?

I suppose I always viewed pressure differently because I think a lot of people, as soon as you say the word pressure, it sounds negative. It’s heavy. Where actually, you’ve always wanted to be in that position. So when you are, why not enjoy it and embrace the moment?

And I think that’s how I was in my football career when I finally got to a World Cup. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a lot at stake and you’re playing in finals and there are medals. It’s just remembering to switch your mindset. And I think actually my football career helped me go into broadcasting because of those high-pressure situations.

I was captain at Arsenal W.F.C., so I was dealing with a lot of different people and actually knowing that it’s not just about me. I need the help of everyone. I need the help of the people behind the camera, someone running the autocue, the producer. We’re all in it together to make the best possible show, and we don’t want anyone to fail in that situation. I’ve kind of always had a different mindset to try and flip things to the positive.

That’s a great mindset to have! Speaking of Arsenal, and talking about the men’s team now, but what are your predictions for the Champions League final?

Well, I’m about to go to the radio after this and I’m already wearing my Arsenal F.C. shirt. I’m going retro today. This is the week for me to just constantly rep Arsenal and back them.

That’s such a good feeling now. When you win something, you have that winner’s mentality. And I think winning the Premier League and finally getting that done will help them going into this game. And we know it’s going to be a hard game, but defensively they’ve been so great all season. It’s going to take a real team performance to get them across the line. I hope they do the double because the parade on Sunday will just be incredible.

I’m rooting for you. It’s a big year for Arsenal. But that aside, obviously Soccer Aid is coming up as well and it’s grown hugely over the past years. What do you think has been the key factor behind that growth as well?

I think it’s a mixture of people seeing that yes, it is football, but there’s more to it. It’s entertainment. It feels good. It’s people being able to laugh at themselves. Legends coming up against celebrities, YouTubers — all these mixtures of people from all walks of life coming together. And when you see everyone having fun, it’s infectious. The people that come and support, and who are in the stands, have a great day. I think every year the line-up gets bigger and better because everyone wants to be involved, because everyone’s then talking about it throughout the year, being like, “Oh, do you remember what happened in Soccer Aid that year?” There are so many different elements to it. Ultimately, at the end of the day, yes, it is a football match, but you’re helping change people’s lives around the world through UNICEF.

I love how it’s got all sorts of different people involved.

Yeah, it’s not necessarily because you’re the best footballer ever. It’s about you having a passion for football. For example, if we’re thinking about GK Barry, who would have ever thought — if you’re judging someone on their football ability, GK Barry wouldn’t be involved. But she loves football. Her partner plays football. She’s such a personality. She brings all of that to the show, and I can’t wait to see her out there.

Polo top Mithridate / Leather shorts The Frankie Shop / Earrings Neima Row

I know it’s just for charity, but it’s so fun to see people’s competitiveness coming out, even though it’s literally just for fun.

Once you’re on a football field, you can’t help it. If there’s a tackle going on, then there’s a tackle. And I think what I’ve loved over the years is that most of the celebrities that get involved — this is their moment. They’ve always dreamed of being a footballer, or they’re a failed footballer that never made it and they’ve gone into a different career.

So when they come up against an ex-pro or a legend, this is their moment to nutmeg them or get around them. But most of the time, they don’t.

Has there ever been somebody who’s not a football player but has a totally different career, that has surprised you in terms of their football skills?  

Well, I would say Tom Grennan. He got stuck in a couple of times. Also Angry Ginge. These are creatives and musicians from totally different worlds, but they literally were running the show.

Some people are just naturals. You tell them to do something and they are amazing immediately. Soccer Aid has grown so much but how do you hope it will still grow in the next 10 years in terms of more representation?

If you look at how it’s gone, when I first started watching Soccer Aid all those years ago, there were no females involved. There was no way that you’d ever think that a female would be involved with Soccer Aid.

I remember even when I got asked to host the show, it was a turning point for me. I was like, “Oh my goodness, you lot are asking me to be involved with Soccer Aid.” And now to see Jill Scott being captain for what I think is the third year in a row, or maybe fourth, and just more and more females getting involved, that shows young girls sitting at home that, “Oh my gosh, not only now do I watch the England women’s national football team, I can hopefully dream of playing in Soccer Aid one day.”

I love that! It’s so important and I’m glad it’s come this far. Personally, what do you still want to achieve, whether via broadcasting or anything else?

If I look back over the last 10 years, I’ve got so many pinch-me moments. I’ve presented at World Cups, at Euros, Women’s World Cups, Euros, Olympics, even entertainment shows. I just hope that I continue to stay blessed and keep working hard to always improve as a broadcaster, and just get to do things that I love like Soccer Aid. It makes me feel like a kid again, you know?

But actually I’m presenting this show, Soccer Aid, alongside Dermot O’Leary who — don’t tell him — but obviously I grew up watching on shows like The X Factor and everything. So to even be alongside him now will never, ever be lost on me. And I will always continue to work hard so I get to enjoy these moments still and be in these positions.

Jacket and trousers The Frankie Shop / Heels Anine Bing / Earrings Neima Row / Ring Jenny Bird

It’s so nice when you obviously have an established career already, but there’s still some pinch me moments that make it so special.

Yeah, the moment your mindset turns and you feel that you deserve to be there will be the moment it all comes crashing down. Just like in terms of my football career, you have to continue to keep working hard and want to get better and learn. Then, hopefully, good things will still come.

100 percent. You are booked and busy but what does a relaxing time look like for you?  

I love going to the theatre at the weekend. I went to a festival on Sunday night when I got in from work and saw Little Simz, who was incredible. She is an Arsenal F.C. fan too. I just like to see friends, see family, go for food, enjoy music and just the buzz of London. And when I do get time off, I love to travel. So yeah, I think after the World Cup this year, I really want to go on a trip again. The last time I went to Peru, I was in Cambodia. I love travelling. So I’d like to do a big trip again.

That sounds incredible. Hopefully you can get that big trip booked! Thanks so much for your time. Good luck at Soccer Aid!

Soccer Aid for UNICEF 2026 airs on Sunday 31st May at 5pm on ITV1 & ITVX.

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