Some media outlets have been criticised for the “divisive” choice of using a photograph of Bukayo Saka to illustrate England’s defeat to Iceland.
Saka came on as a 65th-minute substitute in the game at Wembley on Friday, but an image of him was used across several back pages of English newspapers.
A social media post of the coverage was highlighted by former England striker Ian Wright who said that “those deciding who goes on the back pages know what they’re doing”.
The Star and the Sun were highlighted for using a Saka image on their back pages, while the Telegraph used 22-year-old Saka to illustrate a player ratings post on X.
The BBC Sport website’s live text, which changes its main picture throughout the match, also used an image of Saka during the game after he had come on.
In an open letter to editors, Kick It Out chief executive ,Tony Burnett said the media needs to “remember its responsibilities”.
