ITV co-commentator Andros Townsend predicted that "complaints are coming" after he made a remark about MK Dons during World Cup 2026 coverage. The 34-year-old former England winger was commentating on the round-of-16 match between Switzerland and Colombia in Vancouver when the topic of sports franchises arose.
Townsend corrected his colleague Seb Hutchinson about referring to US sports teams as "franchises" rather than "clubs." Hutchinson noted that "we don't have franchises in football," prompting Townsend to quip: "There might be one... Milton Keynes." Hutchinson quickly responded that he would "stay out of that one," and Townsend joked: "The complaints are coming again. Sorry, sorry."
Townsend's History with MK Dons
Townsend made just nine appearances on loan at MK Dons from Tottenham in 2010, scoring two goals and providing two assists. Despite his brief stint, his comment may have touched a nerve given the club's controversial history. Wimbledon FC relocated from south-west London to Milton Keynes in 2003, moving 56 miles and alienating many supporters.
World Cup Action
Switzerland defeated Colombia on penalties after a 0-0 draw over 120 minutes, the only goalless knockout match of the tournament. The Swiss will face Argentina in the quarter-finals on Saturday. Lionel Messi's Argentina came from two goals down to beat Egypt 3-2 on Tuesday.
Townsend, a 13-cap England international, will be rooting for his former side England as they face Norway on Saturday. Victory would see Thomas Tuchel's team reach the World Cup semi-finals for the second time in three tournaments.
