Laura Woods forced to respond after Scotland fans accuse presenter of England bias ahead of World Cup

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Jack Otway

By Jack Otway


Published: 02/06/2026

- 10:52

The presenter has hit back at angry supporters on social media

Laura Woods has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after suggesting World Cup coverage from British broadcasters will naturally focus more heavily on England than Scotland.

The ITV presenter sparked fierce debate online after responding to criticism over her role in football coverage, with some Scotland supporters accusing broadcasters of favouring the Three Lions whenever major international tournaments come around.


Woods, who will front ITV's coverage of this summer's World Cup alongside Mark Pougatch, made the comments while defending herself during a separate discussion about TNT Sports' Champions League final coverage.

England and Scotland have both qualified for the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico, with ITV, STV and the BBC all set to broadcast matches throughout the competition.

However, Woods ignited controversy when she suggested viewers should expect coverage to be predominantly England-focused.

She wrote on X: "Wait until they see how 'biased' the World Cup coverage on both ITV and BBC is. Hint. It'll be mostly English..."

The post quickly drew a backlash from Scotland supporters, many of whom argued that UK-wide broadcasters should provide more balanced coverage when multiple home nations are involved.

One user replied: "Scotland are in the World Cup. Horrible clown btw."

Laura Woods has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after suggesting World Cup coverage from British broadcasters will naturally focus more heavily on England than Scotland

Laura Woods has found herself at the centre of a social media storm after suggesting World Cup coverage from British broadcasters will naturally focus more heavily on England than Scotland

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Another wrote: "Yeah maybe that's the problem Laura when you're a British broadcaster."

A third supporter pointed to England's long wait for international success, posting: "Reason 1 million why the rest of the world revels in England never winning the trophy."

The row emerged after Woods responded to criticism surrounding TNT Sports' coverage of Arsenal's Champions League final defeat to Paris Saint-Germain.

World Cup winners graphicEvery team to have won the World Cup | GETTY/GB NEWS

The broadcaster presented the show from Budapest alongside former Arsenal stars Martin Keown and Jack Wilshere, as well as Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard, prompting some viewers to claim the programme was overly focused on Mikel Arteta's side.

A review in The Telegraph criticised the coverage and described Woods as a "fan presenter", referencing her well-known support for Arsenal.

The article prompted a sharp response from Woods, who defended her position on social media.

"Can't really help it if my team makes the final and I'm contracted to work that show. But you knew that," she wrote.

After receiving support from Arsenal fans online, Woods doubled down on her World Cup comments.

"You don't think there'll be more English pundits and an English presenter on England games?" she asked.

Laura Woods

Laura Woods will also have another major milestone approaching during the tournament after recently announcing she is expecting her second child with fiancé Adam Collard

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GETTY

She later added that she hoped to be labelled a "fan presenter" during the World Cup, arguing that was the point she had been making all along.

The debate continued as some supporters from outside England claimed they were frustrated by the amount of attention given to the Three Lions during major tournaments.

One social media user wrote: "This is exactly why we get fed up with the coverage. No matter who's playing it'll still be a half-time report from the English camp with constant updates from them."

The World Cup gets underway on June 11, with Scotland opening their campaign against Haiti on June 14. England begin their tournament three days later against Croatia in Texas.

ITV's coverage will feature a star-studded line-up, including Gary Neville and Ian Wright for England, while Ally McCoist and Duncan Ferguson will provide Scottish representation.

Woods will also have another major milestone approaching during the tournament after recently announcing she is expecting her second child with fiancé Adam Collard. The couple already share a son, Leo, and revealed the pregnancy shortly before the Champions League final.