Tottenham Hotspur 1-0 Milton Keynes Dons
International Club Friendly | July 23, 2026

Tottenham Hotspur kicked off their 2026 pre-season campaign with a narrow but professional 1-0 victory over Milton Keynes Dons in a behind-closed-doors friendly. The match, played at Hotspur Way, served as an early fitness test for Ange Postecoglou’s squad ahead of the new Premier League season.

Match Overview

The only goal of the game arrived in the 23rd minute when summer signing Brennan Johnson cut in from the right wing and curled a low shot past MK Dons goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray. Tottenham dominated possession throughout, but a resilient MK Dons defence, marshalled by captain Dean Lewington, kept the scoreline respectable.

Key Moments

• 23’ – Goal: Johnson’s clever run and finish after a threaded pass from James Maddison.
• 41’ – Miss: Harry Kane (who played the first half) headed wide from a Son Heung-min cross.
• 68’ – Save: Tottenham’s new goalkeeper, Guglielmo Vicario, made a sharp stop to deny MK Dons’ Max Dean.

Tactical Story

Postecoglou used the first half to test his strongest XI, while the second half saw a raft of youngsters. Tottenham’s high press and quick transitions troubled MK Dons early, but the League Two side showed admirable organisation after going behind. The match fitness was the main takeaway for Spurs, with several players completing 75 minutes.

Standout Performers

Brennan Johnson looked lively down the right, while Pape Matar Sarr controlled midfield. For MK Dons, goalkeeper Craig MacGillivray kept the score down with several fine saves, and centre-back Jack Tucker made a crucial goal-line clearance in the 55th minute.

The friendly was a useful workout for both sides, with Tottenham building momentum ahead of their next pre-season fixture against AS Roma.