Former England and Chelsea captain John Terry has named France as his favorites to win the World Cup. France, runners-up in 2022, cruised through qualifying with five wins and one draw. They begin their campaign against Senegal at MetLife Stadium, with further group matches against Iraq and Norway.
Terry's Verdict on France
Speaking to TimesLIVE, Terry said: 'I’m going to have to go with France. I think their strength in depth and the attacking options they have: Doue, Elise, Mbappe, Dembele, Cherki… it’s endless. They’re good defensively, their midfield is very good, and they feel high on confidence.' Terry noted that France have PSG players coming off a big European win. He added: 'I hope I’m wrong, I hope it’s England, but I just think France and Spain have a really good chance.'
England Squad Criticism
Terry, who played at two World Cups for England, disagreed with several omissions in Thomas Tuchel's 26-man squad. He argued for Harry Maguire and Cole Palmer to be included. 'I’d have liked to have seen Harry Maguire on the plane. In the second half of the season, he was pivotal to Manchester United’s success. Cole Palmer hasn’t had his best season, but we haven’t got many players who can do what he can do.'
Support for Foden and Palmer
Terry insisted that 'world-class' duo Phil Foden and Cole Palmer should have been selected, despite their form. 'The manager hasn’t picked players based on name, but on form. You can argue Foden and Palmer have been out of form, but these are world-class players. Palmer scored for England against Spain in the Euros. Only time will tell if I’m wrong.'
Bellingham and Rice Key
Asked about England's midfield, Terry backed Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice. '100 per cent. Bellingham has that bit of class. He reminds me of Zinedine Zidane, the way he glides around the pitch. Rice, Bellingham, Harry Kane, and Reece James are pivotal to this group.'
