Former England captain John Terry has confidently backed the Three Lions to overcome Argentina and win the 2026 World Cup. Speaking on Piers Morgan's show Sports Uncensored, Terry echoed Morgan's declaration that football is 'definitely coming home', 60 years after England's 1966 triumph.
England's Path to the Semi-Final
England secured their semi-final spot with a dramatic extra-time victory over Norway, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice. The win followed a famous victory against Mexico. England now face a daunting challenge against holders Argentina, led by Lionel Messi, in Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. France and Spain contest the other semi-final, with all four top seeds reaching the last four.
Concerns Over Declan Rice's Fitness
Midfielder Declan Rice was taken off at half-time against Norway due to a sickness bug, but manager Thomas Tuchel expects him to be fit for the semi-final. Rice, the vice-captain, is anticipated to start. Argentina have a clean bill of health, with Messi, Leandro Paredes and Cristian Romero cleared despite minor fitness doubts.
Terry's Analysis of England's Performance
Terry praised England's ability to win despite not playing well. 'It's incredible. We keep finding a way don't we? Without playing too well,' he said. He noted that the Mexico game may have taken a toll, leaving both England and Norway lethargic. He highlighted Bellingham's knack for arriving in the box, comparing it to Frank Lampard's style at Chelsea.
Bellingham and Kane Leading the Charge
Terry believes Bellingham and Harry Kane are 'dragging' England through the tournament. 'The way Jude is playing at the moment... you are dragging this team through. Him and Harry Kane, the whole way through this competition, we need the others to step up,' he said. Bellingham and Kane are both on six goals, two behind Messi and France's Kylian Mbappe, who lead with eight.
Stopping Lionel Messi
Messi, in his record-equalling sixth World Cup, has also provided two assists. Terry acknowledged the difficulty of stopping him. 'It's very difficult, even though he's at the back-end of his career. He can produce a little bit of magic at any moment. If you give him time and space anywhere on the pitch he'll be able to do it,' Terry warned.
Man-for-Man Comparison
Despite Argentina's strength, Terry insisted England have a 'way better' starting XI on paper. 'We can't only focus on Messi. Without being a great side, they've got really good individuals... Emiliano Martinez is huge for them. But on paper I think man for man we are way better than this Argentina side,' he said. He also noted England's favourable draw, avoiding Spain or France.
Expected Lineup Changes
Terry expects Reece James to return at right-back after a hamstring injury, praising Djed Spence's performance off the bench against Norway. He also backed Rice to start, saying 'I'd be amazed if he's not starting.'
