Former England captain John Terry has confidently backed the Three Lions to get past Argentina and win this year's World Cup. After a famous victory over Mexico, England were forced to come from behind to secure their place in the semi-finals, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice in a dramatic extra-time defeat of Norway. A daunting challenge awaits against the holders Argentina and a rampant Lionel Messi.
England's Path to the Semi-Finals
England's journey to the last four has been marked by resilience. The victory over Norway in extra time, powered by Bellingham's double, followed a hard-fought win against Mexico. However, concerns surround Declan Rice's condition after the Arsenal midfielder was taken off at half-time versus Norway due to a sickness bug. Manager Thomas Tuchel revealed Rice spent 'most of the time' in bed before kick-off, but the vice-captain is expected to start against Argentina.
Argentina's Clean Bill of Health
Argentina, meanwhile, have a fully fit squad. Lionel Messi, Leandro Paredes, and Cristian Romero have all been given the green light despite minor fitness doubts. Messi, in his record-equaling sixth World Cup, is level with France's Kylian Mbappe on eight goals, two ahead of both Bellingham and Harry Kane. He has also provided two assists, underlining his threat.
Terry's Bold Prediction
Speaking on Sports Uncensored with Piers Morgan, Terry expressed confidence in England's chances. 'It's incredible. We keep finding a way, don't we? Without playing too well,' Terry said. 'I think Thomas Tuchel was completely right after the game, I think he was really disappointed in terms of the way we played. But let's also not forget that the Mexico game would have taken a lot out of the boys as well.'
Terry praised Bellingham's impact: 'Going back to what Jude said afterwards, we found a way to get through and he was unbelievable again: the two goals, the timing, the arriving in the box when he does. It's a knack, it's an art. Frank Lampard did it for years at Chelsea and now Jude is doing it with England as well.'
Stopping Messi
Asked how to stop Messi, Terry admitted: '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. And also, if you give him time and space anywhere on the pitch he'll be able to do it, so full focus because he's constantly drifting into areas that make it difficult for defenders.'
However, Terry believes England have a superior squad: 'On paper, I think man for man we are way better than this Argentina side. And I think the luck of the draw, being this side rather than playing Spain or France on the other side, is a big advantage for us.'
Team Selection and Fitness
Terry expects Rice to start and Reece James to return at right-back after recovering from a hamstring injury. 'I think Rice will be fine. I'd be amazed if he's not starting,' he said. 'I think Reece James will come back in, and I thought Djed Spence was excellent when he came on the other night.'
With Bellingham and Kane leading the charge, Terry is daring to dream: 'The way Jude is playing at the moment, you can say what you want, you can do what you want, just keep performing the way you are because you are dragging this team through at the moment. Him and Harry Kane, the whole way through this competition, we need the others to step up. Now it's the semi-finals and things get real now, and I'm with you [Piers Morgan], I believe it's going to happen.'
