John Terry claims England are a better team ‘man-for-man’ than Argentina and have lucked out by avoiding Spain and France in the semi-finals.
The Three Lions take on Argentina in the World Cup semi-finals, with the two nations set to renew their footballing rivalry.
Argentina have sent England packing in 1986 and 1998 and will now be bidding to do the same again in Atlanta on Wednesday.
Ahead of the match, the former England defender has been speaking about Thomas Tuchel’s side’s chances of beating Argentina at the World Cup, and he seems confident.
John Terry believes England are a better team than Argentina
John Terry has told England that if they can silence Lionel Messi on Wednesday, then they stand a great chance of beating Argentina.
The Inter Miami star has been in scintillating form at the tournament so far, netting eight times in six matches.
Speaking on Sports Uncensored about Messi, Terry said: “Very difficult, even though he’s at the back end of his career, very difficult to stop when he really wants to. 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. So full focus because he’s constantly drifting into areas that make it difficult for defenders.
“He’s going to be difficult to mark. We can’t only focus on him without being a great side. I think they’ve got really good individuals who have got loads and loads of experience.”
Crucially, the former Chelsea defender believes that England have a ‘big advantage’ being on the right side of the draw.
“But on paper, I think man-for-man, we are way better than this Argentina side. I think the luck of the draw being this side rather than playing Spain or France, the other side is a big advantage for us,” he added.
The Three Lions will need to be alert to Messi, but at the same time, Terry is right, they have their own quality in Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham.
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