FIFA World Cup 2026: Terry hails Bellingham after historic WC display, compares him to Zidane
Mexico City, July 7
Former England captain John Terry praised Jude Bellingham's exceptional World Cup performance, comparing his influence and style to football legend Zinedine Zidane while admitting the comparison was ambitious.
Terry highlighted Bellingham's goalscoring impact and leadership qualities, alongside key figures such as Harry Kane, Declan Rice and Reece James, saying their presence and standards will be crucial to England's success.
"You see, Jude, last night, I compared him to Zinedine Zidane, and I was maybe a little bit ambitious, but look at that game last night with what he's doing, he is unbelievable. His two goals just topped it off for me, and what a ball from Harry Kane was, well, for his second goal," Terry said as per Goal.com.
"They cannot get injured and have to be at the forefront of our success. Without those guys driving the team, driving the standards... There are leaders in the group. Harry Kane, we've seen that in his football career, Jude Bellingham at that young age doing that already, Declan Rice, I'm also including Reece James in that," he added.
Bellingham became the first player since Diego Maradona in 1986 to score twice in a FIFA World Cup match at the Azteca Stadium, guiding England to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Mexico on Sunday (local time) and securing a quarter-final clash against Norway on July 11.
Maradona achieved the feat against Belgium in the 1986 semi-finals. With the victory, England became the first team in FIFA World Cup history to defeat Mexico at the Azteca Stadium, where the hosts had previously gone unbeaten in 10 World Cup matches.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Indian football fan, it's amazing to see a player like Bellingham break records. Breaking Mexico's unbeaten streak at Azteca is no small feat – that stadium has history! But I hope England don't get too carried away. Norway in the quarters will be tough; they have Haaland and they're well-organized. Let's see if these young lions can handle the pressure.
Terry's comparison to Zidane is ambitious but Bellingham's performances are building a strong case. The key now is consistency – can he replicate this for a full tournament and beyond? England have the talent, but I'm wary of them peaking too early. The knockout stages are a different beast. 🤔
I love how Terry mentioned the leadership core – Kane, Bellingham, Rice, James. That's the backbone England have been missing in past tournaments. Bellingham's maturity at his age is incredible. But let's be honest – Zidane won World Cups and Champions Leagues. Let Jude win something first, then we can talk! 😄 Still, what a talent!
Bellingham is a phenomenon, but I think the hype needs to be tempered. Maradona comparisons after one game? Terry should know better than to pile on pressure. Let the kid play his game. That said, his two goals at Azteca were world class – the volley especially was pure technique. England fans should enjoy this moment, but it's a long tournament.
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