John Terry believes Martin Ødegaard is absolutely central to “everything” that Norway does well, and that England must “stop” the midfielder to keep their World Cup hopes alive.
The Three Lions secured their place in the quarter-finals with an unforgettable 3-2 win over co-host nation Mexico, with Jude Bellingham scoring twice and Harry Kane netting a penalty.
Then we have arrived at the tenderloin of the World Cup: Complete match schedule – all dates, results and the road to the final
Considering Mexico’s phenomenal record at the iconic Azteca – located 7000 feet above sea level – this victory will likely be remembered as one of the greatest in the history of the England national team.
The fact that Jarell Quansah was sent off just after half-time for a foul on Jesús Gallardo made the result even more sensational as Thomas Tuchel’s men had to hold off a fierce attack wave in the closing minutes.
An unusual injury that put Jordan Henderson out of the tournament during the post-match celebrations took some of the shine off an otherwise dream night for Kane and co. But the squad must quickly turn their attention to the quarter-finals this weekend.
If they beat Norway on Saturday night, a semi-final awaits against either Argentina, Egypt, Switzerland or Colombia.
“A huge achievement. The only thing I can compare to in my lifetime is the 5-1 win against Germany,” the former England and Chelsea captain said of the Three Lions’ signature win in Mexico City, in Piers Morgan Uncensored.
“When I watched the game last night, in the playoffs, and we’ve called for players who really step up and count – they stepped up yesterday, and they were there to count.
“I think it was an absolutely incredible achievement.
When asked where this match ranks among England’s best of all time, Terry replied:
“Number two behind the Germany game for me, yes, in my generation.
“I think individual players were outstanding, the pace was high, and I think the manager deserves a lot of praise.
“There are leaders in the group. Harry Kane – we have seen that throughout his career. Jude Bellingham at the young age is already doing the same. Declan Rice, and I also include Reece James in that group.
“They can’t afford to get hurt, and they have to be ahead of our success. Without them running the team and maintaining the standards…
“You saw Jude yesterday – I’ve compared him to Zinédine Zidane, and it was maybe a bit ambitious, but look at the game yesterday – what he’s doing is unbelievable.
“His two goals crowned it all for me, and for a cross from Harry Kane for his second goal.
England’s next opponent, Norway, has two of the Premier League’s most high-profile players in their ranks: Manchester City striker Erling Braut Haaland and Arsenal captain Martin Ødegaard.
Haaland has taken his first World Cup like a fish to water – he has scored seven goals in four games and is now tied with Kylian Mbappé and Lionel Messi at the top of the goal list.
But Terry is also very impressed by Ødegaard’s importance in midfield – especially in the Norwegians’ 2-1 win over Brazil, who have won the World Cup five times.
“Listen, Norway is a good team. I think they are well trained,” says Terry about Norway, which for the first time in the country’s history is ready for the quarter-finals of the World Cup.
“I think everything that works for that team goes through Martin Ødegaard.
“If England stop him and Erling Braut Haaland, then we have a big, big chance.
“It’s difficult because he can only run in the back room. He’s so strong and so fast that you always have to be aware of that,” continues Terry, who himself played in two World Cup finals for England.
“At the same time, it feels like he’s conserving his energy in the games – he doesn’t run in the back room all the time, and he’s very good in the build-up phase.
“But on set pieces and crosses, he really comes to life. Gabriel experienced that yesterday.
“As soon as the ball goes out to the edge, as a defender you can’t be too focused on the ball – because Haaland is behind me. As soon as the ball goes out, I have to take myself out of the equation and take Haaland out of the equation.
“Who else do they have in the box?” One or two others, but they are not as dangerous as Haaland. So whoever marks Haaland in the box has to stay close to him, be completely focused and be selfish – take him out of the game, because at any time…
“Harry Kane does it, all top strikers do it – and Haaland probably does it better than anyone else.
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