Former England captain John Terry has compared Jude Bellingham to French legend Zinedine Zidane, saying the Real Madrid midfielder is single-handedly dragging England toward glory at the FIFA World Cup 2026. Terry made the remarks on the FIFA Podcast ahead of England's semifinal clash with Argentina in Atlanta.

Bellingham's Historic Run

Bellingham scored both goals in England's quarterfinal victory over Norway, adding to his brace in the 3-2 win over co-hosts Mexico in the Round of 16. Those back-to-back match-winning doubles have made him the first midfielder in history to score six goals at a single World Cup — a record that underlines the scale of his influence on this tournament.

What John Terry Said

Terry, speaking on the FIFA Podcast, drew an explicit parallel with Zidane's transformative role in France's 1998 World Cup triumph and their run to the final in 2006. 'I said at the start of this World Cup, he reminds me of Zidane. He's dragging this team through at the moment. I think he's world-class. Also, you listen to him off the pitch; he's got a real calmness about him as well,' Terry said.

Notably, Zidane scored twice in the 1998 final against Brazil and was the decisive figure in France's 2006 run — a benchmark that Terry believes Bellingham is now matching in terms of tournament impact, if not yet in trophies.

Terry's Confidence Against Argentina

England face defending champions Argentina and their captain Lionel Messi in the semifinal. Despite the weight of that fixture, Terry expressed no anxiety. 'I'm not worried about Argentina, if I'm honest. I don't look at Argentina and sit here being worried about them being better than us. I think, man for man, we're better than Argentina,' he said.

Terry also spoke to the broader momentum surrounding the squad: 'You know what I like about this England side at the minute? We've had big moments. We've got a good side, but it feels like everything's going for us. It feels like it's England's time,' he added. England have not won a World Cup since 1966 — a drought that has defined generations of supporters.

About the FIFA Podcast

The FIFA Podcast, hosted by Olivia Buzaglo and former Italy striker Christian Vieri, provides exclusive access, expert analysis, and stories from across the three co-host nations — Canada, Mexico, and the USA. The show features FIFA legends, current stars, and celebrity guests reflecting on the tournament's biggest moments.

With the semifinal against Argentina looming in Atlanta, all eyes will be on whether Bellingham can produce yet another decisive performance — and whether England's sense of destiny translates into a first World Cup title in six decades.