Former England captain John Terry has urged England to contain Norway captain Martin Ødegaard if they are to reach the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, describing the Arsenal midfielder as the driving force behind Norway’s attack.
According to a Metro report published on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, Terry made the comments after England’s dramatic 3-2 Round of 16 victory over Mexico. Despite playing much of the second half with 10 men, England progressed thanks to two goals from Jude Bellingham and a Harry Kane penalty.
Terry hailed the performance as one of England’s best, praising manager Thomas Tuchel’s tactics and highlighting Kane, Bellingham, Declan Rice and Reece James as key leaders. He also likened Bellingham’s influence to that of Zinedine Zidane and commended Kane’s assist for the decisive goal.
Looking ahead to the quarter-final against Norway, Terry warned England not to underestimate their opponents. He said Ødegaard controls Norway’s attacking play, while Erling Haaland remains a constant goal threat.
According to Terry, limiting Ødegaard’s creativity and Haaland’s finishing will be crucial to England’s hopes of advancing to the World Cup semi-finals.
