John Terry speaks out against ‘strange’ FA decision in a strong rant before England’s World Cup opener.
Former England captain John Terry has spoken out about the FA, saying it seemed like they had Jude Bellingham and Morgan Rogers praise Jordan Henderson after Thomas Tuchel’s surprising choice to include the Brentford midfielder in his 26-man World Cup squad.
Terry, who played 78 times for England from 2003 to 2012, didn’t hold back on Piers Morgan Uncensored, criticizing the FA for using Bellingham and Rogers to do a “PR job.”
Bellingham and Rogers, current England players, appeared on the England Lions Den podcast on June 12. They took the chance to praise Henderson, who could play in his fourth World Cup if he features in the tournament.
Many people questioned Henderson’s spot, especially since players like Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Adam Wharton, and Morgan Gibbs-White were left out by Tuchel. But Henderson is clearly well-liked in the team. Bellingham said, “Don’t get us started on [Jordan] Hendo, we could talk about him for hours. He’s so funny, the funniest guy in camp. He makes everyone laugh and brings the team together.”
After hearing the interview, Terry found it “a bit weird” that the FA shared it. “I don’t think it’s really their place to say these things, but it seemed like the FA was trying to clear the air on what everyone’s been talking about,” he said.
He added, “I’m fully behind Jordan Henderson on this. I don’t know him personally that well, but from what I see, he’s a top player. He probably won’t start, but he will play a big role for us late in the games with his experience.”
Terry didn’t stop there. He also said he was unhappy that experienced players Luke Shaw and Harry Maguire were left out. “I was disappointed to see Maguire and Shaw not picked. You look at John Stones coming in now, and he’ll put pressure on Tuchel because of how well he plays. But I’m not so sure about some others in the squad,” he said.
“Jordan Henderson is definitely someone who will help us. He’s brave, and will come on for the last 15 or 20 minutes. I think he’ll play a key role.”
Terry made these comments just before England’s first Group L game against Croatia in Arlington. While Henderson is in the squad, Declan Rice and Elliot Anderson are expected to start in midfield, with either Rogers or Bellingham just ahead of them in the attacking midfield role.
After facing Croatia, England will play Ghana in Foxborough on June 23, and then wrap up their group matches against Panama in New Jersey on June 27.