The unlikely double seating next to each other sparked plenty of intrigue from viewers
England’s thrilling start to their World Cup campaign wasn’t what caught the attention of some viewers during the 4-2 victory over Croatia.
Many were left stunned after spotting Arsene Wenger and John Terry engaged in an animated discussion in the stands at Dallas Stadium. The pair were once central figures in the fierce rivalry between Arsenal and Chelsea during the 2000s and 2010s.
Terry captained a Blues side that regularly frustrated Wenger’s Gunners, particularly during Jose Mourinho’s first spell at Stamford Bridge. However, any lingering hostility between them appears non-existent. Instead, they resembled old acquaintances, prompting ITV viewers to speculate about their conversation.
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One surprised supporter wrote: “John Terry sitting next to Wenger. Wtf.” Another commented: “Wenger chatting to John Terry, a true meeting of minds!” A third jested: “Someone turned up the crowd randomiser so much we ended up with an Arsene Wenger and John Terry collab.”
A fourth remarked: “Wenger explaining the alphabet to John Terry and that the alphabet is different in different countries and that Croatia is a different country and yes, Modric is that old.” One supporter unkindly observed: “About 100 IQ points between them.”
The rapport between Terry and Wenger shouldn’t raise eyebrows, considering the Frenchman previously attempted to recruit the defender to Arsenal. The Gunners were again linked with Terry in 2016 as his Chelsea departure loomed.
While he dismissed the prospect of signing the then-35-year-old, Wenger offered glowing praise, stating: “He was not only a great player, he certainly still is, but he was also a great coach on the pitch.
“I saw him here once at London Colney [Arsenal’s training ground] playing with the U21s and the way he coached the team as a player was absolutely marvellous.
“He was a real leader and he had a great career as well, let’s not forget that. That’s never a coincidence. The guys who last such a long time have something special.
“He was the symbol of cohesion inside Chelsea’s club because him, Frank Lampard, Didier Drogba and [Petr] Cech were the players who carried the club’s values for long periods. When you lose players like that you’re always in danger.”
Wenger had even previously defended Terry after he faced accusations of racially abusing QPR’s Anton Ferdinand during a game in 2012. While he maintained anyone proven guilty of racial abuse deserved punishment, Wenger argued the intensity of the moment warranted consideration.
Terry, who was cleared in court, was later found guilty by the FA. He received a £220,000 fine and a four-match suspension.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
