Colombia vs. England
- When: Tuesday 3 July
- Kick-off time: 7pm
- Where: Spartak Stadium, Moscow
- TV channel: live on ITV
If England are to reach the World Cup quarter-finals then they will have to win a tournament knockout match for the first time since 2006.
Head coach Gareth Southgate has called the last-16 clash against Colombia England’s “biggest knockout game for a decade” with the winners set to face Sweden or Switzerland in the next round.
Southgate made eight changes for the final group game against Belgium to keep his top players fresh for Colombia. After the 1-0 defeat to the Belgians, he told the BBC: “This was a game we wanted to win but the knockout game is the biggest game for a decade so we needed to make sure our key players were reserved.”
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Meanwhile, midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek says the Three Lions squad has a point to prove in the knockout stages. He told the London Evening Standard: “We are all excited about the chance to end this run without a knockout victory. The team are looking forward to the challenge, looking forward to making history.
“If we see it any other way and just think about the pressure, let the situation get to us, we won’t play freely. If we think that this is a great opportunity, we have a massive chance.”
Dreaded penalty shoot-out…
Two teams - Spain and Denmark - have already been knocked out of the round of 16 on penalties so don’t be surprised if the Colombia vs. England tie goes all the way to spot-kicks.
England’s penalty record is “horrendous”, says the BBC, but coach Southgate has made sure his players have been working on their technique from 12 yards.
“We have been practising and going through strategies since March,” he said.
Ospina: we don’t fear England
Colombia reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014, losing 2-1 to hosts Brazil, and goalkeeper David Ospina believes the 2018 squad is better than the one from four years ago.
The Arsenal keeper told The Guardian: “We are a better team than four years ago. We are together, more experienced and a stronger squad of players than we were in Brazil. We have experience and good quality. Our players play in the best clubs, the best leagues, and are used to playing in matches of this size, so nothing will frighten us.
“England are a good team but we did not mind who it was we would face. We just know we will give everything for our country and take strength from the support. We always give everything for our country. It’s such an honour to play for Colombia.”
Colombia vs. England starting XIs
England boss Southgate has named his team for the Colombia match. Harry Kane returns in attack and will skipper the side. Raheem Sterling will support Kane with Dele Alli and Jesse Lingard behind. Jordan Pickford retains his place in goal and John Stones is fit to start in defence alongside Kyle Walker and Harry Maguire. Jordan Henderson sits in midfielder with Kieran Trippier and Ashley Young on the flanks.
Colombia star James Rodriguez, the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup, is not fit and misses out against England. It’s reported that Rodriguez is listed as “absent” on the team sheet and won’t even make the bench.
Former Manchester United striker Radamel Falcao, Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina and Tottenham defender Davinson Sanchez all in the Colombia XI.
Colombia vs. England predictions
Mark Lawrenson, BBC Sport: “I don’t buy the theory that England are better off because they lost to Belgium in their final game in group G. Forget about them being in what people consider to be the easier half of the draw, because keeping on winning is the best thing you can do at a World Cup - you do not want to risk stopping the momentum you have built up. So, we will see what effect making so many changes has on England, but I actually think they will be fine against Colombia. They have some good players, but I don’t think they will be able to cope with England’s high-pressing game. Prediction: Colombia 0 England 2.”
Sam Wallace, The Daily Telegraph: “Can Gareth Southgate’s team switch back on? Only two outfield players from the side that started against Belgium are likely to start this last-16 game. Colombia need James Rodriguez to be fit but they are hitting form. Prediction: Colombia 0 England 1 (AET).”
Lee Stobbs, GQ: “A lively start from both teams will fizzle out and be replaced with a cautionary approach, which will take the teams all the way to extra time, where England’s freshness will prevail and help avoid a penalty shoot-out. Substitutes will be the key to winning this game and there is more quality coming from England’s side of the dugout. Prediction: Colombia 1-2 England AET.”
Colombia vs. England betting odds
Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 2 July):
- England to win: 23/20
- Draw: 9/4
- Colombia to win: 16/5
First goalscorer
- Harry Kane (England): 17/5
- Jamie Vardy (England): 9/2
- No goalscorer: 6/1
- Marcus Rashford (England): 13/2
- Radamel Falcao (Colombia): 13/2
- Danny Welbeck (England): 7/1
- Raheem Sterling (England): 15/2
- Jesse Lingard (England): 15/2
- Carlos Bacca (Colombia): 17/2
- Dele Alli (England): 9/1
- James Rodriguez (Colombia): 9/1
