England vs Colombia

English fans cant wait for the game to kick off, when their team battle Colombia as they look to kick of the second round of round of 16 matches to be played. England’s route to the semi final looks quite appealing as this game (Colombia vs England)could very well be the key.

After the defeat to fellow group H members Belgium, the squad rotation has come under fire with many questioning its effectiveness. While others wait for today’s game before giving an answer. England have not stood out since 1966 and Southgate’s men would be looking to break the jinx. With the group stages not offering much of a contest these young crop of players cant afford an early exit as this would leave them with real scars.

This England team is a more interesting one compared to the teams fielded in previous tournaments. Young but tough, they would be looking to outclass the Colombians in every department . With the squad being rotated for their previous game against Belgium , key players have been rested and thus quality should return to the team.

Colombia

The three lions haver never lost to colombia but that is no excuse to underestimate the south americans. Jamez Rodriguez who isnt 100% yet could be very crucial to the outcome of this game. If excluded due to fitness England would definitely be thankful although they arent by any yardstick a one man team.

After picking up a red card and conceding in the first 10mins if their opening game . Playing with a man down for more than 80 mins , they responded very well and final scoreline was 2-1. They did go ahead to win their final two games hence topping the group in the process. One of their impressive matches would be the game against the poles.

England’s back three combination of stones, walker and Maguire is yet to be tested by a real attack. And this could be a good reason for them to find the back of the net as England did fail to keep a clean-sheet during the group stages. The Everton goalie hasn’t looked too full of confidence and surely the Colombians would want to take their chances.

Expectation

Colombia may be considered a better team in terms of technicality while the pacey England team have been impressive with set pieces and could make another penalty go their way. They would be hoping to outscore their opponents with the help of Harry Kane. The tottenham man has a newly found goal bound confidence. In totality both teams should find the back of the net.

Harry Kane could also be picked for the anytime goalscorer market as he leads the golden boot race with five goals.

HEAD TO HEAD

The teams have met 5 times and England remain unbeaten against Colombia. England did defeat colombia at the 1998 world cup 2-0, got a draw in a friendly game years later and the most recent was a friendly in 2005 where Micheal Owen scored a hat trick.

PREDICTED LINEUP

Colombia

Ospina, Arias, Mina, Davinson Sanchez, Mojica, Carlos Sanchez, Uribe, Cuadrado, Quintero, Muriel, Falcao

England

Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Lingard, Young, Sterling, Kane

PICK

England to Qualify 1.50