Colombia will take on England at the last Round of 16 game at the Spartak Stadium today. Both teams have won 2 of their group stage games and lost 1. This World Cup will be an opportunity for England to seek redemption after a devastating 2014 World Cup where they finished last in their group behind Costa Rica,Uruguay and Italy.
Colombia started their World Cup campaign on a low losing to Japan but came back in style defeating Poland and Senegal to top their group. The midfield trio of Rodrigu,Quintero and Cuadrado will be difficult for English defence to handle.
Defensively Colombia have been solid in their last two games likes of Yuri Mina and Davison Sanchez also provide some great threat in set pieces. Radamel Falcao who missed the last World Cup due to injury will be key figure going forward.
England have their most inexperienced squad in recent times. The expectations were also very low compared to the previous star-studded teams. The performance against the likes of Tunisia and Panama were exceptional. Colombia will provide the real test for this young England team.
Harry Kane has scored 5 goals in 2 matches and is the highest goalscorer in this World Cup will give tough time to Yuri Mina and Tottenham team-mate Davison Sanchez. England has been amazing at set pieces this world Cup scoring majority of their goals from them.
Team News
James Rodriguez who was injured in Colombia’s last game is hopeful to come back but has been training away from first team
Predicted Line-ups and Score-line
England (3-5-1-1) Pickford; Walker-Stones-Maguire; Trippier – Henderson – Lingard, Loftus Cheek- Young ; Sterling – Kane.
Colombia (4-2-3-1) Ospina; Arias -Mina – Sanchez -Mojica; Sanchez -Uribe; Cuadrado- Quintero -Rodriguez; Falcao.
Prediction Colombia win 3-1
