Colombia vs England - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

Published on: 02/07/2018

Colombia vs England - World Cup 2018 Preview and Odds

July 03, 2018 20:00pm - Spartak Stadium, Moscow

World Cup Russia 2018 - Round of 16

The final game of the Round of 16 also promises to be one of the most exciting as Group H winners Colombia face Group G Runners up England in Moscow on Tuesday night.

England concluded their trio of group matches with a 1-0 loss to Belgium after making eight changes to the starting XI. The game was irrelevant in terms of progression but it did shape the potential path to the final for both teams, with England arguably landing on the easier side of the draw.

Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate received criticism in some quarters for his decision to rest players, the argument being that momentum was lost. But that has to be weighed up against the importance of avoiding injuries, keeping players fresh and plotting the best route to the latter stages. Only a victory against Colombia will justify Southgates decision.

If they do progress, England will find themselves up against either Sweden or Switzerland in the quarter-finals. If they had drawn or won against Belgium, they would have faced Japan in the next round ahead of a quarter-final against favourites Brazil or Mexico.

Dele Alli is back in contention for England after missing the last two games with a thigh strain, raising the prospect that Southgate will field the same team that started against Tunisia.

Colombia`s injury problem are slightly more concerning as James Rodriguez is unlikely to be fully fit in time to face England. The 2014 Golden Boot winner had a scan on Sunday that revealed swelling in his right leg rather than a tear but it could be enough to keep him out or on the bench.

Colombia are a much better side when he plays, so boss Jose Pekerman will hope to at least have him in the squad.

Even if Rodrigiuez does not play, England will seek to negate the attacking threat of midfielder playmaker Juan Quintero and Juventus winger Juan Cuadrado who impressed against Poland.

With so many big names already out of the tournament both sides will fancy their chances of making it to the semi-finals with a clash against Sweden or Switzerland up next.

Colombia predicted starting XI:

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

England predicted starting XI:

Pickford, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Trippier, Henderson, Alli, Lingard, Young, Sterling, Kane

Recent Form (All comps)

Colombia: WWLDD

England: LWWWW

Betting odds and tips

An open and attacking game can be expected as both side look to take the initiative. But with a quarter-final at stake, there are bound to be nerves and maybe mistakes. England`s Premier League experience should see them through but a goal count of Over 2.5 should be expected.

You can back Over 2.5 goals at 8/5.

By Neil Morris