The last 16 ties of the World Cup 2018 are fully underway and three quarter-final match-ups have already been confirmed. It’s the turn of Colombia and England to make their way into the last 8 on Tuesday night and the winner will face either Sweden or Switzerland.

STATS

• England have looked much more impressive than most people had anticipated so far. A 2-1 win against Tunisia followed by a 6-1 demolition of Panama sent them into the quarter-final alongside Belgium, who beat the Three Lions in the final group game. A win would give England a real chance of reaching final with very few of the so-called ‘bigger teams’ in their side of the draw.
• Colombia have largely failed to inspire so far despite topping their group ahead of Japan. They were beaten 2-1 in their opener by the Japanese before comfortably beating Poland 3-0 and squeezing past Senegal 1-0. Like England, Colombia will be hopeful of a run to the semi-final and final of the tournament, their last 16 opponents seem to be the toughest test standing in their way.
• Harry Kane is currently the leading goal scorer at the World Cup and with five goals in just two games, it doesn’t look like he wants to give up this golden boot.
• The threat of James Rodriguez and Radamel Falcao cannot be underestimated for the South Americans, that’s where the main threat will come from.

HEAD TO HEAD

In four previous international meetings, Colombia have never beaten England with three losses and one draw. One of those fixtures came at a World Cup Finals back in 1998 where the Three Lions won 2-0 after goals from Darren Anderton and David Beckham, sending them into the knockout stage. A hat-trick for Michael Owen gave England the victory last time they met in 2005 in a 3-2 win.

ENGLAND NEWS

Dele Alli has trained this week after missing the Belgium game through injury while the majority of the starting players have had nine days rest ahead of the last 16 clash.

Latest matches: Colombia

28.06.2018	Worl	Senegal	Colombia	0:1	W
24.06.2018	Worl	Poland	Colombia	0:3	W
19.06.2018	Worl	Colombia	Japan	1:2	L
01.06.2018	Int.	Egypt	Colombia	0:0	D
27.03.2018	Int.	Australia	Colombia	0:0	D

COLOMBIA NEWS

The South Americans have received a huge boost with the news that James Rodriguez is fit to start against England, increasing their chances of progression tenfold.

Latest matches: England

28.06.2018	Worl	England	Belgium	0:1	L
24.06.2018	Worl	England	Panama	6:1	W
18.06.2018	Worl	Tunisia	England	1:2	W
07.06.2018	Int.	England	Costa Rica	2:0	W
02.06.2018	Int.	England	Nigeria	2:1	W

SUMMARY

With so much interest surrounding England’s seemingly ‘easy’ route to a potential final, this game certainly won’t be easy. Gareth Southgate’s men go into the match as slight favourites but can’t afford to be complacent. A draw after 90 minutes seems quite likely between two relatively evenly-matched sides and with England’s awful record on penalties, you wouldn’t trust the Three Lions in a shootout.