Prediction: Colombia vs England

Prediction: England to win and both teams to score

Odds: 9/2

Bookmaker: Bet365

England will be aiming to reach the World Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday evening as they take on Colombia at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow.

Gareth Southgate’s men seemingly have a relatively kind route to the final of the competition in Russia but their first port of call is José Pékerman’s talented side. It will by no means be an easy task for the Three Lions as they really look to stamp their authority on the competition. Meanwhile, Colombia will be gunning to reach their second-consecutive World Cup quarter-final.

Colombia

Despite finishing top of Group H with six points and qualifying for the knockout rounds, Colombia initially struggled to display the sumptuous football that allowed them to reach the quarter-finals in Brazil in 2014. Their place in the next round was not assured until the final group match, in which they edged past Senegal 1-0. However, the only goals that they conceded throughout the group stages were in their shock opening defeat to Japan, although in fairness, they were down to ten men for the majority of the clash.

Pékerman’s men arrive for their clash with England in relatively solid form having only lost three out of their last 16 games. In that time though, they have only managed to win just under half of those games, a statistic England will surely be looking to exploit. Colombia’s World Cup record is eye-catching though, having only tasted defeat in two out of their last eight games, stretching over two competitions. They have averaged over two goals per game in that time by plundering 17 strikes over those eight clashes so could well be a good bet to find the net.

Team News

The main worry for the South Americans is the health of star man James Rodriguez. The 26-year-old is struggling with a calf injury and it remains to be seen whether he will take part against the Three Lions. Colombia supporters will be desperate for him to play considering the Bayern Munich man has been involved in ten of his countries’ goals in their last eight games. Striker Miguel Borja could also potentially be missing due to a knee injury.

England

It could be fair to say that the Three Lions’ performance at the current edition of the World Cup has already been better than most supporters can remember. Despite finishing second in Group G, the Three Lions managed to rack-up six points thanks to victories against Panama and Tunisia. They head into this match under-pressure though. The 1966 champions have not managed to reach the quarter-finals of a World Cup since 2006, when they were eventually eliminated by Portugal.

One thing that they do boast however is an excellent scoring rate. Sothgate’s men have already plundered eight goals in Russia. Only once have they scored more at a single competition, and that was in 1966 when they ended up lifting the trophy. Supporters will be hoping that England’s tight defeat to Belgium will not halt their momentum heading into the game. Prior to the loss, England had gone 12 games undefeated under Southgate so will be surely aiming to regain their positive form as they look for an extended stay in Russia.

Team News

There could be plenty of changes to the team seen against Belgium. The likes of Harry Kane, Kyle Walker, Jordan Henderson and Raheem Sterling were all rested and are likely to be recalled again. In what will be a welcome boost for Southgate, he has no injuries to worry about.

Key Facts To Consider

• England have the far better all-time record between the two teams (W3, D2, L0)
• The Three Lions won the last World Cup match between the two 2-0 in 1998
• Harry Kane is currently the top scorer in Russia with five goals
• England have not won a World Cup knockout game since 2006
• Colombia have not failed to score in a World Cup game since 1998

Conclusion

England need to be careful not to under-estimate Colombia as they set their sights on a quarter-final place. Pékerman’s men posses plenty of attacking talent and should well be a good bet to find the net. The Three Lions’ recent record at World Cups is not all too inspiring either. However, with Harry Kane leading the line, and a strong backline, England should well have enough to progress.

Prediction: England to win and both teams to score

Odds: 9/2

Bookmaker: Bet365