Colombia vs England: Preview and Prediction

Tuesday 3rd July 2018

World Cup 2018 - Last 16
Tuesday 3rd July 2018
Kick off at 7pm BST
Venue: Otkrytiye Arena

Match Preview:

The final game of the round of 16 will pit Colombia against England. Both sides will fancy their chances to progress in what has been called the easier route to the semi finals.

Colombia got off to a terrible start and looked like they would be packing their bags early with a 2-1 loss against Japan. But the South Americans duly bounced back with a 3-0 win against Poland and a 1-0 win over Senegal, resulting in two clean sheets and ending up finishing top of their group. Colombia has a strong team full of experience including Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, James Rodriguez and young defender Yerry Mina has been impressive with two goals to his name so far.

England started brightly against Tunisia but showed moments of anxiety before Harry Kane’s last gasp winner. Then came the demolition of Panama and England ran out 6-1 winners with Kane again the hero, this time scoring a hat trick. Under Gareth Southgate this English team have looked like a breathe of fresh air and look confident, but their main threat remains from set peices. Southgate changed 8 players for the last group game which was lost to Belgium 1-0 but the important factor is that the team qualified for the knock out stages and will want to put that defeat to bed.

Colombia vs England Team News:

Colombia: James Rodriguez is the big worry for the nation limping off against Senegal and remains a doubt for this game

England: After resting 8 first teamers England have no new major injury worries ahead of this match

Colombia vs England Head to Head:

The teams have only played each other twice in 20 years with England winning each time.

England have scored 6 goals against Colombia in their last 2 meetings.

The last match to be played was in 2005 where England won 3-2.

Colombia vs England Prediction:

England will have to be at their best to get victory here and they should have enough in the tank to do so. Harry Kane looks deadly up front and he will be relishing trying to add to his goal tally. The key here is for England to remain focused and score first if they can they should be able to make the quarter finals. The only problem could be that if England don't take their chances from set peices, have they got the creativity to break Colombia down from open play?

Colombia vs England Betting Tips:

England to qualify for the quarter finals at 1.50

Correct score: 2-0 or 2-1 to England at 9.00 and 10.00

Harry Kane to score anytime at 2.20