Tuesday World Cup Preview and Odds – Colombia vs. England

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

Round of 16

The World Cup Round of 16 draws to a conclusion on Tuesday night as Group G Runners up England take on Group H winners Colombia.

England made eight changes for the final group game against Belgium, losing 1-0 to leave themselves second in their group. Some have suggested this move was a calculated risk by Three Lions boss Gareth Southgate as it left them with arguably an easier route to the semi-finals while giving the majority of their first choice players a rest.

If they can overcome the Colombian challenge, they will come up against either Sweden or Switzerland in the quarter-finals. Whereas, if they had won the group, they would have faced Japan, who beat Colombia in the group phase, and then favourites Brazil in the last eight.

England have no new injury worries and will likely field the same team that started their first match, with Dele Alli returning after missing the Panama game.

Meanwhile, Colombia will leave it to the last minute to decide whether to included star player James Rodriguez in the game against England. The on-loan Bayern Munich man had a scan on Sunday that revealed minor swelling in his right leg but no muscle tear.

The 2014 Golden Boot winner is the beating heart of this Colombia team and was instrumental in driving them to a best-ever quarter-final place in Brazil. Even if he recovers in time to feature it is unlikely that he will be 100% fit so Colombia boss Jose Pekerman may opt to start with understudy Juan Quintero and use Rodriguez from the bench.

It is clear they are a much better side when James plays. In fact, he is arguably the most influential player the country has ever produced. However, they do have plenty of talent in other areas including the likes of Juan Cuadrado, who stepped up against Poland but was then kept quiet by Senegal, something England will have noted.

Even if Rodriguez does start, it is likely Pekerman will find room for him and Quintero in the XI. The playmaker has been impressive throughout the tournament and also provides a threat from set pieces.

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 of Switzerland up next.

Colombia probable XI:

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

England probable XI:

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

Prediction

A bold England side against a Colombian team who also like to attack could produce one of the most entertaining games of the Last 16. As a result, the Over 2.5 Goals bet looks a good proposition with England’s Premier League quality bringing them out on top.

You can back England to win with Over2.5 goals at 16/5 with Betfair

 

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