World Cup last 16: Colombia vs. England team news, predictions, betting odds, TV

England are out to make history but
Colombia don’t fear any team

Preview

Head coach Gareth Southgate has called the last-16 clash against
Colombia England’s “biggest knockout game for a decade” with
the winners set to face Sweden or Switzerland in the next
round. 

Southgate made eight changes for the final group game against
Belgium to keep his top players fresh for Colombia. After the 1-0
defeat to the Belgians, he told the BBC: “This was a game we wanted to win but the
knockout game is the biggest game for a decade so we needed to make
sure our key players were reserved.”

Meanwhile, midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek says the Three Lions
squad has a point to prove in the knockout stages. He told the
London Evening Standard: “We are all excited
about the chance to end this run without a knockout victory. The
team are looking forward to the challenge, looking forward to
making history.

“If we see it any other way and just think about the
pressure, let the situation get to us, we won’t play freely. If we
think that this is a great opportunity, we have a massive
chance.”

Dreaded penalty shoot-out…

Two teams – Spain and Denmark – have already been knocked
out of the round of 16 on penalties so don’t be surprised if the
Colombia vs. England tie goes all the way to spot-kicks.

England’s penalty record is “horrendous”, says the BBC, but coach Southgate has made sure his
players have been working on their technique from 12 yards.

“We have been practising and going through strategies
since March,” he said.

Ospina: we don’t fear England

Colombia reached the World Cup quarter-finals in 2014,
losing 2-1 to hosts Brazil, and goalkeeper David Ospina believes
the 2018 squad is better than the one from four years
ago.

The Arsenal keeper told The Guardian: “We are a better team than four
years ago. We are together, more experienced and a stronger squad
of players than we were in Brazil. We have experience and good
quality. Our players play in the best clubs, the best leagues, and
are used to playing in matches of this size, so nothing will
frighten us. 

“England are a good team but we did not mind who it was we
would face. We just know we will give everything for our country
and take strength from the support. We always give everything for
our country. It’s such an honour to play for Colombia.”

Team news

England boss Southgate should have a full-strength squad to
choose from after resting eight players for the final group
game against Belgium. But Goal.com reports that John Stones may be a
doubt after picking up a calf injury. The BBC says that Dele Alli is fit after missing the final
two group games.

Colombia’s star player James Rodriguez is a major doubt because
of a calf injury, but a scan has revealed no muscle tear so he may
be fit. The Daily Telegraph says that head coach Jose
Pekerman was “very worried” about Rodriguez’s injury and Colombia
“will be holding their breath” for news on the 2014 World Cup
Golden Boot winner. 

Colombia vs. England predicted starting
XIs

How the teams could line up at the Spartak Stadium, according to
Fifa.com:

• Colombia: David Ospina; Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Yerry
  Mina, Johan Mojica; Carlos Sanchez, Mateus Uribe; Juan Cuadrado,
  Juan Quintero, Luis Muriel; Falcao 
• England: Jordan Pickford; Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry
  Maguire; Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Jesse
  Lingard, Ashley Young; Raheem Sterling, Harry Kane

Colombia vs. England
predictions

Mark Lawrenson, BBC
Sport: “I don’t buy the theory that England are better off
because they lost to Belgium in their final game in group G. Forget
about them being in what people consider to be the easier half of
the draw, because keeping on winning is the best thing you can do
at a World Cup – you do not want to risk stopping the momentum you
have built up. So, we will see what effect making so many changes
has on England, but I actually think they will be fine against
Colombia. They have some good players, but I don’t think they will
be able to cope with England’s high-pressing game. Prediction:
Colombia 0 England 2.”

Sam Wallace, The Daily Telegraph: “Can Gareth Southgate’s
team switch back on? Only two outfield players from the side that
started against Belgium are likely to start this last-16 game.
Colombia need James Rodriguez to be fit but they are hitting form.
Prediction: Colombia 0 England 1 (AET).”

Lee Stobbs, GQ: “A lively start from both teams will fizzle
out and be replaced with a cautionary approach, which will take the
teams all the way to extra time, where England’s freshness will
prevail and help avoid a penalty shoot-out. Substitutes will be the
key to winning this game and there is more quality coming from
England’s side of the dugout. Prediction: Colombia 1-2 England
AET.”

Colombia vs. England betting odds

Best prices according to Oddschecker (as of 2 July):

• England to win: 23/20 
• Draw: 9/4 
• Colombia to win: 16/5

First goalscorer

• Harry Kane (England): 17/5 
• Jamie Vardy (England): 9/2 
• No goalscorer: 6/1 
• Marcus Rashford (England): 13/2 
• Radamel Falcao (Colombia): 13/2 
• Danny Welbeck (England): 7/1 
• Raheem Sterling (England): 15/2 
• Jesse Lingard (England): 15/2 
• Carlos Bacca (Colombia): 17/2 
• Dele Alli (England): 9/1 
• James Rodriguez (Colombia): 9/1