Big Match Breakdown: Colombia v England

Odds, tips and preview ahead of last-16 tie

England and Colombia clash in Moscow this evening with a place in the World Cup quarter-final at stake.

Both nations will have their eyes on the prize following the early demise of Spain, Germany and Argentina from the tournament. Gareth Southgate’s Three Lions are on the kinder side of the draw and have been installed as fourth-favourites for the trophy as a result.

They comfortably qualified from the group stages and must now face a Colombia side that have grown into the competition after a slow start.

It’s all set up to be a nervy night in the capital city. And it’s one the Coral News Team have previewed with a Big Match Breakdown.

Head-to-Head

The big stat ahead of this evening’s match is that England are unbeaten in all five meetings against Colombia dating back to 1970. The Three Lions have emerged triumphant on three of those occasions, including during the 1998 World Cup when Darren Anderton and David Beckham scored in a 2-0 win.

Sven-Goran Eriksson was in charge the last time the two sides met in 2005. Michael Owen bagged a hat-trick that day as England edged a friendly encounter 3-2 at Giants Stadium in New York.

Likely XIs

Southgate looks set to revert to a similar XI to the one which demolished Panama 6-1 nine days ago. Harry Kane, Jordan Henderson et al will all come back in. Dele Alli is also back fit but could lose out after impressive back-to-back performances from Ruben Loftus-Cheek.

Colombia are sweating on the fitness of talisman James Rodriguez. The 26-year-old was forced off against Senegal and is in a race against time to be ready for tonight’s match. Should he miss out, Luis Muriel will likely take his place in a 4-2-3-1 formation.