England’s progress is set to come under serious examination when they battle Colombia, potentially robbed of star playmaker James Rodriguez’s services, in World Cup 2018’s round of 16.
Here are the key battles:
RADAMEL FALCAO V HARRY KANE
Falcao has waited a long time for this moment.
The 32-year-old missed out on Colombia’s run to the quarter-finals four years ago through a serious knee injury. He’ll be determined to ensure a repeat is attained this time.
Falcao toiled up with the 10 men of Colombia against Japan then stylishly struck with the outside of his boot against Poland. Against Senegal, the early withdrawal of James Rodriguez harmed his supply line.
Facing English opposition could unsettle ‘El Tigre’, after two woeful seasons on loan at Manchester United and Chelsea from 2014-16. But it is not yet known how Gareth Southgate’s react to being asked serious defensive questions.
With Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi now departed, a space in the spotlight is open for the next global superstar.
Tottenham and England skipper Kane has all the credentials to fill it. With five goals already to his name in Russia, he’ll be desperate to add to his figure against Los Cafeteros.
The 24-year-old’s predatory instincts saw a brace struck against Tunisia from corners. He then dispatched two penalties and benefited from a lucky deflection against Panama.
Remarkably, these five goals have come from six attempts on goal. Spurs club-mate Davinson Sanchez will need to be on his best form for Colombia.
JUAN FERNANDO QUINTERO V JESSE LINGARD
Quintero has been one of this World Cup’s great success stories.
Since the previous edition, the anachronistic central playmaker has bounced between parent club Porto, Rennes, Independiente Medellin and River Plate. Accusations of excess weight and a poor attitude bedevilled him.
But Colombia head coach Jose Pekerman’s desire to inject his side with creativity has been rewarded in style. With Rodriguez a severe injury doubt, his understudy’s importance will only grow.
With gaps to be found on the flanks of England’s 3-1-4-2 formation, Quintero will be key.
Lingard will not want 2017/18 to end.
The 25-year-old has gone from bit-part player at Manchester United and England, to essential for both.
Lingard’s ability to link play has been valued by Southgate since their days together in the Under-21s. This reliance and faith has been extended to the seniors, where it was repaid in style with his sumptuous curler from range against Panama.
His fleet of foot and thought will push Sanchez to the brink.
CARLOS SANCHEZ V JORDAN HENDERSON
Sanchez’s World Cup couldn’t have got off to a worse start.
A handball less than three minutes into the opener against Japan saw him given the second-quickest red card in World Cup. Without their defensive midfielder on the pitch, Colombia slumped to a 2-1 loss.
Returned to the side against Senegal, his influence was apart with three tackles the second most among his team-mates. The former Aston Villa flop will need to prove his quality against England.
Henderson’s strong finish to the season with Liverpool has been extended to the World Cup.
The 28-year-old has raced clear of Tottenham’s Eric Dier in the pecking order for the midfield holding role. A major contributor to this is his excellent range of passing, with 12 long balls attempted so far this tournament.
Southgate could decide to partner Henderson with Dier to add midfield ballast against Colombia. But if there is only one anchoring spot available, then the former is the outstanding candidate.
