England take on Colombia for a spot in the quarter-finals
What's the story
Colombia and England will lock horns, tonight, at the Otkritie Arena for a spot in the quarter-finals of the FIFA World Cup. One of these two teams will keep their dream alive while, unfortunately, it will be the end of the road for the other. England's new generation will be keen to show their predecessors how it's done. Here is our preview.
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Where can you watch this fixture?
Colombia vs England round of 16 match will be shown live on Sony Network's Ten 2 SD and HD, Ten 3 SD and HD and ESPN SD. You can also live-stream it on Sony LIV. The match is scheduled to start at 11:30 PM IST.
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England have a realistic chance of winning the World Cup
England have started their 2018 FIFA World Cup campaign on a high note. They will be looking to make an appearance in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2006. With the pre-tournament favorites Germany, Spain and Argentina already knocked out of the tournament, Gareth Southgate and his men have a realistic chance of bringing the trophy home.
Massive boot
Dele Alli recovers in time to face Colombia
England captain Harry Kane has been their talisman with 5 goals in the group games. He is currently leading the race for the Adidas Golden Boot. Kane's Tottenham team-mate Dele Alli has recovered in time from his injury and he should be available for section. With a fully fit squad, Southgate has plenty of options at his disposal.
Injury crisis
James Rodriguez yet to recover from calf injury
Colombia are sweating over the fitness of star play-maker James Rodriguez. He was pulled off during Colombia's 1-0 victory over Senegal in the group game. Colombia have claimed that the Golden Boot winner, at the 2014 World Cup, is fit to start. However, the 26-year-old hasn't been a part of their training sessions for the last couple of days.
Head-to-head
Colombia are yet to beat England
These two sides have met each other on 5 occasions with England yet to lose in these head-to-head encounters. Out of these 5 games, England have won three and drawn two. The last fixture between these sides was in 2005 which England won 3-2. At the World Cup, they have met just once in the 1998 tournament, where England defeated Colombia (2-0).
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Colombia: Probable Starting XI
David Ospina, Santiago Arias, Davinson Sanchez, Yerry Mina, Johan Mojica, Carlos Sanchez, Mateus Uribe, Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero, Luis Muriel and Radamel Falcao
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England: Probable Starting XI
Jordan Pickford, Kyle Walker, John Stones, Harry Maguire, Kieran Trippier, Dele Alli, Jordan Henderson, Jesse Lingard, Ashley Young, Raheem Sterling and Harry Kane