World Cup 2018, Colombia vs England: 3 key battles that could decide the match

Senegal v Colombia: Group H - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Colombia and England will square off at the Spartak stadium in Moscow

The last round-of-16 tie will see winners of Group H, Colombia takes on runners-up of Group G, England at the Spartak stadium in Moscow on Tuesday.

Colombia England Score and Live Commentary, World Cup 2018

The two teams had contrasting fortunes in the group stage. England started their campaign with a 1-0 win over Tunisia and followed it up with a rousing 6-1 victory over debutantes Panama, however, Southgate’s second string side lost 1-0 to Belgium in their final game to finish second in the group.

Colombia, on the other hand, started off poorly as they lost 2-1 to a spirited Japan side in their opening game but, two successive wins over Poland and Senegal meant they claimed the top spot in their group.

While England's stock as a title contender has ostensibly gone up given how well they have performed in the group stage (No, Belgium game doesn't count), Colombia also boasts of some world-class players who, on their day, can hurt the Three Lions pretty bad.

England hasn't managed to win a single knock-out game at a major tournament in 12 years and they would like to get the monkey off their back against the South American side.

While we wait for the match to get underway, let's take a look at three key player battles that could decide the match.


#3 Harry Kane vs Davidson Sanchez

England Media Access - 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia
Harry Kane will have a tough time against his Spurs teammate Davidson Sanchez on Tuesday?

Harry Kane has taken to captaincy as a duck takes to water. While many in the past, have struggled with the extra responsibility, he seems to be completely at ease with it.

Kane enjoyed a wondrous season with Tottenham, scoring 44 goals across all competitions last season and has carried his club form to Russia. If anything, he has raised the bar for himself.

The 22-year-old heads into the round-of-16 tie as the leading goal-scorer (five goals) of the tournament and would like to add onto that tally against Colombia.

But it’s easier said than done as he will be marked by his Spurs teammate Davidson Sanchez on Tuesday.

Sanchez is strong, aggressive and having played alongside Kane in the Premier League, he will be pretty much aware of the Englishman’s tricks.

However, the centre-back was scrappy with his defensive skills in the group stage and therefore, he has to bring his A-game to the fore if he intends to neutralize the England Captain.

Whoever wins the duels, it should surely make for an interesting viewing on Tuesday.

#2 Juan Cuadrado vs Harry Maguire

FBL-WC-2018-MATCH48-SEN-COL
Juan Cuadrado could spell danger for England's defense on Tuesday

England manager Garry Southgate is likely to stick with the tried and tested 3-1-4-2 system against Colombia. Harry Maguire will play as a left centre-back and wing-back Ashley Young will be tasked with making the forward runs out wide.

This will leave plenty of space for Juan Cuadrado to exploit on the right flank. Cuadrado had a great club season with Juventus and has been productive for Columbia in the World Cup as well. He’s got pace and outstanding dribbling skills which means Maguire will need to be sharp shifting out wide to cover the space Young leaves going forward.

The Leicester City centre-back is good on the ball, but he doesn’t really excel in one-on-ones, particularly against pacy players.

Should Cudrado find his game on Tuesday, it will be interesting to see how the young England defender goes about his task.

#1 James Rodriguez vs Jordan Henderson

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James Rodriguez will be key to Colombia's plans against England

The 2014 World Cup golden boot winner, James Rodriguez hasn’t quite hit form as yet in Russia.

The 27-year-old picked up a calf injury midway to their game against Senegal which means he is a doubtful starter for this one, however, should he take to the field on Tuesday; England’s back-line will have plenty to worry about.

Rodriguez is Colombia’s creator-in-chief and has a knack for scoring goals as well.

But in Jordan Henderson, England have just the man who can confront him with vim and vigor.

With Colombian striker Radamel Falcao occupying the England center-backs, Henderson will have to be diligent in their defensive midfield to keep the play-maker in check.

The Liverpool man has had a pretty good tournament so far but wasn’t really tested against the minnows Tunisia and Panama.

The battle of the midfield between the aforementioned players might as well decide as to which way the tide will turn.


Which of these player battles would decide the clash? Sound off your opinions in the comments section below!

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Edited by Alan John