Colombia vs England: 5 Best and Worst Players, World Cup 2018

England secured their place in the quarterfinals of the 2018 FIFA World Cup after edging Colombia 4-3 on penalties. The Three Lions finally broke their penalty shoot-out hoodoo with Eric Dier scoring the decisive spot kick.

The first half at the Spartak Stadium was a dull affair with both sides unable to carve out any clear-cut opportunities. England's best chance came when Harry Kane looped the ball over David Ospina's goal off a Kieran Trippier cross. On the other hand, Colombia struggled with their decision making and poor finishing in the final third.

After the break, England were awarded a penalty in the 57th minute after Harry Kane was bundled over by Carlos Sanchez inside the box. Kane calmly dispatched the resultant spot kick, thereby giving England a well-deserved lead. The second half ended in dramatic fashion when Colombia equalised during the dying embers of the game through Yerry Mina's wonderfully placed header, sending the game to extra time.

There weren't any clear-cut chances during Extra time barring Eric Dier's chance when he directed a free header over the post. England were resilient throughout extra time and their efforts were rewarded when they beat Colombia 4-3 on penalties.

In this article, we take a look at the best and worst players from the Round of 16 clashes between Colombia and England:

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#5 Best: Davison Sanchez

Sanchez was solid in defence for Los Cafeteros

Davinson Sanchez shouldered huge responsibilities in keeping the likes of Harry Kane, Dele Alli, Raheem Sterling and Jese Lingard quiet throughout the game. Sanchez, an integral figure in the Colombian defence, proved his worth yet again.

The Tottenham Hotspur Centre Back never looked intimidated by the presence of Kane and went about his job with absolute professionalism, making a number of vital interceptions and tackles in the first half and keeping the scores level.

Sanchez prevented England from taking the lead in the 53rd minute when he headed away Ashley Young's freekick for a corner. Another instance of some brilliant defending from him was when he perfectly intercepted Jese Lingard's squared pass to Harry Kane in the 72nd minute, which could have otherwise left Kane with an easy chance to score.

Overall, it was a confident performance from the Colombian who would be disappointed with the fact that his efforts could not prevent his nation from getting eliminated from the 2018 FIFA World Cup. Sanchez did not deserve to be on the losing side with such a commanding display.

#4 Worst: Falcao

Falcao found it tough coming up against a resolute English defence

Falcao looked far from impressive in the 2018 FIFA World Cup, having scored only one goal in the group stage. Tuesday night's Round of 16 clash against England was a perfect opportunity for El Tigre to help his side reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup.

Sadly, the veteran could not grasp the opportunity and found it tough coming up against a resolute England defence. Falcao was well marshalled by the likes of Harry Maguire, John Stones and often cut an isolated figure in advanced areas of the pitch, missing some glorious chances to help his side restore parity.

Falcao made life easy for the English defence and midfield by not pressing and often waited for a chance to fall on the platter instead of making any effort to win the ball back or create chances for his teammates. The smart runs behind the defence, which Falcao is famous for, were missing and there was no intent in a lacklustre display from Colombia's captain.

The Colombian had 2/3 shots off target, lost 13/19 duels and was dispossessed on 6 occasions. It was a classic case of a chance gone begging for Falcao. He failed to deliver when his side needed him the most.

#3 Best: Kieran Trippier

Trippier put in a solid shift for England

Kieran Trippier produced an excellent display against Colombia in the Round of 16, defending in a composed manner for most parts of the game. Trippier was given the responsibility of keeping Colombia's left-hand side of attack in check, which he did with great composure.

The Englishman worked hard and used his vast expanse of energy to maraud up and down the pitch, positioning himself in some vital areas and providing some wonderful crosses to Harry Kane. Trippier notably provided an inch-perfect cross to Harry Kane which was headed over the bar in the first half.

Trippier also used his direct approach to keep the likes of Johan Mojica on the back foot and defended resolutely against the likes of Juan Cuadrado and Juan Quintero, giving them no space to turn and provide through balls. He often pressurised the Colombian forwards by pressing them in vital areas of the pitch, thereby not allowing them to have enough time on the ball.

England's Right Wing Back exhibited some really great composure by calmly scoring his penalty in the shootout. Trippier accurately provided 3/5 long balls and won 14 of his 19 duels, which is an outstanding success percentage for a Wing Back.

#2 Worst: Wilmar Barrios

Barrios disappointed in the holding role

Colombia's manager, Jose Pekerman, made two changes from the squad that defeated Senegal in the final group stage game with Wilmar Barrios and Jefferson Lerma coming in for Mateus Uribe and James Rodriguez.

Barrios occupied the defensive midfielder role, with Carlos Sanchez and Jefferson Lerma forming the midfield triumvirate. Colombia's defensive midfielder on the night did not make full use of the opportunity handed to him and fluffed his lines on numerous occasions. His positioning was all over the place and tackling erratic.

Barrios was constantly troubled by the pace of England's forwards, particularly Raheem Sterling and gave away possession in vital areas of the pitch, which resulted in England counter swiftly. The Colombian behaved irresponsibly and was nearly sent off for headbutting Jordan Henderson in the first half, for which he was yellow carded.

Moreover, Barrios won only 50% of his duels (7/14 duels) which is paltry for a defensive midfielder. As stated earlier, it can be said that Barrios did not make full use of the opportunity he was provided with.

#1 Best: Harry Kane

Kane has been England's standout performer in the 2018 FIFA World Cup

Before the World Cup started, many critics questioned Gareth Southgate's decision of making Harry Kane the captain. Kane, like always, proved all critics wrong with his stellar display for the Three Lions.

Kane continued his fine form in the World Cup after a stellar display against Colombia. England's captain scored his sixth goal in the World Cup after calmly slotting the ball past a hapless David Ospina from the penalty spot.

England's main man worked hard throughout the game and dropped deep to create spaces for England's winger to exploit. Kane was relentless in his pressing, smart in his movements off the ball and was unlucky not to add to his tally due to some excellent defensive work from Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez.

England's talismanic striker won 20/25 duels, 11/15 aerial duels, made a key pass and drew some smart fouls during the game. Overall, it was a Man of the Match performance from Harry Kane, who played an integral role in helping England qualify for the Quarter Finals where they play Sweden.