FIFA World Cup 2018 Round of 16 predictions

Match #8 - Colombia vs England

Colombia vs England

The last match of the round of 16 sees the 2014 World Cup quarter-finalists Colombia take on the 1966 World Champions England. It will be the 3rd South American-European clash of the round of 16. Colombia finished as group winners despite losing their opening game against Japan. A 3-0 win against Poland and a 1-0 win against Senegal ensured their qualification. England scraped through against Tunisia in their opening game thanks to a late winner from star man and captain Kane before trouncing Panama 6-1. With most of the first choice players rested they lost 1-0 against Belgium in the final group game to finish as runners-up.

Colombia has the strength in attack to test England's defence which hasn't looked really solid so far. Led by the 2014 World Cup's top scorer James Rodriguez who is ably supported by Falcao, Cuadrado, and Quintero in attack they will look to expose England's inexperienced defence. Surprisingly though their top scorer is defender Yerry Mina who has been a threat from set pieces. Both his goals came from corners. The 2nd which was the vital winner against Senegal to secure qualification. As expected Kane has led the line for England, scoring 5 of their 8 goals although 2 came from the spot and another was a lucky goal which secured his hat-trick against Panama. Lingard is the only other attacker to score with Sterling, Alli, Rashford, and Vardy yet to get on the scoresheet. Kane will need more support if they are to have any chance of progressing into the latter stages of the tournament.

Prediction - Colombia 1-2 England