World Cup 2018: Colombia vs England, 3 reasons why England will knock Colombia out of the tournament

Defending champions Germany were eliminated first. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo followed suit. Spain were knocked out by the hosts. Belgium had a scare against Japan.

Colombia England Score and Live Commentary, World Cup 2018

What a World Cup this has been so far!

In France, Uruguay, Russia, Croatia, Brazil and Belgium we have already got six of the eight quarter-finalists which brings us to the last day of the round-of-16 match-ups.

The first game of the day will see Sweden taking on Switzerland but all the buzz is around the second game that will see Colombia and England square off at the Spartak Stadium in Moscow.

England's stock as a potential semifinalist has ostensibly grown, thanks to a measured loss against Belgium and the English fans are absolutely convinced it's coming home.

But it's easier said than done as Harry Kane and co. will be up against a side who had made it to the quarterfinals of the last edition, in Brazil.

The Three Lions haven't won a single knock-out game at a major tournament since 2006 and they will be desperate to get the monkey off their back on Tuesday.

So, can they beat the Colombians to register their first knock-out game victory in years? Here are three reasons why they can. Let's take a look:

#3 A fully-fit and well-rested side

Southgate will have a fully-fit squad to choose his first XI from

The World Cup is a month-long tournament and playing a game every three or four days can be extremely grinding both physically and mentally, especially when most of the players are coming off a long season with their respective clubs.

A manager’s role is vital in terms of keeping important players fresh and available and Gareth Southgate seems to have done quite a good job with the Three Lions squad.

England head into the round of 16 without having had to endure the mental and physical stress of their opponent Colombia. After two successive wins from the first two games, the likes of Harry Kane, Jesse Lingard, and Raheem Sterling were all rested for their third group game against Belgium, meaning they would be fresh and raring to go against the Colombians.

Dele Alli, who suffered a thigh strain after the first game against Tunisia, is back to full fitness as well.

On the other hand, Colombia’s outfield players have played one more energy-sapping game than their English counterparts which may work in England’s favour. What’s worse, they have lost their star player James Rodriguez to a calf injury and he is a doubtful starter heading into this game.

#2 England are superior from set-pieces

Set-pieces are England's strong suit

In an age of ultra-defensive football when goals are hard to come by from open play, set-pieces are of paramount importance.

England arrived at the World Cup without having scored a goal from a corner since 2010. That’s 72 failed attempts in major tournaments but thanks to Gareth Southgate, it’s a thing of the past now.

If reports are to be believed, since the time Southgate took over the team in 2016, they have been practicing set-pieces regularly during training sessions. And clearly it has paid off in Russia.

Out of the eight goals England have scored so far, three have come from corners with the fourth earning a penalty. They have also scored one from a free kick.

Harry Kane, John Stones and Harry Maguire have all come to the party as England look an overwhelming force in this regard. Colombia’s chances of winning the tie will be down to how well they handle the corners and free-kicks.

#1 Harry Kane

Harry Kane has been exceptional for England in Russia

You knew it was coming, all along. Didn't you?

Harry Kane is possibly the world’s best striker at the moment. Strength, speed, power and finishing, he has it all. How else would you explain his 41 goals across all competitions for Tottenham Hotspur last season! Phenomenal is the word.

The 24-year-old hasn't stopped there, and has carried his club form to Russia. With five goals from just two games, he is already leading the race for the golden boot. What’s astounding is the fact that these five goals have come from just six attempts.

The Three Lions skipper will once again be the key man for England against Colombia as he would like to grab the limelight after Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo left the grandest stage.

Should Kane find his game on Tuesday, Jose Pekerman's side will be in for a tough time in the field, that's for sure.