Colombia – England Prediction & Picks (03.07.2018)

Colombia and England meet at Otkrytiye Arena, in a match for this phase of the World Cup (8th Finals). There is no recent record of direct confrontations between these two teams, who have not played any matches in the last 3 years. The last time they met was on 05-05-2005, in a match that ended with the final score: Colombia (2-3) England.

Colombia:

The team reaches this stage of the World Cup (8th Finals) after having finished the group stage in the 1st position of Group H, with 6 points won. In the last 10 games Colombia has 4 wins, 3 draws and 3 losses. Their attack has scored regularly, since they have scored goals in 8 of the last 10 matches. In 15 matches, they suffered the first goal 5 times and only managed 1 comeback.

Colombia leaves for these eighth finals after having won the 1st position of Group H, with 6 points, the result of 2 wins and 1 loss. The last victory in this World Cup was against the selection of Senegal, by 0-1, in a game in which Mina scored the only goal of the team. In this game against England, coach José Néstor Pékerman must act in the usual 4-3-3, but with a fairly defensive strategy, since the opponent has players of great individual value. It is important to note that the strengths of the Colombians are in the offensive sector: Cuadrado is a very fast player and exempt in the offensive transition. In doubt for this game is James Rodriguez, due to muscle problems.

England:

The team got access to this phase of the World Cup (8th Finals) after the 2nd place won in Group G, with a total of 6 points. In the last 10 matches for all competitions, England have won 6, tied 3 and lost 1. Their offense has scored frequently, since they have scored goals in 7 of the last 10 matches. In their matches there is a tendency to have few goals, since 9 of the last 22 matches have ended with Under 1,5 goals. In the last 20 matches for all competitions there is 1 period that stands out: they have suffered 7 of their 14 goals between minutes (76′-90 ‘).

England leaves for this match with a defeat against Belgium by 0-1, thus adding the first snub in this World Cup. We remember that the English arrive at this stage of the competition after having finished in the second position of Group G, with 6 points won. In this game against Colombia it will be expected that coach Gareth Southgate will risk again in the 3-5-2, privileging possession of the ball and organized attacks, always with Lingard and Sterling as responsible for leading the team for the attack. It is important to emphasize that the English team has great offensive quality and a competent defensive sector in the air game. Harry Kane is one of the great highlights of the England team, being the best score, with 5 goals scored. For this game the coach has doubted the central defender Stones, due to an injury.