Harry Kane is expected to return to England's starting XI against Colombia
England and Colombia clash in the World Cup last 16 on Tuesday with Gareth Southgate urging his side to make their own history with a rare knockout stage win.
England made a positive impression in the early stages of the tournament and are now looking to reach the quarter-finals for the first time since 2006.
"It is 10 years since we have won a knockout fixture," said the England head coach at his pre-match press conference on Monday.
"For this team, this is a brilliant opportunity to go beyond where more experienced teams have before them. The lads have got the chance to write their own stories."
The tournament is considered wide open following the elimination of Germany, Spain and Argentina, but Southgate refuses to get carried away with his team's chances.
"We have been in this position before many times over the last however many years," he added. "It is pointless to think about what might happen after the game here.
0:57 Former Aston Villa and Colombia forward Juan Pablo Angel says there is a 'different atmosphere' in English football under Gareth Southgate Former Aston Villa and Colombia forward Juan Pablo Angel says there is a 'different atmosphere' in English football under Gareth Southgate
"We will focus on the game and our performance and everything will fall into place from there.
"Maybe the teams who aren't here weren't as strong this time. If teams are beating Spain and Germany they have also got to be respected. We haven't even discussed anything beyond [Tuesday]."
For Colombia, doubts still persist over whether star man James Rodriguez will be fit to start for the South Americans in Moscow.
James, 26, went off injured during Colombia's 1-0 win over Senegal on Thursday that saw Jose Pekerman's side seal top spot in Group H.
Jose Pekerman (right) is confident James will be fit to face England
The playmaker missed training on Friday and Saturday, and a scan subsequently showed he has a swelling in his right calf, though the Colombian football federation says the muscle is not torn.
The Colombia boss is confident James will be fit to start at the Otkritie Arena: "We had good news after his medical tests. After his MRI (scan) we knew that he doesn't have a serious injury.
"We still have one-and-a-half days to see how he feels, and as always we hope that he will be able to play in the following games."
0:46 Colombia have the quality to derail England's World Cup hopes, says Dennis Wise Colombia have the quality to derail England's World Cup hopes, says Dennis Wise
If the Golden Boot winner at the 2014 World Cup misses the game, though, Pekerman suggested Sevilla forward Luis Muriel could replace him in the starting XI.
"Muriel is an option," he said. "He was great during the match against Senegal.
"He was able to change the pace, he's technically gifted and really fast. He works well with the team."
Team news
England are expected to revert to the side that started against Tunisia. That means midfielder Dele Alli has recovered from the thigh injury he picked up in that opening Group G win.
England midfielder Dele Alli has recovered from a thigh problem
Meanwhile, Colombia are set to make a late decision on James' fitness. However, fellow midfielder Abel Aguilar is likely to feature having recovered from the muscle problem that saw him sit out that final Group H win.
Opta stats
0:31 Forward Raheem Sterling says he has not booked any post-tournament holidays because he is too wrapped up in England's World Cup campaign Forward Raheem Sterling says he has not booked any post-tournament holidays because he is too wrapped up in England's World Cup campaign
England are unbeaten against Colombia, having faced them five times previously (W3 D2). Their last encounter dates back to May 2005 in New Jersey. England won 3-2 thanks to a Michael Owen hat-trick
England beat Colombia in their only previous World Cup encounter thanks to goals from Darren Anderton and David Beckham (2-0), it was in the group stages of the 1998 tournament. Current England boss Gareth Southgate was an unused sub that night
Colombia have reached the knockout stages of the World Cup for the third time but it's the first time they have accomplished it in consecutive tournaments (1990, 2014, 2018). The only previous occasion they've gone past the round of 16 was in 2014
Three of Colombia's five goals at this year's World Cup have come from set-pieces (two from corners, one from direct free kick) whilst England scored more goals from dead-ball situations than any other team in the group stages (6)
Colombia have scored in each of their last eight World Cup games, the longest current run of any team as of the end of the 2018 group stages. The last time Colombia failed to find the net in the tournament was in June 1998 against England (0-2)
None of Colombia's 21 games at the World Cup has ended goalless. In fact, only the USA (33) and Austria (29) have played more games in the competition without ever registering a 0-0
England have won only two of their last eight knockout games at the World Cup (v Denmark in 2002, v Ecuador in 2006). They had progressed in six of their eight previous games in the knockout phase
1:30 Danny Welbeck says set pieces have been key for England Danny Welbeck says set pieces have been key for England
Predictions
Merse: I watched Colombia the other day and there's nothing to be scared of there for England. They are dangerous at set plays but we are as good as anybody at set plays. In truth, they've been poor and they also had James Rodriguez limp out of the Senegal game which is a concern for them.
I was sat there watching the Belgium game and hoping England didn't score. If we don't get to the last four I'd be shocked. At the start of the tournament we were saying that if we'd get past the quarter-finals it'd be great but if we don't get to a semi-final now it won't have been a very good tournament.
PAUL PREDICTS: 0-2
1:33 Gary Neville believes England should be optimistic about their World Cup chances and is bemused by the criticism levelled at Gareth Southgate for resting key players against Belgium Gary Neville believes England should be optimistic about their World Cup chances and is bemused by the criticism levelled at Gareth Southgate for resting key players against Belgium
Charlie: So England have dropped into the half of the draw which has an easier route to the final. Well, there is no easy route to the final because there are tough teams waiting at every turn. You ask the Germans now whether they'd like to be in the hard side of the draw and they'd all be nodding their heads.
England will have a very difficult game against Colombia in my opinion. The only thing that gives England a very slight edge is the injury scare to James Rodriguez. If he's out it's a massive blow for Colombia, however, don't be fooled into thinking the South Americans are not a threat. They are a very dangerous side and a very physical one at that.
It's a very tight game to call. I'm going for 1-1 in 90 minutes but England will benefit from resting a few last Thursday and I think the tide will turn in their favour in extra-time. I see one of England's substitutes coming on and making all the difference in the extra 30 minutes.
CHARLIE PREDICTS: 1-1 - England to win in extra time
Is it actually coming home? On Tuesday we will find out as England look to win their first knockout game at a major tournament since 2006 when they beat Ecuador 1-0 thanks to a David Beckham free-kick.
This time it’s Colombia, Ecuador’s South American neighbours, who stand in their way of a quarter-final place, who have doubts over their star player James Rodriguez despite managing to top their group.
England’s unlikely route to the final opens up after Colombia, who represent arguably their toughest test in this side of the draw, but with so many big scalps already taken, anything is possible in Moscow.
Follow all the live action below…
Live Updates
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What time is it?
The game kicks off at 7pm BST in Moscow.
Where can I watch it?
The game will be shown live on ITV and the ITV Hub, with coverage starting from 6.15pm BST.
Odds:
Colombia: 3/1
England: 23/20
Draw after 90 minutes: 2/1
Prediction:
Colombia 1-1 England (England win on penalties). It’s pretty unlikely, because England don’t win shootouts, but Germany don’t go out at the group stage so who knows?
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Colombia vs England: TV channel, live stream, squad news & preview
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Colombia are still waiting on the extent of James Rodriguez's injury while England will be aiming to bounce back from their defeat to Belgium
Colombia and England will be looking secure a quarter-final spot in the World Cup when they face off in a last 16 tie at the Otkrytie Arena on Tuesday.
The South American side topped their group despite a surprise opening fixture loss to Japan, while England finished as runners-up to Belgium after impressive performances against Tunisia and Panama.
The fitness of James Rodriguez is still uncertain for Colombia as the forward limped off at half-time against Senegal. The Bayern Munich man has already impressed so far this tournament, continuing his excellent form from Brazil four years ago.
Here is everything you need to know ahead of the last 16 fixture, with the winner facing off against either Switzerland or Sweden in the quarter-finals.
Game England vs Colombia Date Tuesday, July 3 Time 8pm BST / 2pm ET Stream (US only) fubo TV (7-day free trial)
TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch
In the United States (US), the game can be watched live and on-demand with fuboTV (7-day free trial).
New users can sign up for a free seven-day trial of the live sports streaming service, which can be accessed via iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon Fire TV, Roku and Apple TV as well as on a web browser.
US TV channel Online stream FOX / Telemundo fubo TV (7-day free trial)
In the United Kingdom (UK), the game can be watched live on TV on ITV or streamed live online using the ITV Player.
UK TV channel Online stream ITV ITV Player
Squads & Team News
Position Colombia players Goalkeepers Ospina, Vargas, Cuadrado Defenders Zapata, Sanchez, Arias, Murillo, Fabra, Mojica, Mina Midfielders Barrios, Sanchez, Lerma, Izquierdo, Rodriguez, Aguilar, Uribe, Quintero, Cuadrado Forwards Falcao, Borja, Bacca, Muriel
Colombia's main injury concern is that of Rodriguez, who was forced off the pitch in the fixture against Senegal after just 30 minutes.
Potential Colombia XI: Ospina; Arias, Mina, Sanchez, Mojica; Sanchez, Uribe; Cuadrado, Quintero, Rodriguez; Falcao.
Position England players Goalkeepers Pickford, Butland, Pope Defenders Walker, Stones, Maguire, Rose, Alexander-Arnold, Young, Cahill, Jones, Trippier Midfielders Henderson, Dier, Alli, Lingard, Sterling, Loftus-Cheek, Delph Forwards Kane, Vardy, Rashford, Welbeck
Tottenham star Dele Alli has returned to full fitness after being ruled out of the previous two fixtures due to a thigh problem, and John Stones is also available for selection after picking up a knock in the defeat to Belgium.
Fabian Delph travelled home after the Belgium game for the birth of his third child, though, and is unlikely to feature against Colombia.
Both Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Kyle Walker are one booking away from being suspended for the following game.
Potential England XI: Pickford; Trippier, Walker, Stones, Maguire, Young; Henderson, Lingard, Alli; Sterling, Kane.
Betting & Match Odds
A Colombia win is available at odds of 3/1 according to dabblebet , while a draw is priced at 21/10. A win for England is up for 11/10.
Click here to see all of dabblebet's offers for the game, including goalscoring markets, correct score predictions and more.
Match Preview
Colombia started their World Cup campaign on the wrong foot following an opening 2-1 loss to Japan, but have seemed to return to form with consecutive wins against Poland and Senegal to top their group.
Star forward Rodriguez was on the mark again against Poland as he provided two assists, but the team will be anxiously awaiting news of his fitness ahead of the clash against England as he hobbled off at the 30-minute mark in the win against Senegal.
Fears mounted after reports emerged that such a calf injury would take up to three weeks to completely heal, with any time spent on the pitch before full recovery possibly leading to an exacerbation of the problem.
Colombia boss Jose Pekerman has stated, however, that the injury is 'not serious' and that he is hoping Rodriguez will be available for selection against England.
The Three Lions won their two opening games against Tunisia and Panama but were unable to stretch their run to three unbeaten matches after falling short to Belgium.
Article continues below
England met expectations in the group following their qualification to the last 16, with Harry Kane starring as a contender to win the Golden Boot this summer with five goals to his name.
There were concerns that the loss to Belgium would have stopped their momentum but England will return to full strength against Colombia, with the likes of Alli returning to the squad and Gareth Southgate starting Kane up front once again after he was rested against Belgium.
The winner of the tie will go on to face either Sweden and Switzerland in the quarter-final, with a potential meeting against tournament hosts Russia or Croatia in the semi-finals.
GIUSEPPE CACACE/Getty Images
England will be looking to make a return to the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2006 when they take on Colombia on Tuesday in the final matchup of the round of 16 at Spartak Stadium in Moscow.
The Three Lions will be well prepared after resting a number of starters in a 1-0 loss to Belgium to close out the group stage, while an invigorated Colombia squad aims for a third straight clean-sheet win after claiming top spot in Group H with last Thursday's 1-0 victory over Senegal as -140 favorites.
World Cup betting line: England opened as a +100 favorite (wager $100 to win $100); the total is at two goals, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. (Line updates and matchup report)
World Cup betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 2.1-0.8, Colombia (2018 World Cup picks on every game)
Check out the OddsShark FC podcast on iTunes or at OddsSharkFC.libsyn.com for more odds information, betting picks and a breakdown of this week’s top World Cup betting news.
Colombia vs. England World Cup matchup analysis
England hopes to avoid a letdown after sitting several starters in their loss to Belgium as +135 favorites, including Harry Kane, whose five goals in two group stage appearances make him the tournament's leading goalscorer, and a favorite on the Golden Boot odds.
The Three Lions were likely fine with taking that loss, which arguably leaves them with an easier path through the knockout stage. However, it also brought a halt to a 12-match unbeaten streak during which they surrendered just five total goals. While England has not reached the quarter-finals in 12 years, they enjoy a solid record in the round of 16, going 4-2 in six appearances.
Colombia returns to the knockout stage looking to build on their impressive run to the quarter-finals at Brazil 2014. The Cafeteros have shown steady improvement since opening the tournament with a sloppy 2-1 loss to Japan as -120 chalk, posting decisive wins over Poland and Senegal, but have failed to record three straight victories since marching to a third-place finish at the Copa America Centenario.
The South Americans are also winless in three previous meetings with England, including a 2-0 loss in the group stage of the 1998 World Cup, but own a 5-2-0 win-draw-loss record in their past seven meetings with European opponents across all competitions.
All 2018 World Cup odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report’s official odds partner, OddsShark. Check out OddsShark on Twitter and Instagram or head to YouTube for more betting picks and analysis on this week's top games. You can also download the free odds tracker app.
