The fight for the last quarter-final position will decide whether England will be able to reach the quarter finals or Colombia will be able to take their revenge of the 1998 clash. Only one of the two can take the remaining quarter-final berth and keep their dreams alive of lifting the trophy.
As history states, Colombia unfortunately has never been able to beat the Three Lions, with their most recent encounter ending in a 2-0 win for England at France 1998. Jose Pekerman's side sealed their passage into the Round of 16 in Russia with their glorious victory over Senegal but they are yet to fully tap into the attacking potential of a side leased by Radamel Falcao and James Rodriguez.
England won their first few group matches based on individual quality of players like Dele and Harry Kane but their last match against Belgium didn't portray their true strength as Gareth Southgate opted to rest a number of first team regulars. This potential match against the Los Cafeteros will therefore be the time England would show the world its true power side.
Colombia will try their best to recreate their 2014 achievement and reach the last eight for the second time. They aim to do so by dominating possession and controlling the tempo of the game from the very start. Whether or not they will be able to find gaps in England's defence, especially on the wings, as well as stifling their rapid counter-attacks, yet remains to be seen. Gareth Southgate, on the other hand, has left the course to be plotted by his team-mates. The team may be inexperienced but the combination of talent, self-confidence and vitality has served them well in Russia. If this ensemble manages to win then it would help their country to truly believe in the absconding World Cup glory.
