Preview: England primed for the Colombian test

Since firing what still strikes as an avoidable blank against Belgium, every single minute of any discussion concerned with England has been dedicated to either decrying Gareth Southgate, or decrying his critics. No-in betweens here.

But the time for this banausic, crotchety kerfuffle is up, as England face Colombia in their most important game for over a decade.

Never in all these years of hurt has there been such optimism surrounding an English camp going into the knockout rounds, let alone the belief that the dream of conquering is realistic and therefore achievable.

With Germany, Spain, Argentina and Portugal all given their respective valedictory waves, England should rightly be smelling blood, but only with the added caution of not looking so far as to be oblivious of the threat that awaits them. For now, that threat is the Colombian team.

The Los Cafeteros have been blowing hot and cold all summer, switching constantly from bad to good, depressive to impressive and predictable to unpredictable. This is where the real danger lies. With Colombia, you never know what you’re going to get, and that sometimes plays the game into their hands because of the opponent’s complacency.

England have to be very careful to not underestimate them in any way. Even if James Rodriguez doesn’t play, the presence of Luis Muriel, Juan Quintero and Radamel Falcao should remind the Three Lions of the arsenal that the South Americans would still be in possession of.

It’s all about the respect that Gareth Southgate’s side show to Colombia. If they go out thinking they’d run them over, that’s not possible – it would be a shot in the foot. The key to this game is maturity. England are a very young side, and it’s easy for them to let eagerness get to the mind, which is completely avoidable.

Big matches like these are often won with calmness and composure. It’s what allows you to keep your head in the game and focus on doing what you know best. England have done it well as yet, so the message remains simple: Stick to what helped you come this far.

SAINT PETERSBURG, RUSSIA – JULY 01: Jesse Lingard of England speaks during the England press confrence on July 1, 2018 in Saint Petersburg, Russia. (Photo by Alex Morton/Getty Images) /

Main Man

All eyes would once again be on Jesse Lingard, the heartbeat of Gareth Southgate’s special England. When he is going well, the team goes well; when he doesn’t, the team doesn’t either – not even Harry Kane.

He has been world-class in both the games he has featured in, but Colombia pose a different challenge altogether. Davinson Sanchez and Yerry Mina are both quick and agile, and better equipped to take care of Lingard’s running in behind

They would know that if they negate the 25-year old, they force England into trying something else, which is exactly when you smell trouble.

However, it’s easier said than done. Given how intelligent and clever Jesse Lingard is with his movement, it’s a test that you would expect him to pass, even if the degree of the difficulty is high. Not that he is not used to doing so.

Quotes

"“It is 10 years since we have won a knockout fixture,” said Gareth Southgate.“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."

Next: Galatasaray make another offer for Leicester City’s Ahmed Musa

Possible XI

Pickford; Walker, Stones, Maguire; Trippier, Lingard; Henderson, Loftus-Cheek, Young; Sterling, Kane.