England’s second-string players were given a reality check at Kaliningrad as they lost to Belgium. However, against Colombia, manager Gareth Southgate should revert to his preferred XI which performed fantastically against Tunisia and Panama.
The Three Lions’ game against Colombia will be no cakewalk. Although the South Americans are expected to start without their star man James Rodriguez, they have enough quality to hurt the European side. The likes of Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero, etc. have the quality to dislodge any defence.
England must regain their scoring touch which they gathered in the first two group games.
Dele Alli had an injury scare against Tunisia and didn’t feature in the subsequent two games. He is likely to start whilst Ruben Loftus-Cheek has done no harm to his reputation. John Stones was substituted during half-time against Belgium but if deemed fit, the Manchester City centre-back should start.
The 24-year-old didn’t do much owing to easy outings in the first pair of games. However, he was called to action against Belgium and was somewhat circumspect. Colombia will provide more work for him without a doubt.
The 28-year-old right-back has converted into right centre-back has done well so far. He had to adjust to a different position but his passing accuracy and flexibility are impeccable. He can be rash at times but overall, he is the perfect man for England at the back.
If John Stones is fit enough to start the next game, he will surely do it against Colombia. The centre-back boasts of a fabulous passing ability and great defensive senses. He can also make recovery runs if caught higher up.
Along with Stones, Maguire can play out from the back with ease. The bulky centre-back can carry the ball and also has the propensity to recover quickly. His ability in the air makes him a deadly candidate in both boxes for the opposition. England have done well with corners and Colombia must deploy a man-marker for the Leicester City defender.
The Spurs player has done well in his first major tournament. His well-timed forward runs are always a threat for the opposition. Hs impeccable set-piece deliveries have taken his importance level to another level in the team. In addition to all that, the 27-year-old can also defend in the wide areas.
No one expected Ashley Young to take part in this World Cup. The Manchester United left-back has done wonders to revitalize his career in a full-back/wing-back position. The 32-year-old has performed well thus far and will continue to keep his place despite competition from Danny Rose.
The Liverpool captain was given an opportunity against Tunisia because Eric Dier had a minor injury scare. But the way Henderson has performed so far, he should receive a start against Colombia. The 28-year-old’s passing from the midfield along with his defensive cover is admirable.
Lingard struggled to finish off his chances against Tunisia but was back to his best against Panama. The 25-year-old scored a stunning goal against Los Canaleros to embark on his World Cup journey. But he must do some defensive work to justify his position against Colombia.
Alli didn’t play against Panama and Belgium as a result of his injury scare against Tunisia. However, he is expected to get back into the starting line-up despite stern competition from Loftus-Cheek.
Sterling was at the receiving end of slight criticism when he couldn’t do much against Tunisia. That said, a player like him needs just one moment of brilliance to click into gear again. Southgate must believe in him and provide him with a start against Colombia.
The 24-year-old has netted five times in two games to enhance his chances of winning the Golden Boot. England’s marvellous captain must continue scoring and continue his excellent form against Colombia as well.
