ENGLAND WORLD CUP CAMPAIGN 2018 -- KNOCKOUT STAGE VS COLOMBIA

KNOCKOUT ROUND OF 16
TUESDAY 3rd JULY 2018
COLOMBIA vs ENGLAND
[KICK OFF 7PM (BST)]
 -- Otkritie Arena, Moscow

England managed to survive their group despite a final game defeat 1-0 to Belgium and as runners up we enter the knockout phase against Colombia. The South American side won Group H beating Senegal in their final game and have some World Class stars in Radamel Falcao and the golden boot winner from 2014 James Rodriguez, though he did go off injured and might be a doubt to start against England on Tuesday (he's not playing, not even on the bench). This is going to be a test and we've not done that well against South American opponents of late (Panama aside of course) I can see this being a nervy start and a low scoring contest. An early goal for England would be a good way to steady those nerves in the stadium and the millions watching at home as our record in the knockout games in major competitions is poor to say the least, would also be great if we didn't have to rely on Harry Kane all the time too and perhaps a pep talk from the coaches of the recently successful England U19/U17 youth teams would help. 

The nation hasn't been this confident about an England success since Euro 96, don't let it go to penalties guys, bring it home. (England are 9/1 to win on pens, should be at least a zero on the end of that?).

Starting XI's confirmed;

COLOMBIA
Ospina (GK),  Arias,  Mina,  D Sánchez,  Mojica,  Barrios,  C Sánchez,  Lerma,  Ju Cuadrado,  Falcao (c),  Quintero

Subs -- Vargas (Gk),  Jo Cuadrado(Gk),  Zapata,  Murillo,  Bacca,  Aguilar,  Muriel,  Uribe,  Díaz,  Izquierdo

ENGLAND
Pickford (Gk),  Maguire,  Stones,  Walker,  Henderson,  Trippier,  Lingard,  Alli,  Young,  Sterling,  Kane (c)

Subs -- Butland (Gk),  Pope (Gk),  Dier,  Alexander-Arnold,  Loftus-Cheek,  Rose,  Vardy,  Cahill,  Jones,  Welbeck,  Delph,  Rashford

Referee --  MARK GEIGER (USA) An experienced official Mark has been on the FIFA list for past ten years as well as being highly regarded in the MLS, he is taking charge of his second World Cup tournament having officiated in Brazil last time.

HT Score --  0 - 0.

FT Result --  1 - 1 
Mina 90+3'                  Kane 56' pen. 

England WON 4-3 on Penalties.
Yes really we finally won a penalty shoot out in the World Cup.

Comment -- A positive opening 20 mins by England although no real saves required by Ospina in the Colombia goal there's plenty of set piece action and pace going forwards which is nice to see for a change.

Only one more real chance of note and Colombia are also lucky to still have 11 on the field, should have been a red card and they really need to group up a bit. Half Time 0-0

More nonsense and childish fouls in the second half and a ridiculous foul on Harry Kane gives the England striker a simple chance from the spot, England take a deserved lead and now should be plain sailing, loads of yellow cards too and cannot see this ending 11 vs 11 with 30 mins to play.

So close and yet so far, 93 mins and Mina scores an equaliser shortly after an amazing save by Pickford from Mateus Uribe. We have extra time and possibly the dreaded penalties. AND WE DO IT ON PENS !!! COME ON ENGLAND. IT'S COMING HOME. 

PISS OFF YOU CHEATING SCUMMY COLOMBIAN TWATS.