Gareth Southgate has recalled the majority of England’s first choice starters as they look to overcome a talented Colombia side in the Fifa World Cup round of 16 match this evening.
The South American side go into the match without star man James Rodriguez who has failed a late fitness test that sees him start the match from the bench.
The Bayern Munich playmaker limped out of Colombia’s last group fixture against Senegal with many fearing that would be the last of James’ contribution in this summer’s tournament due to a calf injury.
For England, they name exactly the same line-up as the side that defeated Tunisia in the opening match of Group G.
Dele Alli – who missed out against both Panama and Belgium respectively due to a minor thigh strain – leads the notable returns to the first-team as England aim to progress into the quarterfinals.
England captain and World Cup ‘Golden Boot’ contender – scorer of five goals in two matches – Harry Kane leads the line with both Raheem Sterling and Jesse Lingard occupying the attacking positions previously taken by Jamie Vardy and Marcus Rashford.
Here it is: the official #ThreeLions teamsheet for tonight's game against Colombia.
pic.twitter.com/kaX9eH69P1
— England (@England) July 3, 2018
Despite coming under small criticism for his performance against Belgium, Jordan Pickford unsurprisingly keeps his place in goal with the Three Lions hoping to keep a clean sheet for the first time at this year’s World Cup competition.
The back three returns to Manchester City pairing John Stones and Kyle Walker with Leicester City man Harry Maguire making just his ninth England appearance this evening in Moscow.
Meanwhile, the absence of James Rodriguez sees Juan Fernando Quintero step into the starting line-up with Falcao and Juan Cuadrado once again leading the attack for the team in yellow, with their pace and movement a potential problem for England’s defence.
Tottenham Hotspur man Davison Sanchez comes up against club teammates Kane and Alli as he lines up alongside centre-back partner Yerry Mina, who has already scored twice in two matches for the Colombians.
Both sides come into this match knowing the winner will face Sweden in the next round and either Russia or Croatia in the semi-final if they can progress further in the tournament.
Reaction – James Rodriguez doesn’t start!
James Rodriguez obviously knew it wasn't worth him wasting any effort.
You can't defeat destiny.
— Peter Jeffery (@PeterJeffery7) July 3, 2018
James Rodriguez is on the bench!! #COL pic.twitter.com/xZoey4uuPI
— Sunny Randhawa (@SunnyRandhawa) July 3, 2018
James Rodriguez starts on the bench. Good start for England #ENGCOL
— Sean Gavin (@SEANEENGAVIN) July 3, 2018
James Rodriguez doesn’t start yessss
—
OFFICIAL: It's coming home
— 990077
(@PowerfulFirmino) July 3, 2018
Football’s coming home…..we hope
Former footballers, pundits and fans alike all share one common dream…football’s coming home (fingers crossed).
I know it’s early but……. CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEEEEE ON @England
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 3, 2018
England beat Columbia tonight and you can go all the way to the final there is no team we can’t beat! This is our biggest game for along time with so many fancied team already gone home. Come on boys we can do it, COME ON ENGLAND !!! @England @FIFAWorldCup
— Peter Shilton (@Peter_Shilton) July 3, 2018
I'm so incredibly nervous for tonight. Never been so nervous for an England game.
— Cameron
England to win. Expect nothing less than a Harry Kane masterclass.
— Josh Wright (@joshwright663) July 3, 2018
If England win tonight, Southgate is a genius for basically fielding a weak team v Belgium, if we lose, it’s massively backfired and deserves criticism tbh
— * (@RxmeroReflexes) July 3, 2018
Do us proud England. Huge huge game tonight
— Barney (@barneyfeek) July 3, 2018
The post Colombia vs England confirmed XIs: James Rodriguez fails late fitness test appeared first on Squawka News.
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