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Colombia danger men: Who do England need to watch out for?

| 03.07.2018
SPORTSBOOK ODDS

Who could run riot for Colombia?

England take on Colombia in the last-16 of the World Cup. A win would seal the Three Lions’ first knock-out stage win in 12 years.

Gareth Southgate’s men picked up six points from two games against Tunisia and Panama. But after making wholesale changes they were downed 1-0 by Belgium to set up the tie with La Tricolor.

Colombia are the only team to qualify for the round of sixteen after losing their first game.

But they recovered to dispatch Poland 3-0 as well as a narrow victory over Senegal.

The one blow for the La Cafeteros was the injury to James Rodriguez. The Coral News Team look at who could step up if their star-man is side-lined.

Juan Fernando Quintero

A childhood friend of James, the creative burden will rest on the 25-year-old’s shoulders.

The World Cup is often the stage for relative unknowns to find stardom. And whilst Quintero has been playing on the European stage from a young age it’s only now he is reminding us of his quality.

He is currently on his third loan spell away from parent club FC Porto. But he has found it difficult to get regular game-time in the last three seasons.

Nonetheless, he’s led the way in Russia ever since he scored an inventive free-kick against Japan in the tournament opener.

He may get the chance to play in the coveted number 10 role against England and if he gets time on the ball he can cause some serious problems.

Yerry Mina

Mina may not be the fast, wiry winger than Juan Cuadrado is or have the exposure Davinson Sanchez had this season, but he is still pivotal to his team.

After al, the 23-year-old is a Barcelona player. He made the move to the Nou Camp in January from Brazilian side Palmeiras.

But while he only made a handful of club appearances it’s in the colours of Colombia he’s come to the fore.

His defensive partnership with Sanchez is drawing increasing praise but it’s at the other of the pitch he’s done the most damage.

Mina has notched two goals already. More crucially it’s been two headers that England will have to be wary of.

Three Lions have looked dangerous from set-pieces themselves but will need to show their mettle here.

Radamel Falcao

This has been a relatively quiet World Cup for Radamel Falcao, but he remains a deadly finisher in front of goal.

His strike against Poland was of a man that has re-found his scoring touch since his ill-fated spell in the Premier League.

He was arguably the game’s most clinical or at least feared forward during his time with Atletico Madrid.

El Tigre tore Chelsea apart in the 2012 Super Cup Final notching a hat-trick in what was his most prolific period.

But Falcao has netted 39 goals in Ligue 1 in the two seasons since his return and will be hungry to stop England in their tracks.

The Monaco man only needs one chance to score and his mere presence will be a threat throughout.

World Cup previews, betting tips and insight – Coral have it all.

All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing

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Author

Charlie Dear