Gung ho England upbeat against injury-hit Colombia
Updated 13:05, 06-Jul-2018
Sports Scene
["china"]
After the World Cup draw opened up invitingly for Harry Kane's team, England chase their first win in a tournament knockout match for 12 years tonight as they face Colombia. In a tournament full of surprises, Gareth Southgate's young England team are the only former champions left in the lower half of the draw following the shock exit of Spain. If England get past Jose Pekerman's tough South American side in Moscow, they would play the winners of Tuesday's other last-16 tie between Sweden and Switzerland before a potential semi-final against Russia or Croatia. 
Despite a growing sense of optimism over England's chances in Russia, manager Southgate is warning his team against thinking too far ahead. England, who won their only World Cup in 1966, have a dreadful record in major tournaments, and have not won a knockout match since they beat Ecuador in the 2006 World Cup. "I think we've been in this position before many times over the last however many years," Southgate said.  "It's pointless about us even thinking about what might happen after tomorrow's game. We're focusing on tomorrow's performance and then maybe things will fall into place." 
Radamel Falcao leads his team mates in prayer before the Colombia training session at Spartak Stadium, Moscow. /VCG Photo

Radamel Falcao leads his team mates in prayer before the Colombia training session at Spartak Stadium, Moscow. /VCG Photo

Southgate used England's shock defeat to tiny Iceland in the last 16 of Euro 2016 as a warning not to get carried away. England scored eight goals in their opening two matches, beating Tunisia 2-1 with a late Kane goal before thrashing Panama 6-1. They then lost 1-0 to Belgium as Southgate made wholesale changes. Kane, the tournament's top marksman with five goals in two matches, will be desperate to get back on the scoresheet as he hunts the Golden Boot. Dele Alli is fully fit and could return in midfield after missing the past two games, but Colombia star James Rodriguez remains a doubt. 
The Bayern Munich midfielder limped off with a calf problem during the first half of Colombia's 1-0 win over Senegal but Pekerman said the injury was not serious. Radamel Falcao will pose another threat to England's defense. The striker is back on top form at Monaco after two dismal years at Manchester United and Chelsea. 
(With agency input)