ENGLAND’S POSSIBLE NEXT OPPONENTS

We find out whether England win or come second in Group G after the Belgium clash on Thursday, and then a quarter-final place will be up for grabs against one of these three teams..

JAPAN

STRENGTHS: Quick and agile forwards, Yuya Osako and Takashi Inui capable of getting in behind defenders and causing teams problems. Left-back Yuto Nagamto, who set up a goal against Senegal, likes to push forward and is capable of causing problems in advanced positions.

WEAKNESSES: Lack of physicality against more powerful, athletic opposition, and particularly at set-pieces, from which England have been so effective in Russia. Goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima was at fault for Senegal’s first goal and has not looked completely assured at this World Cup.

SENEGAL

STRENGTHS: Led by Liverpool’s imperious forward Sadio Mane (below), Senegal have a strong attack, with quick-thinking minds and powerful physiques. Against Japan they had a superior height advantage when it came to set-pieces and have begun their two matches in Russia with real pace and intensity.

WEAKNESSES: Senegal have shown a tendency to drop off in their opening two World Cup games, starting at a frenetic pace but being unable to maintain it. They dropped off against Poland and Japan, and were defensively vulnerable in both games, with keeper Khadim Ndiaye looking a particularly weak link.

COLOMBIA

STRENGTHS: An attack of Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado would force Gareth Southgate to go man-to-man if he persevered with his three-man defence. Rodriguez and Cuadrado were outstanding, while Falcao’s strike could spark him into life.

WEAKNESSES: Little creativity apart from Juan Quintero in the centre of midfield. Goalscorer Yerry Mina is a powerful presence at the back, but can be rash in the tackle. Wing-back Santiago Arias looks a liability and keeper David Ospina is far from consistent.