Ospina is up for the fight

from JEREMY CROSS in Repino

DAVID OSPINA insists England have no chance of intimidating Colombia when the teams clash in Moscow tomorrow.

Gareth Southgate’s men are favourites to win and book a place in the quarter-finals for the first time since 2006.

But Colombia have been backed by huge support and are expecting up to 40,000 fans in the capital.

Arsenal keeper Ospina claims those supporters will be like a 12th man and could inspire them to victory.

Colombia reached the last eight in Brazil in 2014 before being beaten 2-1 by the host nation.

Ospina said: “We are a better team than four years ago – we are together, more experienced and a stronger squad of players.

Passion

“The support has been incredible. It has been our inspiration. The support here in Russia has meant everything to us.

“It shows the passion and belief that we have in our country. It’s just amazing how many people have come here.

“It has felt like a home game in every game for us. They make more noise, have more colour and always have more supporters than the rest.

“It shows how much football means to our country. It’s not pressure, it’s strength for us, because we know they support us.

“We have experience, good quality. Our players play in the best clubs, the best leagues and nothing will frighten us.”

The 29-year-old, who has been linked with a move to Fenerbahce, has confirmed he will discuss his Arsenal future when he returns for pre-season training.

James Rodriguez is expected to be fit, despite managing only 30 minutes in the last qualifier against Senegal and then missing training.

The Colombian FA say he is suffering from swelling rather than a torn calf and the leading scorer from the 2014 tournament should be fit to start.