SANCHEZ: WE CAN WIN IT WITHOUT JAMES

ENGLAND have been given a huge double boost ahead of their crunch last-16 game against Colombia.

Three Lions playmaker Dele Alli is fit to face Jose Pekerman’s side on Tuesday night, but James Rodriguez looks set to miss out for the South Americans.

Spurs star Alli has recovered from a thigh injury he picked up in the opening game against Tunisia, and is in line to return for Gareth Southgate.

But his Colombian counterpart Pekerman is making his plans without having Rodriguez available.

The 26-year-old had a scan to discover the extent of the damage – and Pekerman has been told that it would be a huge risk to play him. The Real Madrid forward – who spent last season on loan at Bayern Munich – was the star of the tournament four years ago, with six goals as Colombia reached the quarterfinals. But he arrived in Russia with a calf problem. Pekerman left him out of the opening game against Japan, but a 2-1 defeat forced him to ask Rodriguez to play through the pain barrier during the 3-0 victory over Poland.

When Colombia then beat Senegal to move into the last 16, Rodriguez lasted just 30 minutes.

Even if Rodriguez is missing, his team-mate Carlos Sanchez believes they have the strength to cope – and beat – England.

Sanchez (inset) said: “I think that James is a reference point for us, but I’m sure that if he is not there there are others.

“Whoever comes in for him I’m sure will make the difference.

“All the players are excited to play.

“We will work to get the result that we need to reach the next round.”