Colombia trio are a big threat
ENGLAND will face a “different level” of opposition as they look to end their knockout curse.
That is the warning from boss Gareth Southgate, who fears Colombia have at least three world-class players in Radamel Falcao, James Rodriguez and Juan Cuadrado.
It is 12 years since England’s last victory in a knockout game at a major tournament and Southgate said: “We’re now playing a different level of opposition.
“Cuadrado at Juve has been a top, top performer. If you’re at clubs like Bayern and Real Madrid the level is so high it’s a different level to other clubs, so I think these are top players.
“For me, it’s going to be a brilliant game to be involved in. It looked like Colombia had 30,000 to 40,000 fans in the stadium. I went to two of their games in Brazil, they were incredible occasions.
“They have some top players, top attacking players in particular. But we also have some really good players who are full of belief and looking forward to this challenge.
“We’ve the chance to be the team that changes it and wins a knockout game.”