Colombia take on England at the World Cup in Moscow this evening.
England continue their World Cup campaign in Moscow this evening as they take on Colombia in the last 16 of the competition.
The Three Lions came through the group stage with two wins from three games, and they now have a shot at the quarter-finals if they can see off Colombia tonight.
Gareth Southgate’s men will be full of confidence, but Colombia do have plenty of talented players, even if James Rodriguez is a doubt for the game through injury.
The likes of Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, Juan Fernando Quintero and Davinson Sanchez are likely to be key for Colombia, and so will midfielder Wilmar Barrios – if he can land a start.
The Boca Juniors star, 24, turned in a relentless performance as Colombia beat Poland 3-0 last month, and he will be looking for a recall tonight in order to help shackle England’s talented attacking midfield players.
Barrios may be under the microscope for West Bromwich Albion, as El Dia recently reported that the relegated Baggies may be plotting an ambitious move to bring the combative midfielder to England.
Having released Claudio Yacob, West Brom need another gritty, physical and determined defensive midfield player to shield the back four, and Barrios has proven for Boca – and in that game against Poland – that he has what it takes to play that role.
Barrios is young, energetic and loves a tackle, and whilst he would come at a huge cost, West Brom should be pursuing a move to land him as a perfect successor to fellow South American Yacob – especially if he thrives against England tonight.
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