2018 World Cup Betting Predictions: Colombia vs. England Odds

Colombia fans will be holding their breath on what the starting 11 looks like, in particular a certain number 10.

Colombia vs. England Odds and Betting Analysis

World Cup Betting: Oddsmakers have England the favourite paying +104 for the win.

Date: Tuesday, July 3, 2:00pmET

Otkrytie Arena, Moscow, Russia

These two teams have met five times, with England getting points in each of the games (three wins, two draws). England has kept three clean sheets in their five matches against Colombia. Last time they met was back in 2005, in a 3-2 England win. This has the potential to be a high scoring game, and there will be a temptation to go over the number of 2.5 (+1.59) considering England has averaged 2.7 goals per game, and Colombia has averaged 1.7 goals per game are both in the top six in offence.

Colombia

After dropping the first game of the tournament while under-manned (2-1 vs. Japan), Colombia qualified as group H winner, winning its last two games (Poland, Senegal). That’s the good news, but the bad news, perhaps devastating news is the health of star midfielder James Rodriguez. Rodriguez left the last game versus Senegal in the 31st minute with a calf injury. Manager Jose Pekerman said he was “very worried” about the status of Rodriguez in this elimination game. Officially, it is unknown whether Rodriguez plays in this one. If he doesn’t play, expect Luis Muriel to take his place, but of course don’t expect the same type of impact.

If he misses any or all of this game, expect the offensive emphasis to be placed on Yerry Mina, who has two out of the five goals Colombia has scored in the tournament. Mina is paying +865, great value to score at any time in this game.

England

England won  two of its three round robin games, falling in its last game 1-0 to Belgium. Interesting enough, manager Gareth Southgate, decided to sit many regulars including Jesse Lingard, Raheem Sterling and tournament goals leader Harry Kane. Kane has five goals in the tournament and at Sports Interaction is paying +112 to score another goal. It will be interesting to see how he does considering he’ll be under the watchful eye of fellow Tottenham teammate Davin Sanchez who is likely to start at center-back for Colombia and will have some of that defensive responsibility.

Kane will need some help on offence if England is successful; Jamie Vardy is another name to pay close attention to. The Leiscester City forward is paying +181 to score at any time. Of note, John Stone is doubtful for this contest with a calf injury. He was replaced in England’s game against Belgium.

Colombia vs. England Prediction

England 2 – Colombia 1 (+103)

England will be at full strength once again in this game, as all starters will be on the pitch at the start of the bench. The same cannot be said about Colombia, and if James Rodriguez is unable to play, or is limited, it could be the biggest injury to date at this year’s World Cup.