Breaking down England’s World Cup adventure in Russia

COLUMBIA – Round of 16, matchday 4
Final score: 1-1 – England win on penalties

Columbia finished top of Group H but went into this second round clash without their star player James Rodriguez, who picked up a knock in their final group game.

Despite still having a starting XI containing influential players such as Cuadrado, Quintero and Radamel Falcao, Jose Perkerman’s side quite clearly set up to stifle England in the first half and put most of their men behind the ball.

Chances were few and far between and the game became a battle the longer it wore on, particularly as American referee Mike Geiger lost control of proceedings. Columbia looked intent on kicking lumps out of Southgate’s players, only really being punished once for their actions.

That punishment took the form of a penalty for Harry Kane, who after being hauled down in the box, stepped up to fire the ball into the net and give England the lead after 57 minutes.

From that moment on England appeared to sit back and finally the Columbian’s began to show off their attacking talent. They finally wore down their opponent’s resistance in the 93rd minute, as Mina headed home from a corner to take the game into extra time.

Kane and company were shellshocked and struggled in the first half of extra time before having something of a resurgence in the second. However, this match was destined to be decided by penalties.

Eric Dier dispatched the final penalty as the 3 lions did what no other England side had ever managed to do in previous World Cup’s – win a penalty shootout.

Southgate had led his country to its first major tournament semifinal since 2006 and his team had displayed a mental strength beyond their years, despite again struggling to manufacture openings consistently.