England's World Cup opponents Colombia 'dangerous', says Matt Le Tissier
Gareth Southgate's men face South American side in Moscow on Tuesday
Friday 29 June 2018 10:24, UK
England have a "reasonable chance" of reaching the World Cup semi-finals but must not underestimate a "dangerous" Colombia side in the World Cup last 16, says Matt Le Tissier.
Gareth Southgate's side lost 1-0 to Belgium in their final Group G fixture to finish as runners-up and set up the encounter with their South American opponents on Tuesday.
England had begun the tournament in encouraging fashion with victories over Tunisia and Panama before former Manchester United winger Adnan Januzaj scored the decisive goal in Kaliningrad.
"It was disappointing yesterday but I think you have to put that in reality. I think it was a no-lose situation last night," Le Tissier told Sky Sports.
"We have fallen into the bottom half of the draw which is on paper a little easier but football isn't played on paper. If you go out and beat Colombia you are going to get a team in Switzerland or Sweden who will cause problems.
It is not going to be easy but certainly if you are looking at the game we have a reasonable chance to get to the semi-finals of the tournament. That would be amazing.
"But we have had trouble with the Swedes down the years and Switzerland have got some talented players.
"It is not going to be easy but certainly if you are looking at the game, we have a reasonable chance to get to the semi-finals of the tournament. That would be amazing."
England have not won a knockout match since the 2006 World Cup in Germany when they beat Ecuador in the last 16, and will now hope to end that unwanted run against Jose Pekerman's side.
Colombia, who reached the last eight in Brazil four years ago, have doubts over James Rodriguez, who limped off during their victory over Senegal, but Le Tissier says there are other threats in their squad.
"He is obviously one of their more talented players but they have still got some other very good players and will be a dangerous side whether they have James or not," he said.
"I don't think this is a team that can be taken lightly. Everybody needs to be 100 per cent at it and I am sure they will be."
Reflecting on England's defeat to Roberto Martinez's Belgium, Le Tissier believes there weren't any players from the eight changes made who put forward a case for a starting berth in the Colombia fixture.
"There were a lot of players there who probably felt that [the Belgium game] was a bonus because there are a few players in that squad who thought I am only going to get a game if someone is injured or suspended," he said.
"I think what last night showed is probably that the team Gareth has picked over the first two games is quite clearly the strongest.
"There weren't too many players who played last night that can say to Gareth, 'you can't leave me out, look at how I played'. Unfortunately there weren't too many who showed their true colours.
He added: "It all comes to Tuesday night at the end of the day and the result of that night will determine whether Gareth is criticised for what happened yesterday."
