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James Rodriguez injury: Nicol makes prediction ahead of Colombia vs England
COLOMBIA’s chances of beating England tonight rest entirely on the shoulders of James Rodriguez.
That is the opinion of ESPN FC pundit and former Liverpool defender Steve Nicol.
Rodriguez is struggling with a calf injury after being substituted in the final group stage win over Senegal.
Nicol does not expect the 26-year-old to be fit for the World Cup last-16 clash against England.
And he says that makes the Three Lions heavy favourites to reach the quarter-final.
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The reason I picked England is because I was sure James wasn’t playing. He’s the difference maker for Colombia
“I did (pick England),” Nicol said.
“The reason I picked England is because I was sure James wasn’t playing.
“He’s the difference maker for Colombia.
“When he came on in the first game, it transformed them.
"He was fantastic in the second game, and when he came off injured in the third game, then they went back to a rudderless Colombia.
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“So, listen, they won’t have their top man, England will have their top man in Harry Kane.
“And that’s going to be the deciding factor for me.”
England boss Gareth Southgate is set to ring the changes for tonight's match.
He rested the majority of his outfielders in the final Group G game against Belgium last Thursday.
The likes of captain Harry Kane are set to return to the starting XI.