England face Columbia tonight for the right to play Sweden in the Quarter Finals of the World Cup. It wasn't supposed to be this way for a young squad that is still learning and growing but as manager Gareth Southgate readily concedes a major opportunity is opening up for us. But do not look too far ahead yet for first we face the might of Columbia. A considerable foe.

Columbia recovered from a red card and penalty concession in the opening minutes of their World Cup baptism of fire. The way they bounced back in the next two games was exceptionally impressive. But England grew through the opening two games putting opponents to the sword and in captain Harry Kane having a goal scorer in the goals and bang on form.

Then came the controversy of resting players v Belgium but Gareth Southgate is preparing for a lengthy stay in Russia and is looking to cover every eventuality and ready his full squad just in case. We can draw confidence in the attitude and belief of the former Boro skipper.

Gareth Southgate is the only Boro skipper to hold up major silverware in our club's history, can he be the first England manager since Sven to drive us deep in to the World Cup. Maybe he could one better and emulate the Welsh in the Euros and take a semi final berth.

But let's not get ahead of ourselves.

First things first, can England defeat Columbia? Come on England.