Colombia players dominate combined World Cup XI with England

By Billy Cundall

Tuesday 3 July 2018 18:31, UK

We look at England and Colombia's best combined XI based on their performances so far at the World Cup.

The sides clash for the final place in the quarter-finals on Tuesday evening and, ahead of the game, it is Colombia who collectively boast the most impressive performers as England rely heavily on Harry Kane's goals.

Looking at the Opta stats used to power Sky Sports Fantasy Six-a-Side's scoring system, we pick out the players averaging the most points per game in Russia so far...

Goalkeeper: David Ospina

After a points haul of 76 last time out, David Ospina gets the nod over Jordan Pickford, who is yet to register a clean sheet. The Arsenal stopper has kept two clean sheets in a row, with wins over Poland and Senegal, including four saves in their last match, accruing an additional 36 points in Fantasy Six-a-Side.

Centre-backs: Davinson Sanchez, John Stones, Yerry Mina

John Stones' performance in the Panama game sees him join two Colombia centre-backs in the back line. 127.5 points in the 6-1 thumping was only bettered by Harry Kane, with his two goals securing 70 points. Two clearances and an impressive 93 successful passes added to that impressive display, which was only missing a clean sheet.

Back-to-back 65+ point hauls helps Davinson Sanchez make it into the line-up. The pacy centre-back has been pivotal in Colombia's two clean sheets, with four clearances against Senegal capping an impressive performance, not to mention a crucial tackle on Sadio Mane which was saved from being a penalty by VAR.

The other Colombian defender is Yerry Mina. Two wonderful performances in the World Cup so far have seen him secure 95.5 points against Poland and then a staggering 120.5 total against Senegal, with the winning goal against the latter capping a perfect performance.

Wing-backs: Kieran Trippier, Johan Mojica

In an opening game that saw Kieran Trippier create six chances, the Spurs wing-back gained 42 points from 73.5 with his attacking exploits. A less prolific haul of 33.5 against Panama will do little to play down his importance as England rely on his supply from the right-flank.

In a close battle for the left wing-back position, Colombia's Johan Mojica edges Ashley Young thanks to his impressive performance in their 3-0 win over Poland. A clean sheet and five aerial duels won was combined with two clearances and 22 completed passes that helped Mojica achieve the best left-back score between these two teams.

Midfielders: Jordan Henderson, Juan Cuadrado, Juan Quintero

Liverpool midfielder Jordan Henderson has stapled his place as England's starting No 8. The hard-working dynamo has been pivotal in keeping the England team ticking, with 117 successful passes.

Just edging out Jesse Lingard is ex-Chelsea midfielder Juan Cuadrado. The Juventus winger had an incredible 100 points in their drubbing of Poland thanks to one goal and three chances created, attaining an impressive 56 points from his attacking contributions.

A man that has made this World Cup his personalised shop window is Juan Quintero. The attacking midfielder has been central to many of Colombia's attacking moves, accruing 59.5 points against Japan, with one goal and two chances created for the 10 men.

Forwards: Radamel Falcao, Harry Kane

A resurgent Radamel Falcao captains the Colombia team and has set the tone from the front. A goal in their 3-0 win over Poland capped a great performance that saw Falcao dominate in the air. Five aerial duels won and three defensive clearances helped Falcao take his tally to 63 points.

The least surprising name on the list is Golden Boot leader Harry Kane. After two games played and five goals scored, the England captain has accrued points tallies of 87 against Tunisia and 126.5 against Panama.