It’s day 20 and the final two games in the round of 16 take place, with England looking to reach the World Cup quarter-finals for the first time since 2006 as they face Group H winners Colombia. First up, Sweden take on Switzerland with the winner awaiting either the Three Lions or the Colombians in the next round, with all eyes on Harry Kane’s side as they look to rediscover their form.
Belgium, who beat England last time out, nearly came unstuck in their last-16 encounter on Monday night as Japan pushed them all the way in a last-gasp 3-2 victory. That win, coming through a last-minute goal from Nacer Chadli, books Belgium a quarter-final against Brazil, who earlier in the day came through their clash with Mexico in a comfortable 2-0 victory.
We will have all the latest news, views, pictures and video direct from Russia throughout the day as we pick up the pace at the biggest football tournament in the world.
Lunchtime listening - The Indy Football Podcast is DAILY during the World Cup, with the newest episode available now on iTunes and via acast. The latest episode features Ed Malyon and Mark Critchley discussing yesterday's action and look ahead to England-Colombia, while Miguel Delaney checks in from Samara with his thoughts on Brazil.
In the wake of a disappointing group stage exit, Poland have confirmed that Adam Nawalka will leave his position as head coach at the end of the month after just under five years in charge.
'Russia has always been one of those places where the lines between the real and the artificial are frequently blurred to the extent where it is no longer meaningful to draw any distinction between them. Where the end ultimately satisfies the means. Where what matters is not what is, but what you see.'
Brazil were convincing; Belgium were anything but. However, thanks to a gutsy comeback and one utterly brilliant counter-attack, they are still alive and may be better for the hardship:
'And, tell me if this is the thing we always do, the same old mindless optimism dolled up in a waistcoat, but England could win, couldn’t they? Couldn’t we?'
On England-Colombia, it is Russell Brand's World Cup column:
Good morning and welcome to The Independent's World Cup live blog, where we'll keep you up-to-date with the latest news and events in Russia as England prepare for their must-win last-16 clash with Colombia later this evening.
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