Beth England warns Lionesses must be ready for physical Colombia test
Beth England believes the Lionesses will be able to cope with the physical threat posed by Colombia in their World Cup quarter final showdown.
The Copa America runners-up have already beaten Germany at the tournament and reached the last eight for the first time after being the first side to score against Jamaica at the finals. And the European Champions will now have to get past them in order to reach a third straight World Cup semi-final.
England came off the bench in the last round against Nigeria to smash home her penalty in the decisive shootout. And she believes her teammates will avoid getting sucked into a scrap against the Colombians, as playing their football will give them the best chance of progressing.
“Look, every game is physical in its own way,” said England. “If it gets too physical, I'm sure that referees will step in when it comes to the safety of players.
"But ultimately, I just think it's a case of the biggest danger is just not to underestimate them. Like I said, they knocked out Germany, or they beat Germany, should I say, who are one of the biggest teams in this tournament, so I think we just have to make sure we approach it in a good manner, knowing that they can be physical, we can also be physical and match that.
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“And I think it's just going to be important that we don't get too into more of a fight than actually playing football, because that’s what we’re here to do. We’re here to play the game that we love and hopefully do it in a good, stylish way as well.”
Colombia's pre-tournament friendly, behind-closed-doors, against Ireland was abandoned before half-time, after the Irish were unhappy with the physicality of the contest. But ahead of the quarter-final clash in Sydney, England is hoping for an exciting contest that will be easy on the eye for the fans.
“There was obviously a lot of talk about that (game with Ireland) at the time,” she added.
“But we have also seen them in the tournament now and no game has been abandoned yet, so I think it is fair to say there are two teams playing in a game of football and it’s down to the referee’s discretion on how many cards they want to give, or how they feel the safety of the players.
“So, ultimately I hope it is just a good game for everyone as a spectator and players to be a part of, and that none of that seems to happen and it doesn’t get abandoned.”
England also stressed that the team wouldn’t be affected by Lauren James’ current availability issue. James is suspended for the Colombia tie after her red card against Nigeria, but is awaiting the outcome of a FIFA disciplinary hearing to see if she’ll miss further games should the Lionesses progress.
“Obviously I can imagine it’s a very difficult position for her (James) to be in,” added England.
“But whether they do it on the same day or not it’s not going to affect us in a way that we’re not defined by one player.
“It’s important everyone is there for her and as a team. Whatever decision they make we have to unfortunately accept it and get on with the game. There’s more important things than focusing on one player.”
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