The stage is set for July 3 in Moscow, as England face-off with Colombia for a place in the quarter-finals of the World Cup.Gareth Southgate's men lost out in their top-of-the-group clash with Belgium in Kaliningrad on Thursday evening, and despite the disappointment of a loss, it will be a completely different line-up from what will start against the South Americans.There was much debate pre-match whether it would be better for England to finish top or as runners-up to have a perceived 'easier' route through the competition, one that would avoid potentially facing Brazil in the last eight.Despite losing their first group game to Japan, whilst playing with 10-men for 87 minutes, Colombia notched back-to-back wins - a 3-0 drubbing of Poland and a 1-0 win over Senegal to seal top spot in Group H.They dominated proceedings over their Polish opposition, but looked far more open defensively against the Senegalese, whilst still looking a threat on the front-foot.A worry for them though is the fitness of star-man James Rodriguez, the Bayern Munich attacker limping off against Senegal in the first half, his absence would be a major boost to England's chances.Former England international Paul Merson is so confident of the Three Lions defeating Colombia that he's already plotting their path to the semi-final."I watched Colombia the other day and there's nothing to be scared of there for England," Merson said."They are dangerous at set plays but we are as good as anybody at set plays. I was sat there watching the Belgium game saying please don't score!"If we don't get to the last four I'd be shocked. At the start of the tournament, we were saying that if we'd get past the quarter-finals it'd be great but if we don't get to a semi-final now it won't have been a very good tournament."I've always said we've had a chance but at the moment I can't see past Brazil."However, from here if we don't reach the semi-finals you have to class it as disappointing. The route we've got now is Colombia, who have been poor and had James Rodriguez limped out of the Senegal game.

"Then it's Sweden or Switzerland. No disrespect to the two countries but if you can't beat them you are not winning World Cups."

Oh Paul, statements like this have never backfired before, have they?

Needless to say, England supporters and football fans in general have taken to Twitter to slate Merson for his over-confidence and his dismissiveness of the Colombians.

Even the Swedish population know what Merson's predictions usually mean.

For the sake of all our tournament hopes, let's hope Merson really doesn't have egg on his face come 9pm on Tuesday evening.