Whisper it quietly, but England have a golden chance to progress into the latter stages of the World Cup.

The Three Lions had little expectations going into the tournament, especially after coming off the back of a dismal Euro 2016 campaign.

But the draw has opened up spectacularly for Gareth Southgate's side.

After Spain's elimination at the hands of Russia, England are now favourites to progress to the final from the right hand side of the draw.

But of course, nothing is a formality. Especially with England.

Many fans seem to be looking towards the future, completely disregarding England's last 16 opponents, Colombia.

Peter Crouch has now had his say ahead of the tie on Tuesday night against the South Americans, and it must be said he's spot on.

"If we can get through tomorrow’s game, I expect England to make the semi-final as we are better than Sweden and Switzerland," he wrote in his column for the Daily Mail. "However, it is a big ‘if’ we beat Colombia.

"Games against South American opponents are horrible. You face opponents who will do absolutely anything to get past you — look how good Uruguay were against Portugal; you might not like time- wasting and diving but these countries are the masters.

"I’ve been impressed by the way Colombia have grown into the tournament and I’m anxious about Radamel Falcao, a striker who I absolutely loved watching in Spain and France.

"I was staggered he struggled to rediscover that form in the Premier League.

"Juan Cuadrado is another with a point to prove. It always seems that someone who flopped in England hurts us in tournaments.

"Helder Postiga, for instance, had a terrible time at Tottenham but scored for Portugal against us in 2004 and in that 2006 shootout. Fingers crossed history does not repeat itself."

Crouch went one further on Twitter, when he suggested England have a real chance of making the final if they beat Colombia.

It must be said, Crouch is spot on.

Colombia will present a much bigger test than England fans expect. They possess quality players in almost every area on the pitch. 

Crouch mentioned Falcao and Cuadrado, but they also have other dangerous players in Juan Fernando Quintero and especially James Rodriguez, if he overcomes his injury.

They also have a solid defence, with Yerry Mina and Davinson Sanchez protecting David Ospina in goal.

There's proven, quality players all over the park for Colombia, and they will fancy their chances against England.

It's true, England have a great chance of reaching the final.

But the nation has lost games in major tournaments in the past that they are expected to win, such as against Iceland at Euro 2016.

It goes without saying, Colombia are a much better team than Iceland.

Beating the South Americans, especially when England have not won a knockout game in a major competition since 2006, is not going to be an easy task at all.