Jesse Lingard says Colombia's Radamel Falcao is 'lethal' ahead of England last-16 tie
Jesse Lingard has warned his England team-mates that Radamel Falcao is “lethal” as he gets ready to face his former Manchester United colleague.
England are preparing for the last-16 clash against Colombia in Moscow on Tuesday night, with Falcao aiming to prove his Premier League critics wrong.
Falcao suffered unhappy and unsuccessful loan spells at both United and Chelsea, but Lingard saw enough of the striker to realise he will be a danger.
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Asked about Falcao, who has flourished since returning to Monaco and scored in Colombia’s 3-0 World Cup victory over Poland, Lingard said: “He’s a top-class player. When he’s in that box, he’s lethal and his finishing in the box is top notch, so, obviously, we are aware of that.
“He’s a threat, but I think we’ve got the guys at the back to deal with that situation. We’ll be aware of him.”
Colombia have been supported by 30,000 of their supporters in Russia, with another 10,000 expected to travel to Moscow for Tuesday night’s game.
Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina said: “The support has been incredible - it’s been our inspiration. There are Colombians all over the world, but the support here, in Russia, has meant everything to us.
“It shows the passion and belief that we have in our country. It’s just amazing how many people have come here to support us.
“It has felt like a home game in every game for us - they make more noise, have more colour and always have more supporters than the rest. It shows how much football means to our country. It’s not pressure, it’s strength for us because we know they support us.”
Colombia lost in the quarter-finals of the 2014 World Cup against Brazil, but Ospina insists this team can go further.
“We are a better team than four years ago,” he said. “We are together, more experienced and a stronger squad of players. We have experience, good quality. Our players play in the best clubs, the best leagues and nothing will frighten us.
