World Cup 2018: Gareth Southgate challenges England to 'write their own stories' in make-or-break Colombia tie

England have not won a knockout game at an international tournament since 2006

Gareth Southgate has challenged his England players to banish old failures to the past and "write their own stories" as they prepare to play Colombia in the knockout stages of the World Cup.

Southgate declared the round of 16 clash at Moscow's Otkritie Arena on Tuesday night England's "biggest game for a decade" earlier this week, after a 1-0 defeat to Belgium confirmed their status as Group G's runners-up.

England have not won a knockout game at an international tournament since 2006 - when a David Beckham free-kick secured a narrow victory over Ecuador booked a place in the World Cup quarter-finals.

Defeats to Germany in 2010, Italy in 2012 and - most infamously - Iceland in 2016 have followed in the years since. At the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, Roy Hodgson's England failed to qualify from their group.

Many members of the young and inexperienced squad that Southgate has assembled are not burdened by those failures, though. On Tuesday night, they will have the opportunity to right that poor record and the England manager believes it is one they are ready to take.

"The point I was making was it’s 10 years since we won a knockout fixture. For this team, it’s a brilliant opportunity to go beyond where more experienced teams have gone before. They’re relishing that chance," Southgate said at his pre-match press conference on Monday.

"We’re viewing the game as one with an opponent we really respect. They’ve got really good players, and will have lots of supporters in the stadium. I went to two of their matches in Brazil and it was a real carnival atmosphere in the stadium. You want to be involved in this type of match. The lads have the chance to write their own stories now."

By finishing second rather than first in Group G, England fell into what many consider to be the more favourable side of the draw. On paper, Spain's elimination at the hands of host nation Russia on Sunday made England's bracket better still.

Despite being asked several questions on England's potential route through the tournament, and whether this was the national side's best opportunity to reach a World Cup final, Southgate would only focus on Colombia and the task at hand.

“We’ve been in this position before," he said. "Many times over the last however many years. It's pointless us even thinking about what might happen after tomorrow’s game. We focus on the game, on our performance, and everything will fall into place from there.

England's coach Gareth Southgate speaks during a press conference at the Spartak Stadium (AFP/Getty Images)

"Maybe the teams who aren’t here weren’t as strong this time. That means the ones left have hit a level of performance that’s very high. If teams knock out Germany and Spain, they have to be respected. We feel we’re one of those countries with players coming through, but we haven’t discussed anything beyond tomorrow.”

Dele Alli is expected to return to the starting line-up after recovering from a thigh injury, picked up during England's opening win against Tunisia. Southgate confirmed Alli was "absolutely fine" for the Colombia match, though England will be without midfielder Fabian Delph, who has flown home to attend the birth of his child.

“The thought process is some things in life are more important than football," Southgate said, regarding his decision to allow Delph to fly home. "His wife is due to go into labour. This is a big tournament, but family is more important. At times like this, players who are family orientated should be supported by us.

"He has my full support. He’s buying his wife curries to try and aid the speed of process, but it’s a bit of perspective in life. There’s only one day in your life when your children is born. I know my father’s generation would view that differently, but you have to be there for your family.”