Crewe boss David Artell on England's chances of reaching the later stages of the World Cup.

David Artell says that England finishing runner-up to Belgium in Group G has opened up the easier route to a potential World Cup Final.

England face Colombia in Moscow tomorrow night in the last 16 and then could face Switzerland or Sweden in the quarter-final and Russia or Croatia in the final four. England last reached the semi-final of the World Cup in 1990 in Italy when Bobby Robson’s side narrowly lost in a penalty shoo-out to the Germans.

David told the club’s official website: “It is still hypothetical at the moment and they still have a tough game against Colombia next, but you never know. They certainly have the ‘easier’ of the two routes on paper but in football anything can happen.

“We have seen it with the Germans and now Spain going out unexpectedly. There have been a few surprises, so you never know.

“England have a good chance. Why not? They will be favourites to beat Colombia and then possibly the next one should they get through. It would be a terrific achievement if they could get to a another semi-final or potential final.

“We have created chances in the games, perhaps without being as clinical as we should have been. We have also been the best at set-plays and they always give you a chance in matches. You can see the work that has been done there.”