Gareth Southgate Could Take A Page Out Of Louis Van Gaal's Book Against Colombia

Gareth Southgate could need every trick in his sleeve to help England beat Colombia in the second round of the World Cup and there's a chance he could look to former Manchester United boss Louis van Gaal for inspiration.

Tonight' game between England and Colombia will answer at least one question, was Gareth Southgate right to rest most of his players against Belgium, lose and get the supposed easier half of the draw?

The England boss certainly gambled in the last group game, making eight changes to the team that beat Panama in the second game, and it led to a 1-0 loss thanks to Adnan Januzaj's goal.

Of course the result meant the Three Lions finished second and into the bottom half of the draw, adjudged to be the easier side of things with France and Brazil out of the way till the final.

But first England must get past Colombia and that won't exactly be an easy task.

England and mainly their fans will be hoping that there's no need for penalties tonight but if they do Southgate could go all Louis van Gaal on us.

According to the Mirror, England could turn to Nick Pope to save any spot kicks, substituting him on for Jordan Pickford, after being impressed by the Burnley keeper's ability to save penalties.

Let's hope they're all this easy for Pope. Image: PA Images

The tactic was infamously used by Louis van Gaal four years ago when Netherlands played their quarter final against Costa Rica and it went to pens.

At the time Jasper Cillessen was taken off in the 120th minute with Tim Krul replacing the now Barcelona goalie and going on to save two penalties and take Netherlands through.

Krul comes on just before the shoot-out. Image: PA Images

Talking about Pope's ability and England insider told the newspaper, "He has looked good in training. The question is can you come off the bench to do that?"

Pope is the third choice goalie in Russia for Southgate with number one Pickford and Jack Butland ahead of him in the pecking order.

However it seems that won't stop the Burnley shot-stopper becoming the number one if there's shots from 12 yards out to save.

Can Pope be the saviour for Southgate?

Topics: Football News, Louis van Gaal, Football, World Cup news, England, Jordan Pickford, Gareth Southgate, World Cup

Ryan Sidle

Ryan is a writer for SPORTbible. He covers all sport from football, formula one, cricket, rugby, tennis, athletics, mma and wrestling. He obviously hates YOUR football team and has no interest in synchronised swimming.

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