Argentina were placed in by far the easier half of the draw, and have cruised – with the exception of the quarter-final against Ecuador. With a move to three in the centre of midfield, and Moises Caicedo free to run forward, Ecuador gave them real problems, until goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez once more came up with heroics in the penalty shootout.

Like Ecuador, Colombia are a physically strong team with three in the centre of midfield, making it hard for Argentina to get into the rhythm of their passing game. Colombia are well coached, clear about where they want to press – either dropping deep and staying compact or hunting in packs higher up the field.

In open play Rodriguez is a splendid supply line for Luis Diaz. And his set-pieces can also be devastating – inviting an aerial assault from the likes of Davinson Sanchez and Jefferson Lerma.

All of this will worry an Argentina defence who are prone to a late collapse. It happened in the World Cup against France, the Netherlands and Australia, and it happened in the Copa against Ecuador – and also in the semi-final against Canada, who wasted two golden chances in the last five minutes. One day this will cost Argentina the game – but will it be Sunday?

There are two key questions here. The first is emotional. England are not the only team playing their first final away from home. Colombia are unaccustomed to this kind of occasion. The fever in the stands from their devoted supporters can encourage or inhibit. How will the team react?

And the other question is physical. This has been a competition played in gruelling summer heat, which, even if some of the stadiums are air conditioned, has taken a toll.

Colombia have had a day less to rest – and they played the entire second half of their fiery semi-final against Uruguay with 10 men after a silly red card picked up by the otherwise excellent Munoz, the Crystal Palace full-back.

How much has this taken out of them and do they have enough gas in the tank to bring the curtain down on the Messi show?