Enigmatic Quintero steps up for Colombia as James doubts persist

A new injury to James Rodriguez, this time to his right calf, has thrust the mercurial Juan Fernando Quintero back into the foreground ahead of Colombia's World Cup clash against England.

For the 25-year-old Quintero, it will be another chance to direct his team's attack after the playmaker showcased his often latent potential to pull Colombia through the group stage.

The River Plate midfielder assumed a lead role ahead of Colombia's opening game against Japan in Saransk, after James was a late scratch from the starting line-up.

The dismissal of Carlos Sanchez just three minutes in completely altered the complexion of the match, yet Quintero tried to lead by example -- sneaking a clever free-kick under the wall to haul his team level.

The physical demands on Colombia eventually took their toll against an athletic Japanese side, and Jose Pekerman's men ultimately succumbed to a 2-1 defeat.

The left-footed Quintero still made a name for himself though by becoming the first Colombian player to score at two World Cups.

Then 21, Quintero had struck in a 2-1 win over the Ivory Coast during the group stage of the 2014 edition, where Colombia reached the quarter-finals in the nation's best performance to date.

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