IT seems a long time since England featured in this World Cup.

Probably just as well, really, since the Three Lions’ departure has given the country a chance to relax and enjoy the magic.

That magic continues this weekend with four mouth-watering quarter finals.

It is credit to a James Rodriguez-inspired Colombia that many are just as excited to see their all-South American clash with Brazil as they would be to see England in the last eight.

With Chile gone, Colombia remain the football hipster’s choice – and with good reason.

Critics suggested they would struggle to have the same impact they did in qualifying without their talisman and prolific goalscorer Radamel Falcao.

Make no mistake, Rodriguez’s ability was never in doubt, a mega-money deal to AS Monaco proved that, and he has stepped up to the proverbial plate this tournament.

But Colombia have a touch of the Dortmund’s about them, and not just by playing in yellow.

Jose Pekerman has moulded a squad of relative unknowns, to Premier League fans at least, into one that has become the most likely to give the FIFA World Cup trophy a new home.

Their brand of football is no tika-taka, but easy on the eye, fluent and fast-flowing, as showcased by Rodriguez’s second goal against Uruguay – the first a moment of individual brilliance.

The Cafeteros are fearless in attack, with the likes of Jackson Martinez and Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado more than enough to worry any defence already preoccupied by ‘Hamez’ and River Plate forward Teofilo Gutierrez.

Pekerman’s men have the bond of a club side and then underdog tag could suit them tonight. On form, they should be confident of booking a semi-final spot, an wouldn't we love to see them dancing again.

To do so they have to overcome hosts and pre-tournaments favourites Brazil. Big Phil Scolari’s side are yet to set the world alight, but have shown that ‘sign of a good team’ by progressing despite less than impressive performances.

Neymar’s much-talked about injury problems this week have an essence of the Ronaldo debacle prior to the World Cup ’98 final in France, but Scolari got the best out his prized asset four years later in 2002 and, if 2014’s golden boy plays, it will not be at half-pace.

However even with a fit Neymar the Colombians should fancy their chances, not that history would see it that way, mind.

Brazil have so often been Colombia’s nemesis, only once in the last 14 meetings have the Cafeteros beaten their heavyweight rivals.

Friday’s other quarter-final throws together another old rivalry, neighbours France and Germany.

Seven German players reportedly came down with an illness this week and they are another former winner who have as of yet failed to hit top form.

But their new generation of young, technically-gifted players should provide a fascinating tie when paired with the French breed of power and pace.

With all eight group winners making it to this stage, Saturday should prove just as hard to call as Louis Van Gaal’s Netherlands outfit, a buoyant Costa Rica, improving Belgium and Lionel Messi boasting Argentina side all attempt to book their place in the last four.

Half the sides left in the competition are yet to win a World Cup - a Colombia versus Belgium final, anyone?