Ipswich Town fans are among England supporters in Russia urging the Three Lions not to blow what they believe is the best chance in decades to win the World Cup.

Ipswich Star: England fans in Moscow ahead of tonight's last 16 game Picture: AARON CHOWN/PA WIREEngland fans in Moscow ahead of tonight's last 16 game Picture: AARON CHOWN/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

England’s travelling support has descended on Moscow, albeit in fewer numbers than their rival Colombia fans, with Red Square awash with bright yellow and red and white ahead of tonight’s last 16 encounter.

Back in England the nation will come together in front of television screens in the hope and expectation that Gareth Southgate’s men can shrug off the weight of recent history and win their first tournament knockout match since 2006.

For England fans who have made the journey to Moscow, including several Town supporters, there was confidence but also nerves.

Ben Clarke, 22, a Blues fan from Needham Market, said he felt this tournament is England’s best chance in decades.

Ipswich Star: Colombia fans in full voice in Moscow ahead of tonight's match v England Picture: AARON CHOWN/PA WIREColombia fans in full voice in Moscow ahead of tonight's match v England Picture: AARON CHOWN/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

He said: “Let’s hope we don’t slip up because we could be left to rue this chance. I think this is one of the best chances we’ve had to win it since those glory days of 66.”

He flew in on Monday with friend and fellow Town fan Laurie Smith, 22, after deciding to belatedly join the World Cup party.

He said: “We were a bit worried, a bit apprehensive, ‘what’s it going to be like?’

“We said, well, we’ll come and see what this famous city has got to offer, take in the sights, see the game and hopefully England do the business.

Ipswich Star: The Spartak Stadium in Moscow where England will face Colombia this evening Picture: TIM GOODE/PA WIREThe Spartak Stadium in Moscow where England will face Colombia this evening Picture: TIM GOODE/PA WIRE (Image: PA Wire)

“Harry Kane’s off to a flyer so hopefully he’ll make it number six or seven tonight.”

Mr Clarke was not the only one backing the England captain to score, with Ladbrokes claiming one in two bets backed Kane to score.

England are 8/15 favourites to progress to the quarter-final.

Alex Apati, of Ladbrokes, said: “Patriotic punters have backed England since day one and tonight’s game has already broken records in terms of bets placed, with 50% of all bets featuring Harry Kane.”