Right, that signals the end of our live Euro 2024 news blog for today. Now the view from the afternoon has wrapped up, we can get stuck into the evening entertainment. Anticipation has a habit to set you up for disappointment …
Are there any glaring omissions from this? Manuel Neuer might be a bit upset, but it’s a ridiculously strong side.
𝐂𝐎𝐌𝐁𝐈𝐍𝐄𝐃 𝐗𝐈: Spain vs Germany 👀#ESPGER #EURO2024
— WhoScored.com (@WhoScored) July 5, 2024
An interesting chant.
„Zieht den Spaniern die Badehose aus“ ist hier heute der Hit beim Fanmarsch. 🇩🇪 #ESPGER #EURO2024 pic.twitter.com/SbfUPIhelW
— Patrick Berger (@berger_pj) July 5, 2024
Former Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger believes his country can beat Spain in today’s tantalising 5pm (BST) kick-off, despite all the plaudits coming the way of this Spanish side. It should be a cracking game.
He told BBC Sport: “A lot of talk here in Germany has been about this being an early final, between the two best sides in the tournament, and I would agree with that from what I’ve seen.
“In terms of mentality and quality, it feels quite a level contest. I don’t feel either side will fear one another. There is a real belief that we can beat them, too. There is a lot of respect for this Spanish team from our fans and even the Germany players realise they are excellent, but that is balanced by us being the hosts and also by our own performances so far.”
A Jo gets in touch to continue the England selection chat.
I’ve long said that Bellingham should be an 8 in a 4-3-3 for England, with Foden in 10. But Rio Ferdinand’s team could really suit this group. It’s a similar solution that Wales employed in 2016 in order to fit two 10’s in with Bale and Ramsay. Saka at wing back might not be his favoured position but it gives balance while still allowing him to play attacking football.
For clarity on that team posted earlier, it was the reported England lineup according to ITV, with which Ferdinand was (largely) agreeing.
Updated
Our Euro 2024-themed daily newsletter has just landed and it centres around Gareth Southgate’s clothing choices, obviously.
Dominic Booth’s going to hop back on while I take a break. Keep him company please.
Some news away from the Euros, relating to Manchester United: Sir Jim Ratcliffe has cut 250 jobs at the club.
Turkey’s manager, Vincenzo Montella, clearly has thick skin.
It has not been plain sailing for Montella, though. The highs of the win over Georgia quickly turned sour with a defeat by Portugal. The manager received brutal criticism from just about everyone in the public sphere. Think Gareth Southgate after the draw against Slovenia but on steroids. A weaker character would have crumbled. Even the Turkish pop star Mustafa Sandal weighed in, calling Montella a ‘puppet-looking sorry excuse of a manager’.
And France’s meeting with Portugal is a re-run of the 2016 final when the tournament hosts were dealt a shock by the unheralded Eder. All I really remember is the moths.
This’ll be the first clash between Spain and Germany at the Euros since … the 2008 final! It was the victory that kickstarted the Spanish domination of international football, with a World Cup win two years later and the next Euros in the bag too.
Afternoon all, I’m here to take over for a bit. How tantalising those two quarter-finals today are, particularly Spain v Germany. It could be a wave goodbye from Toni Kroos unless he does what he’s done throughout his career: win.
Talk among the English, in recent days, has been of change. After a period of chaos and instability, where nothing appeared to be working, there was now the chance to turn the page. Would the opportunity be taken? Would Gareth Southgate switch to a three at the back?
As many as 30,000 England supporters are expected to descend on Düsseldorf this weekend as the Three Lions take on Switzerland for a place in the semi-finals of the men’s European Championship. If the team wins, it would cement Southgate’s position, in his 100th game in charge, as the most successful England manager since Sir Alf Ramsey. Yet the mood among fans and pundits has been hostile, with only a remarkable last minute overhead kick from Jude Bellingham preventing the ignominy of being sent home by Slovakia in the round of 16.
Your semi-regular reminder of two key pages to bookmark: the interactive guide to every single player at the tournament …
… plus the latest Golden Boot standings, where it’s tight at the top.
Away from the Euros, the Copa América is also at its last-eight stage, with holders Argentina edging past Ecuador on penalties in a dramatic opener, winning 4-2 on penalties following a 1-1 draw in Texas.
Lionel Messi missed Argentina’s first attempt but was reprieved by goalkeeper Emi Martínez, who saved Ecuador’s first two efforts. Lisandro Martínez had given Argentina the lead 10 minutes before half-time, but Kevin Rodríguez equalised with a superb header in injury time at the end of the second half. Ecuador’s captain Enner Valencia had earlier hit the post from the penalty spot after a handball by Rodrigo De Paul.
The hosts may already be out, but Canada are still alive – they face Venezuela in the quarter-finals – and their coach Jesse Marsch has been waxing lyrical on the USNMT’s disappointing group-stage exit:
I’d like to say that I’m only focused on what we’re doing here in Canada, but obviously I’m paying attention to the US men’s national team as I always do, and like you, I’m sad. I’m disappointed with the performances, the lack of discipline. There are a lot of things that I think we’ve tried to embody about the game in the US, and we’ve always believed in this group of players.”
And if you want a long read on Fox’s coverage of the Euros and Copa América, Aaron Timms has you covered:
We’re back, baby: it’s a month-long feast of international football, and Fox is still at the buffet, dribbling into the cheese platter".”
The success of the rule introduced at these Euros whereby only captains can discuss decisions with referees has led to Uefa extending the new approach to all of their competitions. Any players disregarding these rules and approaching the officials showing dissent or acting disrespectfully are cautioned, and if the captain is a goalkeeper then the team can nominate an outfield player for the role.
Roberto Rosetti, Uefa’s managing director for refereeing, said:
The process is positive. The referees are giving information to the captains, who are responding in a very positive way. For the other players, it’s easier; they don’t go to the referee, they don’t mob the referee, so this is something that’s extremely positive for football. We had some sanctions for players who didn’t respect this. It’s a transitional phase, but we have already received requests from national associations in Europe who want to follow this line.”
That’s the end of my stint on this here Euro 2024 news blog and I’m handing over the reins. It’s been a busy old morning, ahead of a mouthwatering evening’s action.
Demiral lands two-match ban for 'wolf salute'
Turkey’s Merih Demiral has been handed a two-match ban for making an ultra-nationalist salute during their 2-1 Euro 2024 last 16 win over Austria.
The defender netted both goals in the victory over Ralf Rangnick’s side and celebrated his second goal with a ‘wolf salute’, a gesture associated with far right politics in Turkey.
Updated
Switzerland’s goalkeepers are looking chilled out. Insert joke re: not being worried about facing England’s blunt attack blah blah blah …
Have you ever seen anything cooler than Yann Sommer and Gregor Kobel training with sunglasses? 😎 pic.twitter.com/cWMtKdGS8v
— 433 (@433) July 5, 2024
Our correspondent Jacob Steinberg reports from the England camp in Blankenhain:
All 26 players are training before England’s quarter-final against Switzerland tomorrow. Gareth Southgate has a big decision to make on Luke Shaw. Does he start the left-back after almost five months out with a hamstring injury? It would be a huge gamble from Southgate, who is expected to switch to a back three against the Swiss. Along with Shaw, Bukayo Saka, Kieran Trippier and Trent Alexander-Arnold are options as England’s wing-backs.
Jude Bellingham fined but not banned after gesture
England’s Jude Bellingham has been given a “probationary” one-game suspension, which means he will not miss a game during this tournament, unless he transgresses again. He’s been fined €30,000 after making a crotch-grabbing gesture which Uefa said was a violation of basic rules around “decent conduct”.
Updated
This is worth a few minutes of your time: Jonathan Liew on Toni Rüdiger.
Liverpool’s new Dutch manager speaking about the future of their Dutch talisman …
Slot: "First of all I hope Virgil wants to win the Euros! Then after a holiday he will come back and have the hunger to win here."
— James Pearce (@JamesPearceLFC) July 5, 2024
Rio Ferdinand says Kobbie Mainoo must start for England tomorrow. And I’m minded to agree with him. Mainoo was impressive against Slovakia.
If Kobbie ain’t starting, I’m walking back from Germany! Has to…. https://t.co/51yVgMwIKB
— Rio Ferdinand (@rioferdy5) July 4, 2024
All 26 England players – including Luke Shaw – are training today. What that says about the Manchester United player’s readiness to start against Switzerland, we’re still not sure. He’s not been deemed fit to feature as yet.
You can watch England train live below – if that’s your bag.
We’re live at the #ThreeLions’ basecamp as all 26 players train ahead of tomorrow’s quarter-final with Switzerland! 💪 https://t.co/q83MKkG2D7
— England (@England) July 5, 2024
Vertonghen announces international retirement
After Belgium’s elimination from Euro 2024, and after making 157 appearances for his country, former Tottenham defender Jan Vertonghen has retired from international football.
He said: “The first and the last. Thank you for all these memories, I was able to live my dream!”
From the training ground to the pitch, you've shown us what it means to be a true Red Devil. We'll miss you, Jan! 🦸♂️ #MerciJan pic.twitter.com/VdcRkmeDCj
— Belgian Red Devils (@BelRedDevils) July 5, 2024
We’ll be able to get a glimpse of England’s training session at 10.50am BST today. All eyes on whether they’re preparing in a back three/five and how much involvement Luke Shaw has.
Away from the Euros, Arne Slot is set to be officially unveiled as Liverpool manager with a press conference at 11am.
We’ll be across it all.
For those of you who were/are concerned about John Stones’s knee:
#ENG @EURO2024 #MCFC
— Ben Dinnery (@BenDinnery) July 5, 2024
John Stones plays down his knee problem. "All good. Looks worse with the strapping than what I have done."https://t.co/oiLaZQpjOK https://t.co/6NLbxXVmd5
As if Germany v Spain at 5pm wasn’t enough to enthral you this Friday night, there’s also Portugal v France later on. What an absolute feast.
Philippe Auclair has written about the rivalry between the two countries, saying there will be no hatred when they clash in tonight’s Euro 2024 quarter-final, but it is unlikely to be incident-free based on the controversy that has dominated their meetings throughout history.
Four players are locked on three goals in the Golden Boot race right now, but two of them are out of the tournament. So where’s your money? Cody Gakpo looks pretty lethal in front of goal for the Netherlands, but there are plenty of potent forwards sitting on two goals.
This has tickled me.
That’s a shame though, I really thought Cole Palmer would have some interesting comments on economic reform and the geo political landscape https://t.co/D42JGZoSW5
— Reece Donnelly (@ReeceDSport) July 4, 2024
Saturday will mark 100 England games in charge for Gareth Southgate. He’ll be hoping it’s not 100 and out. What are the highlights of that century?
For me, a quick top three:
2018 Colombia penalty shootout win
2018 3-2 Nations League win over Spain
2021 beating Germany 2-0 at Euro 2020
The 2022 World Cup arguably saw England’s strongest all-round performances, but they only beat Iran, Wales and Senegal.
It’s quite scary to me that every Germany game now could be Toni Kroos’s final ever professional match. What a player he’s been – and still is. Talk about going on out a high.
It’s just been pointed out to me by Kevin O’Rourke that Labour won a landslide majority in 1966, not long before England’s only previous major tournament win.
The Three Lions also won the 1997 Tournoi de France after Tony Blair’s landslide victory.
Read into that what you will.
Let the England selection debate, COMMENCE …
Amar Breckenridge gets in touch on email:
On switching to a back three at short notice: France did that against Switzerland prior to their Euro 2020 round of 16 game, and were knocked out. Murat Yakin did the same for Switzerland against Portugal in Qatar and lost 6-1. Switzerland had played with a back three for several years under their previous coach, and do so now: the point is that teams need time to settle into the system …
For balance, Amar, England switched to that formation against Germany in the last 16 of Euro 2020 and beat them 2-0.
Can England keep going to the well and pulling something out? For all the criticism Gareth Southgate’s side have received, it’s a testament to their mental fortitude that they’ve fought their way to the last eight without playing remotely well.
Here’s what Southgate told Uefa:
We showed great resilience and great character to keep going right until the end, and I think we deserved a draw in the 90 minutes. When you get the goal so early in extra time, you’re able to be in charge of things a little more.
We have to get ourselves back to the mental stage we were in before the game [against Slovakia]. Where whatever it takes to win, you’ve got to be ready to go. You’ve got to be ready to go right to the depths again.
Updated
There have been some crackers of this genre on Twitter X over the past day or so, but this might be the best.
Just took 93yr mum to vote, she’s registered blind. In a very loud voice she said, “Which box for Adam Wharton to get some minutes at the Euros?” A cheer went up from waiting voters.
— HLTCO (@HLTCO) July 4, 2024
John Stones would be at home in such a system, that’s for sure.
“We’ve done it in previous tournaments,” the England centre-back said. “I remember [beating] Germany [in] the last Euros. Previously to that in 2018. I think it’s a great thing to have in the locker if we need to play that system. It’s something that shouldn’t be underestimated for us as a team – that we can do it so easily and seamlessly.”
Former Swiss midfielder Gelson Fernandes has been among those to question the (potential) decision by Southgate. (He would though, wouldn’t he).
This is what he told BBC Sport:
Would you change the tactical aspect when you are already in the quarter-final? It’s quite dangerous for me.
At that level you don’t test. Usually you can do that in friendly games. That is when you can change things. At that level it’s tricky.
I don’t want to judge Gareth Southgate because he is the coach, the only thing I would say is, as a player, it’s better to have certain things which you are sure of; if you compensate from right to left, or you push up, or you come out, when you go two v two.
In the final round it’s better to know what you’re doing, because otherwise it can be tricky and on the pitch you don’t have time to react and to adjust. It might be too late. But that’s not my problem. It’s England’s problem.
Updated
I might regret starting such a discussion – as it usually prompts an extraordinary amount of emails – but I’m interested to gauge England fans’ thoughts on the potential change of formation for the Switzerland game. Supporters have been crying out for change, but there’s a fair bit of consternation about ripping up the hymn sheet on the eve of a quarter-final …
I very much echo the thoughts on Spain’s Dani Olmo when he says their clash with Germany could be the final. They’ve arguably been the two best, certainly the two most fluent teams at the tournament.
(And despite the Spain love-in, I’ve got a sneaky suspicion the Germans will go through in Stuttgart).
Anyway here’s Olmo, the RB Leipzig player, chatting with our very own Sid Lowe in Donaueschingen.
Preamble
Good morning and what a morning this is. Hope springs eternal and there’s a sense of refreshing change in the air, as if the shackles of the past few years are about to be released after all the drudgery … and that’s just the news that Gareth Southgate is thinking about changing England’s formation.
I jest, of course, there’s a big General Election result dropping right now in the United Kingdom. But on the continent – and in the world of football, the best world there is – all roads today lead to Stuttgart at 5pm and then Hamburg at 8pm (BST), where two titanic Euro 2024 quarter-finals are about to play out.
We’ll be across all the preview bits and bobs for Germany v Spain and France v Portugal today, with a sprinkling of England news for good measure too. Why not stick around and drop me an email with your thoughts? Let’s go.
