SPAIN V GERMANY LIVE: RESULT AND REACTION AS MERINO SINKS GERMANY WITH 120TH-MINUTE WINNER

Spain v Germany LIVE

• REPORT: Spain break Germany hearts but dramatic Euro 2024 win may come at great cost
• ANALYSIS: Sorry Toni Kroos – even legends don’t always get their dream farewell
• RATINGS: Dani Olmo shines as hosts dramatically dumped out of Euro 2024
• 119’ GOAL! - Merino’s header beats Neuer late in extra time (ESP 2-1 GER)
• 117’ SAVE! - Simon’s leaping save denies Fullkrug (ESP 1-1 GER)
• 89’ GOAL! - Wirtz scores late equaliser for Germany (ESP 1-1 GER)
• 78’ POST! - Fullkrug comes close for the hosts (ESP 1-0 GER)
• 72’ SAVE! - Simon denies Andrich with leaping stop (ESP 1-0 GER)
• 51’ GOAL! - Olmo arrives at the right time to turn home Yamal’s pass (ESP 1-0 GER)

Spain 2 - 1 Germany

Spain break Germany hearts but dramatic Euro 2024 win may come at great cost

There’s no second summer fairytale for Germany, as it’s instead Spain who have the happy ending. For now. Mikel Merino ensured they rose above it all, with a brilliant header in the 119th minute. The big question as to whether they go and actually win Euro 2024 is what the cost of this 2-1 victory over the hosts will be. Toni Kroos didn’t get his grand farewell, either, as he instead contributed to a match that often turned ugly.

That meant that it didn’t quite become the game of the tournament in the manner anticipated but it was thoroughly absorbing, right until the death. And that was very, very late. It is easy to see why games like this can prevent teams from becoming champions, because of the gruelling physical and psychological cost. Spain now have Alvaro Morata and the red-carded Dani Carvajal suspended for the semi-final, with Pedri looking like he might be out injured – maybe for the summer. He was the victim of an abrasive challenge from Kroos in the opening minute, that very much set a tone.

Spain break Germany hearts but dramatic Euro 2024 win may come at great cost

Sorry Toni Kroos – even legends don’t always get their dream farewell

And just like that, the light goes out, the curtain comes down, the show is over. Not just of Germany on home soil at Euro 2024, but of one of their greatest stars in modern history and one of the defining midfielders of a generation.

Toni Kroos bowed out of the club game with a Champions League winner’s medal and a performance to match the prestige of the occasion; his very last appearance came at international level though, where even he, the great pass-master of die Mannschaft, was unable to match the poise, the possession and most importantly the penetration of Spain.

There has been some surprise as the tournament has progressed over Kroos’ decision, of course. He starred in the group stage, head and shoulders above the rest on more than one occasion.

Sorry Toni Kroos – even legends don’t always get their dream farewell

Carlos Alcaraz asks for Spain update after Wimbledon win

The Spaniard fought from a set down to defeat Frances Tiafoe on Centre Court:

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Reaction from Michael Ballack: “It was a great game that had it all: excitement, class, fight, emotion and players that went beyond their limits.”

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

The last time the home nation won the Euros was France in 1984. Germany are knocked out in the last-eight.

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Dani Olmo has been named Player of the Match with Uefa’s Technical Observer panel saying: “He came on as a substitute to fill the big shoes of Pedri.

“He was very dangerous, very involved in the game, scored a goal, provided an assist, and also did well out wide. Defensively did a good job as well.”

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Spain have now won each of their last four European Championship quarter-final ties after losing each of the previous two.

Portugal v France LIVE: Score and latest goal updates from crucial Euro 2024 quarter-final

There’s going to be a bit more reaction from Spain’s victory over Germany but right now, Portugal are taking on France in the second quarter-final of the night with all the latest updates right here:

Portugal v France LIVE: Euro 2024 quarter-final score and goal updates

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

This was only the fourth match in Euros history to see three different players score as a substitute - after Russia v Czech Republic in 1996 and Italy v Austria and Croatia v Spain both at Euro 2020.

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Germany midfielder Toni Kroos takes in the applause from the home fans. This match is his final one before retirement now that his team are out.

He gives some hugs to his teammates and coaches. The 34-year-old came out of international retirement earlier this year to play in this tournament but now departs the professional football stage.

FT Spain 2-1 Germany

Reaction from Ally McCoist on ITV: “You could not take your eyes off it. The subs were excellent from both coaches, they made real impact.

“What a goal to win it.”

Spain v Germany player ratings: Dani Olmo shines as hosts dramatically dumped out of Euro 2024

Spain beat Germany in a thrilling contest in Stuttgart that ended 2-1 after extra-time, thanks to a 119th-minute Mikel Merino header.

The first half was dominated by fouls and bookings more than free-flowing attacking football, with Kai Havertz scuffing the best chance of the half as Pedri was forced off due to injury and three players received yellow cards (with Toni Kroos somehow escaping one too).

But the second half was a far more exciting affair, not least after great work from Lamine Yamal set up Dani Olmo to sweep the ball past Manuel Neuer on 51 minutes. That goal injected life into the contest, with Germany growing into the game and both teams having chances.

Spain v Germany player ratings as hosts dumped out of Euro 2024

Full-time! Spain 2-1 Germany

120+5 mins: The free kick is collected by Unai Simon and there goes the final whistle.

Despite an extra three minutes of added time and constant pressure from Germany, Spain get over the line. They’re into the semi-finals and have knocked the hosts out of their own tournament.

Spain’s winning streak goes on. Mikel Merino is the hero of the hour, of the night. The German hearts are broken, the Spanish ones jubliant.

What an end to this match. Spain triumph in Stuttgart.

Spain 2-1 Germany

120+3 mins: RED CARD!

Dani Carvajal cynically pulls Jamal Musiala to ground to stop Spain from attacking. He collects a second yellow and gets dismissed. He’ll miss the semi-final for Spain.

GOAL! Spain 2-1 Germany (Merino, 119’)⚽️

119 mins: Drama!

Dani Olmo whips a cross into the box from the left side of the pitch after a Dani Carvajal switches the play. The cross expertly picks out Mikel Merino who leaps highest and turns a header into the near bottom corner.

Manuel Neuer has no chance to stop it. Spain take the lead with 70 seconds left to play.

Spain 1-1 Germany

117 mins: Save!

Unai Simon keeps Spain in the match and the tournament with a wonderful leaping stop to deny Niclas Fullkrug. Germany work the ball into the penalty area, Fullkrug’s header turns the ball towards goal and Simon leaps to the right to keep it out.

Spain 1-1 Germany

116 mins: Nacho has faked an injury after Florian Wirtz jogs past him. The defender goes to ground like he’s taken a hit from Mike Tyson in his prime.

‘That’s embarrassing’ says Ally McCoist on ITV’s commentary.

Spain 1-1 Germany

114 mins: Toni Kroos goes down and wants the game to stop. The referee lets play go on with Spain sweeping up the pitch. Oyarzabal has the ball and tries to curl one into the bottom left corner.

His effort is okay but curls wide of the post.

Kroos now receives some treatment.

Spain 1-1 Germany

111 mins: Germany sweep forward on the counter attack after Jamal Musiala controls the ball on the edge of his own box and slips it to Florian Wirtz.

The two of them fly up the pitch, Wirtz holds onto it too long and the chance to give it to Musiala goes away. Instead Niclas Fullkrug arrives, receives the pass and smokes a terrible effort high and wide.

Spain 1-1 Germany

108 mins: Jamal Musiala and Niclas Fullkrug combine on the edge of the box for Germany. Musiala shoots and sees his shot blocked by Marc Cucurella.

The ball strikes the defender on the hand and the Germans explode with penalty shouts. The referee says no and VAR agrees.

Spain 1-1 Germany

Julian Nagelsmann draws his team into a huddle and gives the Germans a pep talk. Luis de la Fuente seems more reserved but no less focused.

Germany restart the ball for the final 15 minutes. After this there’ll be a penalty shootout if no-one can find a winner.

Spain 1-1 Germany

105+1 mins: That’s the end of the first half of extra-time. Not a great deal to write home about in terms of chances except for Mikel Oyarzabal’s late effort. He puts his left-foot through the ball and fizzes the effort agonisingly wide of the far post.

All square with 15 minutes to play.

Spain 1-1 Germany

102 mins: There’s another yellow card been shown by Anthony Taylor with this one going to the staff on the sidelines. It’s not clear who it’s been issued to.

Joselu comes on for Spain to replace Fabian Ruiz.

Spain 1-1 Germany

99 mins: Wirtz attempts to feed Muller in behind with a threaded pass but Marc Cucurella beats the German midfielder to the ball and tidies up for Spain.

Spain 1-1 Germany

96 mins: Toni Kroos delivers the corner into the middle but Unai Simon comes out and claims it confidently. Spain give possession away though with Maximilian Mittelstadt deciding to swing a cross back into the area.

Niclas Fullkrug is there to get on the end of it but the offside flag gets raised.

Spain 1-1 Germany

93 mins: Waldemar Anton is introduced for Germany as Julian Nagelsmann takes off Kai Havertz to bring a better balance to his team for the next 30 minutes.

Florian Wirtz is given the ball as Germany burst up the pitch. He rolls a teasing pass into the middle and wins a corner as Spain boot it clear.

Extra-time! Spain 1-1 Germany

30 more minutes to play in this quarter-final. Spain need to regroup and not allow Germany to dictate play. The momentum is all with the hosts.

Spains get the ball rolling once more.

FT Spain 1-1 Germany

Full-time! Spain 1-1 Germany

90+4 mins: There’s no further drama as the team play out the final four minutes of the 90. This one was always going to be close and now there’s an extra 30 minutes to play to decide the first semi-finalist.

Spain 1-1 Germany

90 mins: Four minutes of added time to play.

GOAL! Spain 1-1 Germany (Wirtz, 89’)⚽️

89 mins: Germany have their equaliser!

The ball comes across to Mittelstadt on the left side of the pitch. He laces a cross over to the far post where Kimmich leaps up to nod the ball down into the box.

It comes to Wirtz who strikes the ball into the ground and over to the opposite side of goal. The ball strikes the inside of the post and finishes in the back of the net!

Spain 1-0 Germany

87 mins: Save!

Toni Kroos delivers a free kick into the box where Kai Havertz is the target. He gets in behind Aymeric Laporta and pushes the centre-back down before nodding the ball at goal.

Unai Simon is there again to turn it away but the referee gives a free kick for a foul in the build-up.

Spain 1-0 Germany

84 mins: Chance!

Moments after Unai Simon gets booked for time-wasting he sends his free kick into the path of Kai Havertz. The German forward touches the ball up the pitch then looks to chip the goalkeeper and dinks his effort narrowly over the crossbar.

Is that a sign that things aren’t going to go Germany’s win?

Spain 1-0 Germany

81 mins: Into the last 10 minutes in Stuttgart now and Germany are pressing for the equaliser. Wirtz, Havertz and Fullkrug are all working up up top to get bodies into the box.

Musiala recieves the ball on the left and drives into the penalty area before fizzing a shot into the side netting.

Spain 1-0 Germany

78 mins: Post!

Germany send the ball out to Florian Wirtz who comes down the right side before sending a pass into the middle for Niclas Fullkrug. The striker holds off Nacho before turning the ball towards the target and watching as it ricochets off the nearest post.

Spain 1-0 Germany

75 mins: Ferran Torres curls a free kick over to the back post and finds Aymeric Laporte who keeps the ball alive. Germany hurry it out of the box though and feed Jamal Musiala who tries to fly forward leading a counter attack.

Torres stops his run by dragging the forward back and accepts the yellow card brandishing by the referee.

Spain 1-0 Germany

72 mins: Save!

Germany whip the ball into the box from the left and Kai Havertz wins it in the air. He nods it down to Niclas Fullkrug (who may be offside) and the forward pokes it back to Robert Andrich.

Andrich shoots with his first touch and hits the strike well, Unai Simon jumps to the left and palms it away.

Spain 1-0 Germany

69 mins: Toni Kroos arrives late with a tackle and goes in the book. He got away with a couple o ftakcles in the first hald but now he needs to be careful.

Spain look to build slowly out from the back and draw Germany up the pitch. They want space to run into as that’s where they’ve had the most joy in this match.

Spain 1-0 Germany

66 mins: Jamal Musiala has nowhere to go after collecting the ball outside the box. He loses possession then fouls Kai Havertz in a desperate attempt to win it back.

Spain 1-0 Germany

63 mins: There’s a furrowed brow on the face of Julian Nagelsmann now. He’s made his tweaks and his changes and now must trust his players to execute the updated plans.

Germany have seen more of the ball since they went behind. Spain have been pushed deeper though they want to keep attacking.

Spain 1-0 Germany

60 mins: Ilkay Gundogan and David Raum are hooked off by Julian Nagelsmann as the Germany manager looks to swing the game back in his team’s favour.

Replacing them are Maximilian Mittelstadt and Niclas Fullkrug. Florian Wirtz shoots from range looking to curl one into the bottom corner but his effort is deflected out for a corner.

Spain 1-0 Germany

57 mins: As Germany push higher up the pitch, there are spaces and gaps in their defence for Nico Williams and Lamine Yamal to exploit.

Spain can take advantage of this with the pace they have up top. Germany need to be wary as a second goal conceded could see this match slip away from them.

Robert Andrich fouls Williams and collects a yellow card. He’ll miss the semi-final for Germany too.

Spain 1-0 Germany

54 mins: What that goal will do is open this game up as Germany look to respond. As it stands the hosts are heading out of their own tournament but they won’t go out wondering.

The next goal could be the crucial one in this quarter-final.

GOAL! Spain 1-0 Germany (Olmo, 51’)⚽️

51 mins: Brilliant.

Spain work the ball down the right wing where Lamine Yamal is allowed time and space to operate. He carries the ball forward, brings it to the penalty area then squares a pass along the front edge of the box.

Dani Olmo times his run perfectly, arrives on the scene and slots the finish past Manuel Neuer!

Spain 0-0 Germany

48 mins: Chance!

Big moment. Spain work the ball up to Williams who chips a pass over the box to Lamine Yamal. He brings the ball down, sets himself to shoot then hits a short pass into Alvaro Morata.

Morata spins off his marker then lifts his shot over the crossbar!

Second half! Spain 0-0 Germany

Both managers make some changes at half-time. Robin Le Normand is replaced with Nacho for Spain as Robert Anrich and Florian Wirtz taking the place of Emre Can and Leroy Sane.

Spain get the ball rolling again in Stuttgart.

HT Spain 0-0 Germany

The winner of this match, which could very well go to extra-time and penalties, will face either France or Portugal in the semi-finals.

That game kicks off at 8pm this evening in what is being billed as a battle of generations with Kylian Mbappe taking on Cristiano Ronaldo.

HT Spain 0-0 Germany

Germany edged possession in that half with 53% compared to Spain’s 47%. It was the Spanish who took more chances though and created eight attempts with four on target.

The Germans managed three shots and two on target including Kai Havertz’s headed effort.

Defensively, Antonio Rudiger and David Raum have been booked for Germany with Spain’s Robin Le Normand also in the book.

HT Spain 0-0 Germany

Half-time! Spain 0-0 Germany

45+2 mins: The whistle goes to end the first 45 minutes and neither side has managed to assert their authority on the game. There’s been a continuous tussle for possession and very few good chances to score.

Kai Havertz probably had the best opportunity but sent his header straight to Unai Simon. All to play for in the second half.

Spain 0-0 Germany

45 mins: Two minutes of added time to play in this first half. Nothing to separate the two teams.

Spain 0-0 Germany

42 mins: This match has either been a period of free flowing end-to-end football or slow build-up broken up by fouls and late tackles.

We’re in the latter period at present though Williams gets free on the left and sends a nothing cross over to the far side of the penalty area.

Spain 0-0 Germany

39 mins: Close!

Dani Olmo tests out Manuel Neuer with a fine strike from range. The goalkeeper palms the ball into the path of Alvaro Morata but the Spanish captain can’t control the ball and turn it home before Germany’s defensive reinforcements arrive.

Spain 0-0 Germany

36 mins: Save!

Marc Cucurella gives the ball to Dani Olmo who slips Nico Williams in behind Joshua Kimmich. Williams darts into the box, shifts away from a covering Antonio Rudiger and hits a shot towards the near post.

Manuel Neuer drops to his right and palms it wide before the offside flag goes up. Based on the replays though that was a close one and Neuer needed to make that save.

Spain 0-0 Germany

33 mins: Spain turn the ball over in the middle of the pitch and slip a pass up for Dani Olmo to chase down. Germany’s centre-backs are spread out but Tah manages to scurry across and poke the ball into the feet of Neuer.

Germany then sweep forward and send the ball over to Kimmich but the right-back is flagged offside.

Spain 0-0 Germany

30 mins: Leroy Sane tracks back to help put Joshua Kimmich as Nico Williams drives and dribbles towards the German defence. The Spanish winger flicks the ball into the penalty area but can’t pick out the arriving Lamine Yamal.

Germany look to pass out but David Raum comes under pressure and gives away a free kick on their left wing.

The set piece comes into the area and sees Toni Kroos win the defensive header. The ball drops to Dani Olmo who flicks it up for a volley but Ilkay Gundogan gets in between him and the ball and gets fouled as Olmo kicks the ankle of the German midfielder.

Spain 0-0 Germany

27 mins: Germany win a free kick over on the right wing which is swung into the middle by Toni Kroos. Jonathan Tah gets his head to the ball and nods it down but the second phase sees Spain guard it as the ball bobbles through to the goalkeeper.

Spain 0-0 Germany

24 mins: Well then. With Germany controlling possession, Spain look to advance further up the pitch when they turn over the ball. Aymeric Laporte brings it down the inside left channel and is left alone.

He has a sight of goal and decides to shoot, nailing a left-footed effort at Manuel Neuer who comfortably keeps it out.

Spain 0-0 Germany

21 mins: Close!

That’s the first real chance of the game. Ilkay Gundogan slots a nicely threaded pass out to Joshua Kimmich on the right wing. The defender lifts a cross into the middle where Kai Havertz leaps highest and powers a header at goal.

Unai Simon spies it early and clings onto the ball.

Spain 0-0 Germany

18 mins: Jamal Musiala and David Raum work the ball superbly between themselves over on Germany’s left wing. Raum makes an underlapping run to get into the box and pulls the ball back but can’t pick out a teammate.

Spain then burst forward on their right wing, Yamal carrying the ball at his feet. He sends a pass inside where Fabian Ruiz arrives, controls the ball and fizzes a shot over the top.

The game is opening up now.

Spain 0-0 Germany

15 mins: Out comes the yellow card. Dani Olmo drives up the pitch as Spain work the ball quickly. Antonio Rudiger is forced to cover and sticks out a leg bringing the substitute down just outside the penalty area.

Rudiger collects the first yellow card of the match and will miss the semi-final if Germany get there. Lamine Yamal takes the set piece and drills it underneath the wall where the ball bounces wide of the nearest post.

Spain 0-0 Germany

12 mins: Germany’s first real foray up the pitch sees Kai Havertz fed the ball. He releases it out to the left where David Raum takes over and sends a half cross/half shot into the arms of Unai Simon.

More intent being shown from the hosts now.

Spain 0-0 Germany

9 mins: Dani Olmo replaces Pedri for Spain in what is a forced early substitution for Luis de la Fuente. The Spaniards will need to adapt and keep their composure.

There’s a long way to go in this game.

Germany look to play out and beat the high Spanish press but the ball rolls over to Marc Cucurella who drills it back down the line hoping to feed Nico Williams.

Spain 0-0 Germany

6 mins: Pedri is down again and remains on the deck this time needing a bit of treatment on his ankle. The midfielder has tackle a couple o f heavy knocks already and Dani Olmo is stripped and ready to come on for Spain.

Pedri hobbles to his feet but looks distraught as he limps off the pitch.

Spain 0-0 Germany

3 mins: Pedri is fed the ball and lets it run through his own legs as he smartly tries to get around Toni Kroos. The German midfielder clatters into him and takes out the midfielder.

It’s a crunching tackle but the referee keeps the cards in his pocket. Spain have a free kick in the middle of the pitch as both managers throw their arms in the air over the decision.

This one is testy already.

Kick off! Spain 0-0 Germany

The match gets underway. Both teams are quick starters and will want to impose themselves on the other. Nico Williams takes the opportunity to run at Antonio Rudiger before slipping a pass to Alvaro Morata.

He sets up Pedri for an early shot but he sends it straight into the hands of Manuel Neuer.

Spain v Germany

Here come the players.

This is a massive game. Two of the most entertaining teams at Euro 2024 going head-to-head in this quarter-final fixture. Spain have a 100% win record from their campaign and look exciting with pace and flow.

Germany have shaken off their poor recent performances at major tournaments and are revitalised. Only one of these two can progress but who will it be?

Kick off is up next...

Spain v Germany

This will be Germany’s 19th quarter-final tie across the World Cup (14) and European Championship (five) – the most of any European nation at the two major tournaments.

They have progressed from 15 of their previous 18 (83%).

De la Fuente on impact of Toni Kroos

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente admitted that limiting the influence of Germany midfielder Toni Kroos will be vital for his side to succeed.

"We thought about tying Kroos’ feet together, but I’m not sure if Uefa will let me," the 63-year-old joked, "We know how Kroos behaves.

“We will try to make sure he doesn’t have the chance to receive the ball and will limit his passing options."

Spain v Germany

Spain’s Fabian Ruiz has been involved in five goals in his last four games in all competitions (three goals, two assists).

He has both scored and assisted in two of his three games at Euro 2024 so far – no player has ever done so in three different games at a single edition of the European Championship.

Spain v Germany

Germany have scored 10 goals across their four matches at Euro 2024, which is already their joint-most in a single edition of the European Championship.

Pre-match thoughts from Julian Nagelsmann

The Germany coach said: “It’s not a final, it’s a quarter-final. We want to be one of the teams in the semi-final.

“Spain want to be champions as well, so it’ll be a tough game. Both teams are good in possession, have good counter-pressing qualities and can put their opponents under pressure.”

Germany left with one regret before ‘the real Euro 2024 final’ against reinvented Spain

It is something that Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t even want to be mentioned around the German camp, but it’s now impossible not to consider.

Would the hosts have been better off had Niclas Fullkrug not scored that 92nd-minute equaliser against Switzerland in the final group game? Might that have been the moment on which the entire tournament turned?

A 1-0 defeat would have put Germany second in their group and on the more forgiving side of the draw, probably making them the biggest force there. It could have been a clear route to the semi-final.

Germany have one regret before ‘the real Euro 2024 final’ with Spain

Spain v Germany

No host nation has ever been eliminated from the quarter-final stage of a European Championship, with all four previous host quarter-finalists (England in 1996, Netherlands in 2000, Portugal in 2004 and France in 2016) progressing.

Spain v Germany

This will be the fourth meeting between Spain and Germany at a European Championship, with Spain winning two (1984 and 2008) to Germany’s one (1988).

Their last such meeting was in the 2008 finalwith Spain winning 1-0 thanks to goal from Fernando Torres.

Pre-match thoughts from Luis de la Fuente

The Spain coach said: “It’s going to be an equal game. It could have been the Euros final and I think it’ll be an even game on a footballing level.

“Germany always start matches strongly, so obviously we’ll try and counter that. We’ll try and take the initiative and go all-out from the first minute.”

Spain v Germany team changes

Spain boss Luis de la Fuente keeps the same starting XI that lined up against Georgia in the last-16. Lamine Yamal keeps his place in the forward line with Alvaro Morata up top. Rodri anchors the midfield and Aymeric Laporte continues his centre-back partnership with Robin Le Normand.

For Germany there are two changes to the team that faced Denmark in the previous round. Jonathan Tah and Emre Can are brought into the team to replace Nico Schlotterbeck and Robert Andrich who both drop to the bench.

Yamal emulating Ronaldo

16-year-old winger Lamie Yamal has provided two assists for Spain so far becoming just the third teenager on record (since 1980) to provide multiple assists in the European Championship after Enzo Scifo (1984) and Cristiano Ronaldo (2004).

Nagelsmann on Yamal

Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann was asked about Spain’s breakout star Lamine Yamal who he called a "talented" and "fun" player in his pre-match press conference.

Yamal looks likely to feature in tonight’s quarter-final against the tournament hosts but Nagelsmann questioned how the teenager will get on when the pressure increases.

He said: "Let’s see how he reacts when things get tough.

"You can’t defend him completely. You have to be prepared for different things. My focus is less on [Lamine] Yamal, more on Jamal [Musiala]. We can do something in attack ourselves."

Spain line-up

Spain XI: Unai Simon; Carvajal, Le Normand, Laporte, Cucurella; Pedri, Rodri, Fabian Ruiz; Yamal, Morata, Williams

Germany line-up

Germany XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Rudiger, Tah, Raum; Kroos, Can; Sane, Gundogan, Musiala; Havertz

Can one overhead kick really change a tournament? Here’s what England think

Over the last few days, the England players have felt a “shift” in training. There’s even been a lightness to some of the heavier work. Many of the squad felt the benefit of proper time with the family on Tuesday. Part of that is down to the breathing space that comes from a bit of a break, but most of it is from the release of Jude Bellingham’s goal against Slovakia.

The line all week has been that this is a “turning point”, even coming up repeatedly in team meetings. Gareth Southgate himself set that idea in the euphoria after the Slovakia game, openly talking about how it could be similar to Paul Gascoigne’s goal against Scotland at Euro ‘96. One of his “leadership group”, John Stones, was only too willing to take up the thread.

Can one moment really change a tournament? Here’s what England think

Gareth Southgate warns England will go ‘to the depths again’ to beat Switzerland

Gareth Southgate says England have to be “ready to go right to the depths again” in Saturday’s crunch European Championship quarter-final against Switzerland.

The eyes of the nation will be focused on Dusseldorf as the Euro 2020 runners-up continue their quest to go one better by taking on the side 19th in FIFA’s world rankings.

England are fifth in those standings but have yet to show those standards in Germany, where they topped Group C in unconvincing fashion before narrowly avoiding humiliation last weekend.

Gareth Southgate warns England will go ‘to the depths again’ to beat Switzerland

Turkey defender Merih Demiral handed Euro 2024 ban over ‘Grey Wolves’ gesture

Turkey defender Merih Demiral has been banned for two games by Uefa following a gesture he made during his side’s last-16 win against Austria on Tuesday and will miss Saturday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against Netherlands.

The 26-year-old centre back scored twice in a 2-1 win over the Austrians to send his side into the last eight for the first time since 2008, and celebrated by making a “wolf” gesture with his fingers.

Turkey defender Merih Demiral handed Euro 2024 ban over ‘Grey Wolves’ gesture

Jude Bellingham fined by Uefa and handed suspended ban for gesture which broke ‘decent conduct’

Uefa have charged Jude Bellingham with “violating the basic rules of decent conduct”, but the player will not face an immediate ban.

England midfielder Bellingham was facing a ban after Uefa opened an investigation into a gesture he made while celebrating his spectacular overhead kick against Slovakia in the last-16 tie last Sunday.

In the aftermath of his goal, Bellingham was seen shouting “Who else?!” as he ran over to England fans after scoring. The Video showed the Real Madrid forward then kiss his hand and grab his crotch in a gesture which appeared to be directed towards the side of the pitch.

Bellingham fined by Uefa and handed suspended ban for gesture

Spain v Germany - Euro 2024

Here’s a look at how the two nations compare from a statistical standpoint, after four matches apiece at Euro 2024, with Spain’s score first and Germany’s second:

Goals per game - (ESP) 2.3 - 2.5 (GER)

Average possession - 59.5% - 65.8%

Big chances created - 17 - 12

Expected goals - 8.9 - 7.7

Actual goals - 9 - 10

Shot conversion rate - 11% - 13.9%

xG conceded - 3.3 - 3.0

Actual conceded - 1 - 2

Euro 2024 power rankings: Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals

Euro 2024 is heading to the quarter-finals after an entertaining start to the knockout rounds saw eight more nations exit the tournament.

Spain were the only team to collect the maximum nine points in the group phase and they continued their impressive form with a 4-1 win over Georgia. Switzerland and Germany both progressed to the quarter-finals with 2-0 wins, but it was much harder work for France, England and Portugal who respectively required a late own goal, a very late equaliser/extra-time winner and a penalty shootout to go through.

Here, we assess how every Euro 2024 nation stacks up before the quarter-finals (these rankings are revised after each round of games).

Euro 2024 power rankings: Rating all eight nations ahead of the quarter-finals

Meet Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old Spain wonderkid lighting up Euro 2024

Exactly one year ago Lamine Yamal was playing in the quarter-finals of the U17 European Championships in front of only a few hundred supporters. Skipping past defenders for fun, he registered an assist and scored once in Spain’s 3-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland.

At just 15 years old, he was one of the youngest players competing in the U17 competition at the time. Yet he already stood out among his peers, finishing as the joint top-scorer of the tournament – despite Spain crashing out to France in the semi-final.

Fast forward a year, he’s now the youngest player competing at Euro 2024, with his boyish smile revealing braces, his joyful approach to the game providing a captivating subplot to Friday’s European Championship quarter-final with hosts Germany. To say it has been a whirlwind 12 months for the Barcelona winger would be an understatement.

Our feature piece on the Spanish starlet, for Premium subscribers:

Meet Lamine Yamal, the 16-year-old Spain wonderkid lighting up Euro 2024

Euro 2024 draw

The winner of this one will meet either Portugal or France in the semi-finals for another mouth-watering tie.

Here’s a closer look at the draw:

Euro 2024 quarter-finals: Fixtures, schedule and kick-off times

Practice and preparation can bring penalty success, says Ilkay Gundogan

Gundogan is one of Germany’s most experienced players and has taken almost 20 penalties in a successful career between clubs like Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City.

However, he believed anyone who stepped up to take a spot kick should be lauded for their bravery and that even some of the game’s greatest players do not always score.

“Even the best takers in the world miss,” Gundogan said. “I automatically think about someone like Harry Kane who has a finishing that is unbelievable but I also remember him missing quite a few penalties.

“So it’s just the circumstances at the end of the day. I missed a lot of penalties in my career so far as well. At the end of the day you just try your best. Sometimes it gets rewarded and you can do it in a better way and sometimes not.

“I think to have the guts to step on, to take a penalty in crucial moments, to show respect for it, even when you miss because it is a situation that is extraordinary and it is very difficult to deal with.”

Practice and preparation can bring penalty success, says Ilkay Gundogan

Mental preparation and plenty of practice are the most important factors in taking a penalty, Germany midfielder Ilkay Gundogan said as his team gear up for Friday’s Euro 2024 quarter-final clash against Spain.

Both teams are heavy favourites and have provided some of the best football in the tournament so far and their clash could come down to a penalty shootout.

Gundogan, 33, said on Thursday that the pressure of taking a penalty is not something that can be replicated in training, but that it’s still important to be mentally prepared.

“The key word for me is routine. When you step on to take a penalty, the pressure that exists in a game it’s just different than it was in training and obviously to replicate is very, very difficult. I don’t believe that you can replicate it in training,” Gundogan told a press conference.

“You can train your routine. You can train how you want to approach a penalty. Your breathing, how you get calm... The most crucial thing is to get calm, how to get your heartbeat down.

“Just try to be cool and enjoy the moment of taking a penalty. Which is the most difficult thing because, otherwise anyone would score a penalty.”

Spain wary of ‘super class’ Toni Kroos in quarter-final

Only three nations have won the Euros as hosts (Spain 1964, Italy 1968, France 1984) and three more have played a final on home soil, only to lose (Portugal 2004, France 2016 and England 2020).

History is also not on Germany’s side for Friday’s matchup, as they have not beaten Spain in a tournament game since 1988, a winless run which includes a 6-0 demolition in the 2020 Nations League.

Despite Spain’s imperious form in their four straight wins so far at Euro 2024 and their previous success against Germany, De la Fuente said it would be an evenly-matched clash.

The difference could be, according to the Spaniard, the individual talent of certain players, like Germany midfielder Toni Kroos. The 34-year-old could be playing the last game of a remarkable career as he plans to retire after the tournament.

“I will ask Uefa if I can tie his feet together for this game,” De la Fuente joked. “Kroos is a super class player. It is incomprehensible that he is leaving football. It’s a shame that he will stop playing. We know what Kroos does and we will try to limit his passing, be very close and help him so that he doesn’t receive or at least doesn’t do it comfortably.

“That’s what we can do as they won’t let us tie his feet. It is a final before the final and I hope we advance.”

Germany left with one regret before ‘the real Euro 2024 final’ against reinvented Spain

It is something that Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t even want to be mentioned around the German camp, but it’s now impossible not to consider. Would the hosts have been better off had Niclas Fullkrug not scored that 92nd-minute equaliser against Switzerland in the final group game? Might that have been the moment on which the entire tournament turned?

A 1-0 defeat would have put Germany second in their group and on the more forgiving side of the draw, probably making them the biggest force there. It could have been a clear route to the semi-final.

Nagelsmann would argue that, if that happened, the hosts wouldn’t still have their unbeaten record. They wouldn’t have the emotional momentum that comes with a last-minute equaliser to preserve that record, either. They wouldn’t have the same aura.

Euro 2024, meanwhile, wouldn’t have a fixture as mouthwatering as Spain v Germany on Friday.

Germany have one regret before ‘the real Euro 2024 final’ with Spain

Spain do not fear partisan atmosphere in Germany

Spain manager Luis de la Fuente dismissed the impact a sold-out Stuttgart Arena filled by a majority of German fans could have in the outcome of their Euro 2024 quarter-final on Friday.

Ahead of the match against tournament hosts Germany, De la Fuente said that playing at home is not always an advantage as the weight of responsibility to not let a country down is often a burden.

“I think that at these levels, the so called home advantage is not really a factor and I don’t think it has too much influence,” De la Fuente told a press conference on Thursday.

“We have very experienced players, who are not going to be intimidated by a more or less hostile environment. It’s a normal football environment that we’re used to. I don’t think that has any influence at all.

“And I’m also not sure whether they are beneficial or not, sometimes that pressure goes against the home team, because the fans are very demanding and if things don’t start well, then the crowd can have a positive effect for us.... we’re going to play the game as we’ve been doing so far, with joy and confidence.”

Goals, assists and perfect passing - Nico Williams is the consistent star Spain have been searching for

For many reasons, a majority of them valid, Lamine Yamal seemed to become the face of this Spain side heading into Euro 2024. For one it’s his youth, of course - a star at just 16. There’s also the potential for so many storylines, with his birthday the day before the final itself.

Then there’s the fact he plays for Barcelona - all this before we even approach the subject of his quality, which is clearly off the charts.

But while he gives Spain traits they’ve been desperate for over the last few years and tournaments - guile around the box, balance in the forward line and, above all else, speed - he isn’t the only player to do so. He isn’t even the only starting forward who offers much of the same traits, if in mirror image.

Goals and perfect passing - Nico Williams is the star Spain have been searching for

Germany left with one regret before ‘the real Euro 2024 final’ against reinvented Spain

It is something that Julian Nagelsmann doesn’t even want to be mentioned around the German camp, but it’s now impossible not to consider. Would the hosts have been better off had Niclas Fullkrug not scored that 92nd-minute equaliser against Switzerland in the final group game? Might that have been the moment on which the entire tournament turned?

A 1-0 defeat would have put Germany second in their group and on the more forgiving side of the draw, probably making them the biggest force there. It could have been a clear route to the semi-final.

Nagelsmann would argue that, if that happened, the hosts wouldn’t still have their unbeaten record. They wouldn’t have the emotional momentum that comes with a last-minute equaliser to preserve that record, either. They wouldn’t have the same aura.

Germany have one regret before ‘the real Euro 2024 final’ with Spain

Early team news

Spain rested a number of players for their final group game against Albania, having won their first two matches, but fielded a full-strength team against Georgia.

Germany will have Jonathan Tah back from suspension and he is expected to partner Antonio Rudiger.

Here’s everything you need to know about the match

When is it?

Spain vs Germany will kick off at 5pm BST at the MHP Arena in Stuttgart.

How can I watch it?

The match will be shown live on ITV1 with coverage starting at 4pm and the match can also be viewed live on the ITVX app and website.

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Spain vs Germany

Spain have been the in-form side of Euro 2024, and will take on Germany in one of the most highly-anticipated matches of the tournament on Friday.

Germany started their European Championship with a dominant 5-1 victory over Scotland, and reached the quarter-finals with a straightforward win over Denmark.

But they have exceeded the expectations set in recent years having not won a knockout match in a major international competition beforehand since 2016, but will need everything to be in place against Spain.

La Roja have won all four of their games at Euro 2024 and netted nine goals in the process, only conceding their first goal of the tournament in the 4-1 round-of-16 win over Georgia.