Lamine Yamal has become the youngest-ever player to appear in a major tournament semi-final, aged only 16 years and 362 days old at Euro 2024.

Yamal started Spain's last-four clash against France in Munich on Tuesday.

The Barcelona winger surpasses the record held by Pele, who was 17 years and 244 days old when he represented Brazil in the 1958 World Cup, also against France.

The teenager had already made history at the tournament when he started La Roja's opener against Croatia on June 15, as he became the youngest-ever player to feature at the European Championships (16 years, 338 days).

Yamal has been impressive at the tournament so far, managing three assists, with no Spanish player ever registering more in a single edition of the competition.

His 14 chances created so far are also the most by a teenager at a major tournament on record (since 1966 for the World Cup, 1980 for the Euros).

At the other end of the spectrum, Jesus Navas (38y 231d) became the oldest-ever outfield player to appear in a semi-final at a major international tournament by replacing Dani Carvajal at right-back.

Toni Kroos penned an emotional farewell after his footballing career was ended by Germany's quarter-final elimination at Euro 2024.

The veteran midfielder confirmed earlier this year that this season would be his last, signing off from club football with Champions League and LaLiga glory for Real Madrid.

Julian Nagelsmann managed to convince Kroos out of international retirement for the European Championship on home soil, where Germany lost 2-1 in extra time on Friday against Spain in the last eight.

The 34-year-old cut an understandably emotional figure after the full-time whistle, taking to Instagram on Sunday to pay a final goodbye.

"So that's it. But before I take a break and at least try to realise what happened over the last 17 years, I don't want to miss the opportunity to say thank you to everyone for accepting me as how and who I am," Kroos wrote on social media. 

"Thanks to all my fans around the world for your unconditional support. Thanks to all my clubs and coaches for believing in me. Thanks to all my team-mates for making me feel welcome anytime.

"Thanks to my friends for always being honest with me no matter how successful I became. Thanks to my agents who became friends. Thanks to my parents for the best possible preparation to realise my dream.

"Thanks to my brother for always being my number one fan. Thanks to my kids for being my biggest motivation to bring the best out of me – nothing better to see your kids being proud of daddy.

"Thanks to my beautiful wife for being you. Never change. This success wouldn't have been possible without you. It's ours!

"And last but not least: Thank you football! You beautiful game. And... you're welcome! Over and out."

Having defeated Germany in the last eight, Spain face France in the semi-finals on Tuesday, a day before the Netherlands meet England for a place in the final on July 14.

Kylian Mbappe may not be firing on all cylinders but Didier Deschamps says the France captain is aiming for "even more history" at Euro 2024.

The Real Madrid-bound forward has scored just once at the tournament in Germany from 20 attempts, a penalty against Poland in Les Bleus' final group game.

Mbappe has managed just one goal overall from 34 shots at the European Championships, a contrast to his record at the World Cup, where he has scored 12 goals from 39 efforts.

Yet in this edition of UEFA's top international tournament, the former Paris Saint-Germain star has been hampered by a broken nose that has forced him to wear a protective mask when playing.

The 25-year-old has repeatedly cited his frustrations at wearing the protective equipment, which some have suggested explains a downturn in form.

Deschamps fired back at his critics, however, lauding the France international ahead of Tuesday's semi-final meeting with Spain in Munich.

"Don't you think he has already made enough history, with what he has done so far? He wants to make even more history," the France boss said, in an interview quoted by Telefoot.

"We did everything we could with him, with the medical staff, to get him to be here. During the preparation, he had a little back problem, too, but Kylian is here.

"Even if he's not 100%, I know very well that for the opponent, knowing he's playing makes them think and forces them to adapt."

Mbappe's form perhaps explains why there have only been four goals scored in France's five Euro 2024 matches (three for, one against), with those either penalties (two) or own goals (two).

Indeed, none of the 128 non-penalty shots have found the back of the net in those games (86 for France, 42 for opponents).

France are also the only team on record since 1980 to have more than 50 non-penalty shots at a Euros tournament without scoring with any of those attempts.

Deschamps and Mbappe will be desperate to end that drab run when Les Bleus face an in-form Spain side, battling for a place in the final against either the Netherlands or England.

Spain heading into Euro 2024 as "outsiders" instead of the pre-tournament favourites has aided La Roja, says Marc Cucurella ahead of Tuesday's semi-final against France.

Luis de la Fuente's side are looking to reach their fifth European Championship final, with only Germany playing in more (six), after remaining perfect through five games so far.

Spain needed a last-gasp Mikel Merino header for their 2-1 extra-time victory over hosts Germany in Friday's quarter-final, but Cucurella insists confidence continues to grow within the La Roja camp.

"Within football, there has long been respect for Spain, how we play and the players we have, but maybe coming in [to Euro 2024] as outsiders helped us," the Chelsea full-back said on Sunday. 

"We started with the confidence of having nothing to lose. Now that confidence has grown and we are in the key moment of the tournament.

"I knew we had a great team, which has been proven. We have fought so hard to be here, and now we need one last big effort. Two more steps."

De la Fuente's team will meet an out-of-sorts France in Munich for their last-four clash after Les Bleus scraped past Portugal on penalties in the quarter-final.

Didier Deschamps' men once again failed to find the net across 120 minutes of action in their last-eight goalless draw on Friday, with only four goals scored by either team in France's five Euro 2024 matches thus far.

Indeed, all 128 non-penalty shots have failed to be scored (86 for France, 42 for opponents), while they are the only team on record since 1980 to have more than 50 non-penalty shots at a Euros and fail to find the net with any of them.

Kylian Mbappe's form remains a concern for Deschamps, too, with the Real Madrid-bound forward scoring just one goal from 20 shots at this edition, a penalty against Poland in their final group game.

Rather than excitement around Mbappe, who has scored just once from 34 attempts at the European Championship overall, most of the focus revolves around Spanish wingers Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams.

"With the Spanish national team, danger can come from anywhere," France midfielder Youssouf Fofana said at his pre-match press conference.

"Nico Williams and Yamal have had a great season, but I expect them to lose on Tuesday. We have to stay as solid as we have been so far in defence."

As for the criticism over France's playing style, Fofana insists he has no problem, adding: "In the end, we're in the semi-finals."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Spain – Lamine Yamal

Yamal has created 14 chances at this tournament, the most by a Spaniard at a major tournament since Xavi en route to winning Euro 2012 (25).

The Barcelona winger's 14 chances created are also the most by a teenager at a major tournament that Opta has on record (since 1966 for World Cup, 1980 for Euros).

And the 16-year-old has three assists within that tally, too, with no Spanish player ever registering more at a single European Championship tournament.

France – Mike Maignan

Les Bleus have had their backs against the wall for large parts of this competition in Germany, placing a heavy burden on Milan goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

The Frenchman has a save percentage of 94% at Euro 2024 the best of any goalkeeper to have played more than one game.

Indeed, it is the best by a goalkeeper at a Euros tournament since Iker Casillas for the Euro 2012 winners Spain (also 94%).

MATCH PREDICTION: SPAIN WIN

Spain appear the narrow favourites to reach the final, with La Roja winning in 90 minutes in 38.1% of pre-match simulations by the Opta supercomputer.

France are still afforded a 31.8% chance of victory, with the draw – sending the tie to extra time and possibly penalties – forecast in 30% of the same data-led simulations.

Yet Deschamps will be well aware of Spain's quality, given De la Fuente's team have won 15 of their 19 matches since the start of 2023 – their 79% win percentage is the best of any European nation in that period.

Spain are the only team to have won all five games at this tournament, though no side has ever gone six in a row in the competition's history, nor triumphed in six matches across a single edition.

If La Roja can achieve that unprecedented feat here, then a place in the final in Berlin awaits against either England or the Netherlands.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Spain – 38.2%

France – 31.8%

Draw – 30%

Hakan Calhanoglu said he regrets Turkiye's defensive approach in their 2-1 loss to the Netherlands as they bowed out of Euro 2024. 

Turkiye took the lead through Samet Akaydin's 35th minute header, becoming the seventh different goalscorer for Vincenzo Montella's side in the tournament. 

However, Stefan de Vrij and a Mert Muldur own goal turned things around for the Netherlands, setting up a semi-final clash with England next Wednesday. 

Having taken the lead, Turkiye aimed to defend it, but that came with a cost as Ronald Koeman's side ramped up the pressure in the second half. 

Montella's side had 43.4% possession and completed 182 passes in the first half, compared to just 37.6% and 112 following the interval.

"When we look at the tournament in general, teams that take a 1-0 lead generally sit back," Calhanoglu said. 

"I don’t know why this is the case, but it was the same for us today. We sat back a lot," he told reporters.

"We conceded two goals in seven minutes, which of course hurt us a little. In the end, we tried to try and had a chance with long balls, but we couldn't take advantage.

"Sometimes things like this happen in football. We need to learn from this. I am proud of everyone."

Turkiye impressed at the tournament, reaching the knockout stages of a European Championship for the first time since 2008. 

The nation are set to co-host Euro 2032 along with Italy, and Calhanoglu believes his side can use their experience in Germany to build towards a bright future. 

"As long as we are united, as long as we are together, we can achieve anything. We have always shown this," he said.

Nathan Ake says the Netherlands are "very close" to achieveing their dream ahead of their Euro 2024 semi-final with England. 

The Netherlands had to come from behind to beat Turkiye 2-1 on Saturday night thanks to a header from Stefan de Vrij and Mert Muldur's own goal in Berlin.

That triumph set up a semi-final clash with England in Dortmund next Wednesday. 

And Ake is relishing the opportunity of facing several of his Manchester City team-mates, saying the Oranje are within touching distance of securing a first major international honour since 1988. 

"I’m looking forward to it. There’s a lot of players I know from the Premier League," said Ake.

"We know their individual qualities and it’s a semi-final so it will be tough. We’re building momentum.

"We came through tough stages at the start of the tournament and now we’ve got through another test so I think we’re ready for it.

"Underdog or not - it doesn’t matter. We focus on ourselves. We know what we need to do. We are very close now."

The Netherlands, much like England, have been subject to criticism for their performances at the tournament so far. 

Ronaldo Koeman's side progressed to the knockout stages as one of the best third-placed teams, having taken four points from Group D fixtures. 

The Netherlands eased past Romania in the last 16 with arguably their best performance of the tournament, before showing their powers of recovery against Turkiye. 

"You can play good football but still go out," Cody Gakpo, who is the joint-top scorer at the tournament, said.

"Obviously I think everyone knows each country can play a little bit better but if you win, that's all that matters."

Gareth Southgate insists Euro 2024 is not just about England "playing well" as the Three Lions manager lauded the character shown in their penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland in the last eight.

England were once again unconvincing in Dusseldorf and fell behind to Breel Embolo's 75th-minute opener, only for Bukayo Saka to level shortly after on Saturday.

Penalties followed at Dusseldorf Arena as Jordan Pickford denied Switzerland's first spot-kick from Manuel Akanji, before Trent Alexander-Arnold coolly slotted in the winning effort to seal a last-four place.

Since Euro 1996, England have played 11 knockout matches at the European Championship and eight of those have gone to extra-time, including the last four in a row.

That may be apportioned to their battling nature, an aspect manager Southgate referenced after a nervy victory in his 100th national game in charge of the senior side.

"I thought the players were brilliant, it is the best we have played," Southgate said on BBC One. "To come from behind and show character and resilience we did... it isn't just about playing well.

"Huge performance, huge result and we are still in it. We had to be tactically spot on. We are in a third semi-final and it says a lot about the whole group. I thought we had good control."

England had lost more shoot-outs than any other nation across the World Cup and Euros (seven), but responded emphatically by converting all five attempts at this edition of UEFA's top tournament.

Saka knows all too well about spot-kick heartbreak, having missed in the Euro 2020 final against Italy, and Southgate lauded his response after firing past Yann Sommer in the shoot-out.

"It was so brave from Bukayo, he is one of our best and we were never in question he would take one. But we all knew what he went through," Southgate continued.

England scored every single one of their penalties in the shoot-out (5/5), also doing so against Spain at Euro 1996 (4/4), for just the second time in their 10th penalty shoot-out at major tournaments.

"We have done a lot of work on it. We've won three out of four shootouts now," Southgate added, in quotes published by UEFA's official website.

"In the end the players have to do it and deliver. For players to come into the game and do what they did, for someone like Bukayo having been what he's been through to go through that pressure [is great]."

Harry Kane endured another quiet outing, failing to register a shot on target before being removed in extra time, though the England captain has faith in whoever Southgate selects.

"Another tough game and first of all great resilience from the lads to turn it up again," Kane told BBC One. 

"To get the goal, a fantastic finish from Bukayo Saka. Penalties are penalties, but I felt prepared – I was on the side, but I felt comfortable in the lads. Five out of five and a save from Picks!

"We trust in whoever is on the pitch and the difference this year compared to past years is we have proven penalty takers – we have a lot more experience and we showed it out there."

Bukayo Saka revelled in banishing previous penalty demons as England edged past Switzerland with a shoot-out victory in the Euro 2024 quarter-finals.

Saka levelled just five minutes after Breel Embolo's 75th-minute opener in Dusseldorf on Saturday, though the two sides could not be separated across 120 minutes.

England had lost more shoot-outs than any other nation across the World Cup and European Championships (seven), with Saka missing in the final of the latter competition just four years ago.

Yet the Arsenal winger converted from 12 yards after Jordan Pickford had denied Manuel Akanji, before Trent Alexander-Arnold sent England into the last four at Dusseldorf Arena.

Saka was understandably delighted to bounce back on penalties after his heartbreak against Italy at Wembley Stadium at Euro 2020.

"To comeback from something like that is really difficult, today I took the chance," the England forward said on BBC One.

"I am going to put it up there, special. How we fought back and to go to penalties. Last time we took at penalty shoot-out at the Euros we know what happened. I believed.

"I felt like we dominated the whole game and the chance would come and I took it – I am proud of myself for that."

England have won just four penalty shoot-outs in their history but two of them have come against Switzerland, in 2019 in the Nations League and in this game at Euro 2024.

A last-four meeting with either the Netherlands or Turkiye awaits on Wednesday, where Saka is still desperate for Gareth Southgate's side to improve.

"I think it shows how much we want to win this tournament," Saka added. "Hopefully, next game we can win in 90 minutes but if this is what it takes – we will do anything!"

For just the second time in their 10th shoot-out at a major tournament, England scored every single one of their penalties in the shoot-out (5/5), also doing so against Spain at Euro 1996 (4/4).

Alexander-Arnold proved the hero when curling into Yann Sommer's top corner, and the Liverpool full-back says the execution was down to Southgate's meticulous planning.

"It is what we have practised," Alexander-Arnold said on the same English outlet. "When the gaffer said I was taking one, I enjoy it and I practice it – I knew I had to just execute it.

"All five penalties from us were great.

"We knew it was going to be tight. Whatever it takes and no matter what we win – that is all that matters to us."

Trent Alexander-Arnold sent England into the Euro 2024 semi-finals after Jordan Pickford proved the hero in a 5-3 penalty shoot-out victory over Switzerland following a 1-1 draw in Dusseldorf. 

Gareth Southgate's side suffered shoot-out heartbreak in the final of the last European Championship edition but banished those demons on Saturday.

Pickford denied Switzerland's first penalty from Manuel Akanji, with England – notorious for their penalty struggles – remaining perfect from 12 yards as Alexander-Arnold converted the decisive spot-kick.

Breel Embolo had earlier opened the scoring late in the second half but Bukayo Saka levelled soon after, before Pickford's decisive save set up a last-four clash with either the Netherlands or Turkiye on Wednesday.

With Southgate reverting to a three-man defence that brought so much success at previous international tournaments, England improved from the off but lacked a cutting edge.

Jude Bellingham and Phil Foden were allowed the freedom of Dusseldorf Arena in the early stages, while Saka had the beating of Michel Aebischer whenever he pleased.

Saka dribbled past the Swiss wing-back five times in the first half, the most one player has beaten another in a single match at this tournament.

Yet for all of the Three Lions' promise in attack, they failed to make it count as Kobbie Mainoo came closest, only to see the ball taken off his toes by Granit Xhaka.

Both sides failed to register a shot on target in the opening half, but Embolo only needed five minutes after the interval to test Pickford having turned Ezri Konsa.

Switzerland continued to tighten their grip on the contest, with Aebischer wasting a glorious opportunity as the ball fell kindly to him on the edge of the area.

Murat Yakin's side snatched their deserved reward in the 75th minute, though, as Dan Ndoye's teasing delivery slipped past the stretching John Stones for Embolo to slide in the opener.

That Swiss joy was short-lived, however, as the introduction of Luke Shaw, Cole Palmer and Eberechi Eze sparked England into life just five minutes after falling behind.

Declan Rice offloaded to his right before Saka was afforded too much room to cut inside and curl a left-footed effort from the perimeter of the area in via the help of Yann Sommer's right-hand post.

England threatened to make another fast start in extra time, as they did in the last 16 against Slovakia, but Rice saw his attempt saved by Yann Sommer.

Yet Switzerland would go closest in the additional 30 minutes when Xherdan Shaqiri's audacious corner-kick struck the woodwork, before Zeki Amdouni fizzed straight at Pickford, who proved the hero shortly after.

Palmer slotted in the opening penalty before Pickford guessed the right way, diving low to his left to push away Akanji's timid spot-kick from the Swiss' first effort.

Both England and Switzerland converted every attempt from then on, yet Pickford's smart stop paved the way for Alexander-Arnold to whip into the top-left corner and send England into the last four.

England show nerves of steel on the big stage

The Three Lions' record on penalties at major tournaments is well known, but this is not a normal England team of yesteryear.

England had lost more shoot-outs than any other nation across the World Cup and Euros (seven), while at this competition had both the worst win rate (20% – 1/5) and the worst conversion rate (69% – 18/26). 

Yet for just the second time in their 10th shoot-out at a major tournament, England scored every single one of their penalties (5/5), also doing so against Spain at Euro 1996 (4/4).

This win also marks another milestone for England, who have now won 50 of their 117 matches at major international tournaments, becoming only the sixth European nation to reach that half-century milestone. 

Switzerland out in the cruellest of circumstances

It was yet more heartache for Switzerland, who bowed out of the competition in the most dramatic of circumstances. 

Embolo scored his fifth goal at a major tournament for Switzerland – only Xherdan Shaqiri (10) and Josef Hugi (six) have more for the Swiss across the World Cup and Euros. 

Switzerland have now been eliminated in all five of their major tournament quarter-final appearances: at the 934, 1938 and 1954 World Cups, and Euro 2020 and 2024.

However, Yakin's side have proved they have the ability to compete with the best, and they will be confident of going further in the major tournaments to come. 

Spain have confirmed that Pedri will miss the rest of Euro 2024 after suffering a 'grade two knee sprain' in Friday's quarter-final victory over Germany.

Pedri had to be substituted after just eight minutes in the clash in Stuttgart following a heavy tackle from Toni Kroos.

Spain won 2-1 after extra-time thanks to Mikel Merino's late strike and will face France in the semi-finals in Munich next Tuesday. 

In a statement post on X, it read: "The medical tests carried out have determined that Pedri González suffers a grade 2 internal lateral sprain in his left knee.

"The Canarian player will remain in Germany until the end of Euro 2024."

Kroos, who called time on his football career following Germany's defeat, sent his best wishes to the Barcelona midfielder in an emotional farewell post. 

"Get better soon Pedri. Obviously, it was not my intention to cause any damage," Kroos posted on Instagram.

"Wishing you a speedy recovery and all the best. You are a great player."

Luis de la Fuente hailed his Spain side as an "example for the country" after their last-gasp win over hosts Germany in the Euro 2024 quarter-final.

La Roja came out on top with a 2-1 victory in Stuttgart thanks to Mikel Merino's 119th-minute winner in extra time on Friday.

Dani Olmo had given Spain the lead in the second half, and looked to have scored the match-winner until Florian Wirtz equalised at the end of normal time.

After their last-gasp win, De la Fuente was full of praise for the fighting spirit his side showed to get the result.

"I'm proud of this group of players, such a committed group of players, who are an example for our country, for our society, and for any sportsmen and women who want to be competitive and want to improve every day in order to try and be a bit better every day," De la Fuente said.

"Our team has heart, and I know them; they have ambition, and they are eager to be better every day. They never tire of improving, and I am proud to coach them."

Spain and Germany had perhaps been the tournament's standout performers in the first four rounds of matches, and the match lived up to its billing.

De la Fuente's side have now won all five of their matches at Euro 2024 and will play France for a place in the final on Tuesday.

"We will see how far we can get, but I'm really proud of the example that this team is giving out in terms of companionship and values and so on, and this is what I value the most, apart from the quality of my players," he added.

"We are happy, but we know that tomorrow is a different day, and tomorrow it's another game already. So yes, we are happy, but the euphoria is very much under control."

Roberto Martinez insisted that Portugal must be proud of their players, describing their penalty shootout defeat to France as "cruel" in the quarter-finals of Euro 2024. 

Having seen a fourth meeting between the two sides at the European Championships go the full distance, spot-kicks would decide who would face Spain in Munich next Tuesday. 

Joao Felix saw his effort bounce back off the post, allowing Theo Hernandez to send Les Bleus through to their fourth semi-final in the last five major tournaments.

Portugal squandered several golden opportunities on the night, with Cristiano Ronaldo and Nuno Mendes going closest for the Selecao.

Martinez praised his side's display, believing his side were the better side on the night.

"We have to be proud of our players because they fought and performed very well," Martinez said. 

"Football can be cruel. We wanted to give joy to the Portuguese people and the message is that the team gave everything and showed Portugal's values.

"It was a good game and France is a good team. We had more ball, we created opportunities, but we lacked precision and we needed to score a goal.

"We had a lot of opportunities, but it was a game of high technical and tactical level."

Following the full-time whistle in Hamburg, veteran defender Pepe was reduced to tears and consoled by former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo. 

Pepe, who has made 140 appearances for his country, became the oldest player to play at the tournament and is likely to have played his final match for Portugal. 

"Football is cruel and sadness is part of it," Pepe said. 

"We were aiming to win for our country and bring joy to our people. Five days ago we won on penalties and now we lost on penalties. It's cruel.

"The most important thing is to congratulate my colleagues for their commitment to the game."

Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has assured his side will cause England problems ahead of their Euro 2024 quarter-final meeting in Dusseldorf on Saturday. 

The Swiss reached their fifth-ever major tournament quarter-final following their triumph over Italy in Berlin last week thanks to goals from Remo Freuler and Ruben Vargas. 

Yakin's side have impressed at the tournament so far, finishing second in Group A and drawing with co-hosts Germany in their final group fixture. 

Switzerland are hoping to create history by reaching the semi-finals of a major tournament for the first time in their history. 

However, they come against an England side yet to sparkle in Germany but have lost just one of their last 24 meetings with the Swiss in all competitions (W17 D6). 

But Yakin is confident his side can rip up the script and carry the momentum from their win over the Azzurri into their clash with the Three Lions on Saturday. 

"We are happy just to be in this moment, to be doing this," Yakin said.

"We have played well and we were able to create problems for big opponents. 

"We are in good shape, we have a lot of self-confidence, and we have shown in several games that we can play against big teams.

"We played against the defending champion, we played well against the hosts, Germany. And so we will cause problems for the English."

The winner of the encounter will face either the Netherlands or Turkiye in Dortmund next Wednesday. 

Spain head coach Luis de la Fuente believes his side's blockbuster last-eight clash with Germany would be a worthy final at Euro 2024. 

The two sides - described as "giant powers of European football" by La Roja's boss - go head to head in an eagerly anticipated encounter at Stuttgart Arena on Friday.

Spain, who topped Group B with maximum points, are the only nation at the tournament to have won all four matches thus far, while Germany collected seven points in Group A before overcoming Denmark 2-0 in the last 16.

Both teams are seeking a record-breaking fourth European Championship triumph, and whoever prevails here will be widely expected to go on and lift the Henri Delaunay cup on July 14.

And De la Fuente is relishing what will be a repeat of the 2008 final, which La Roja won 1-0 thanks to Fernando Torres' sole strike.

"It could have been the final of the European Championship, and it'll be an even game on a footballing level," he told reporters during his pre-match press conference.

"Germany always start games in a really powerful way, so obviously we'll try to counteract that. We'll try to take the initiative and go all-out from the first minute.

"These are two giant powers of European football and the first thing I'd say about my team is that one of our great strengths is that we always perform as one unified block. In that respect, us and Germany are in fact quite similar.

"I wouldn't change my players for anyone in the world. For me, my players are the best in the world. We're fully prepared to go out there and try to win. We feel lots of responsibility, and we're extremely focused."

Asked if he thought the winners of this game will go on to lift the trophy, the coach added: "There are other powerful teams in other ties. The closer you get to the final, only the best remain.

"Nothing is free here. Whoever goes through will go through because they're a great team. In football, the best team doesn't always go through.

"I don’t know if [the winners] will be one of the favourites to win the title, but we see ourselves as a very strong team with the potential to fight for it."

Dani Carvajal concurred with De la Fuente, and the Real Madrid defender believes the contest will be determined by the finest of margins.

"I have a great feeling [about the game]," he said. "I can see from my team-mates that everyone is relaxed.

"We know we have to play a great game to beat them, but I can see a confident and energetic team. It's a 50-50 game in which details will make all the difference.

"Man for man, they have world-class players. They have fast wingers, tough centre-backs and people who like to have the ball at their feet. We have similar qualities to them.

"It depends on if they will sit back or press high. That's going to define how close we get to their goal, and maybe the pace of the game."

Switzerland midfielder Steven Zuber has said his team-mates are not distracted by the talk surrounding England's squad ahead of their quarter-final clash on Saturday. 

England have been heavily criticised for their performances at Euro 2024 so far, with pressure from the outside reaching the Three Lions camp at Euro 2024. 

Zuber has acknowledged the quality within England's ranks, but has promised Murat Yakin's side will do their talking on the pitch in Dusseldorf. 

"The England squad, we do not need to speak about their quality or something else," Zuber said. 

"I am not close to the team or what is going on. To be honest, it is also not my business or our business, we are just looking for ourselves. 

"We know our strengths, we know our quality and we are looking forward to the game, to show our quality on the pitch, not beside the pitch because we are not good at talking, we are good at showing our quality on the pitch."

Switzerland have been one of the standout sides at the tournament so far, knocking out reigning champions Italy in their last-16 encounter last Saturday. 

The Swiss have been eliminated at this stage on all four of their previous attempts, but Zuber is confident they can progress this time around. 

"I really hope that we don't set limits for ourselves, not just us as players but the entire country. I hope this mentality of thinking that certain boundaries cannot be crossed has disappeared," Zuber told broadcaster RSI.

"It is not possible to regularly beat important teams, although the so-called favourites may run into difficulties. Certain boundaries should no longer matter to us."