The fourth quarter-final at Euro 2024 sees the Netherlands take on Turkiye in what promises to be a thriller in Berlin.

Ronald Koeman's Oranje team clicked into gear in the last 16 as they dispatched Romania 3-0.

Turkiye, meanwhile, beat Austria 2-1 in a thriller, with goalkeeper Mert Gunok making the save of the tournament so far to ensure Vincenzo Montella's team avoided extra time.

If recent meetings between these nations are anything to go by, then anticipate plenty of excitement in Saturday's clash.

That being said, with a place in the last four, and a tie with either Switzerland or England up for grabs, there is plenty on the line.

Here, we use Opta data to preview the clash.

What's expected?

Turkiye dumped out one of the group stage's most impressive teams when they sent Austria packing on Tuesday, but it is the Netherlands who are made favourites by Opta's supercomputer.

The Dutch are given a 58.1% chance of success at the Olympiastadion, while Turkiye's chances are rated at a rather slimmer 19.7%. The likelihood of a draw is 22.5%.

This will be the 15th international meeting between Netherlands and Turkiye.

The Oranje have won six of the previous 14, with Turkiye winning four and the others finishing level. However, this tie is the first fixture between these teams to come at a major tournament.

The last two matches between the Netherlands and Turkiye have seen a combined 13 goals (6.5 per game), with Turkiye winning 4-2 in March 2021 and the Netherlands winning 6-1 in September 2021, both in qualifying for the 2022 World Cup.

And the data from this tournament also suggests we should expect goals. These sides rank in the top eight teams in the tournament for expected goals (xG), with the Netherlands (6.56) coming in at sixth, and Turkiye (6.11) in eighth.

The Netherlands have had the fifth-most shots (63), while Turkiye have had the sixth-most (57).

Both these teams like to attack, but in defence, the Dutch clearly have the edge, and in fairness, that should be expected with the likes of Stefan de Vrij, Nathan Ake and Virgil van Dijk.

Koeman's team have recorded 3.84 expected goals against (xGA) across their four matches, in contrast to Turkiye's figure of 8.0. Indeed, of the teams remaining in the competition, Turkiye have conceded the most shots (59).

History unkind for the Dutch

The Oranje have progressed from five of their last seven major tournament quarter-finals, although one of the two exceptions was their most recent such tie, when they lost in a penalty shoot-out to Argentina at the 2022 World Cup.

This is the Netherlands' first European Championship quarter-final since 2008, when they lost 3-1 to Russia.

And while they are favourites, history has not been wholly kind to them.

The Netherlands have only progressed from three of their last nine knockout ties at the European Championships.

They are looking to win two knockout ties in a single edition of the finals for only the second time, after 1988, when they won the competition.

Koeman will want his team to replicate the level of control they showed against Romania, and midfielder Tijjani Reijnders was crucial to that.

Coming into the quarter-finals, only Joshua Kimmich (14) and Kevin De Bruyne (11) have made more passes that have broken the opposition's defensive line at Euro 2024 than Reijnders (10), who made five against Romania.

Or will it be Turkish delight?

Turkiye are looking to win three consecutive matches at the European Championships for the first time, and only the second time at major tournaments overall, after doing so at the 2002 World Cup to reach the semi-finals.

This is the fourth major tournament quarter-final they have reached, after Euro 2000, the 2002 World Cup and Euro 2008.

They reached the semi-final of the latter two of those, after losing 2-0 to Portugal in 2000.

However, if they are to upset the odds on Saturday, then they will need to keep their heads.

Turkiye have received 18 yellow cards at Euro 2024. In European Championship history, only Czechia in 1996 have been given more cards at a single edition (20 – 19 yellows, one red).

Montella's team have picked up at least two cards in each of their last 24 matches at major tournaments, so that indiscipline is something the Dutch could use to their advantage.

Set-pieces could be crucial for Turkiye, who scored both of their goals from corners in the win over Austria.

That being said, they also conceded from a corner, making that the first match on record (since 1980) at the European Championships to see as many as three goals come via such set-piece situations.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Netherlands - Cody Gakpo

Gakpo's brilliant strike got the ball rolling for the Oranje against Romania, taking him onto three goals for the tournament.

Across the 2022 World Cup and Euro 2024, the only European player with more goals than Gakpo (six) is Kylian Mbappe (nine).

All six of Gakpo's strikes have come in different matches; the only Dutch players to score in more different games at major tournaments are Dennis Bergkamp (10), Robin van Persie (eight), and Wesley Sneijder (seven).

Turkiye - Arda Guler

Real Madrid youngster Guler has proven his superstar potential in Germany, assisting Merih Demiral's winner.

With that assist, Guler is one of only three teenagers to both score and set up a goal at a single Euros, after Wayne Rooney (four goals, one assist) and Cristiano Ronaldo (two goals, two assists) at Euro 2004.

Turkiye have given six starts to teenagers at Euro 2024 – three for Kenan Yildiz and three for Guler – a joint record in a single edition of the finals, along with Spain at Euro 2020 (six, all for Pedri).

David Raya has joined Arsenal on a permanent basis after spending a successful season on loan from Brentford in 2023-24.

Raya joined Arsenal on a season-long loan deal last year, with the Gunners paying a £3million loan fee and agreeing a £27m option to make the move permanent.

He edged out Aaron Ramsdale to earn a starting spot and kept 16 clean sheets as Mikel Arteta's team finished as Premier League runners-up, winning the competition's Golden Glove award.

Everton's Jordan Pickford (13) was the only other goalkeeper to keep more than 10 clean sheets in the competition.

Raya did, however, concede 24 goals from 20.93 expected goals on target (xGoT) faced. 

Having put pen to paper on a long-term contract, the Spaniard told Arsenal's website: "After a year on loan as a Gunner, I can finally say that I’m an Arsenal player for the coming years. 

"I'm excited to see what the future holds but always living in and enjoying the present.

"It's a dream come true to be here and I want to thank you for all the support you have already given me throughout the last year."

Gareth Southgate expects a tough encounter against Switzerland but knows England must be better to secure progression to the semi-finals of Euro 2024. 

Southgate will celebrate his 100th game in charge of the Three Lions in Dusseldorf, hopeful of marking the milestone with not only a win, but an improved performance. 

Southgate may not have overseen his landmark fixture if it wasn't for Jude Bellingham's late intervention to send the game to extra-time against Slovakia. 

Bellingham scored England's latest ever goal in normal time at a major tournament in some style, turning home Marc Guehi's header with a stunning bicycle kick. 

Harry Kane headed England over the line just 50 seconds into extra-time, reaching a tournament quarter-final for a fourth time under Southgate's stewardship.

"I can imagine how everybody's going to react to that even though we've won, but we're still in there," Southgate said.

"We want to be better, I'm not going to hide from that. But the spirit and the character was there for everybody to see."

Switzerland, however, have been one of the standout sides at the tournament thus far, knocking out Euro 2020 winners Italy in the quarter-finals. 

Despite England's favourable record against the Swiss, Southgate insists his side will face a different challenge in Dusseldorf. 

"I think the game against the Swiss will throw completely different tactical problems, just as difficult, just as complex," Southgate said. "A different solution to solve."

For Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin, he is confident of causing an upset to set up a clash with the Netherlands or Turkiye in the semi-finals. 

A key feature of Switzerland's style of play has been their intensity in the press, something Yakin believes can disrupt England. 

"When we put on our pressing, we won't let them play. That's our job," Yakin said. 

"We played well against Germany, we played well against Italy, so why shouldn't we beat England?

"We're in a good mood now. Let's see, it's a good challenge and my team is ready to have this big fight against England."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

England - Kieran Trippier

Much has been made of Kieran Trippier's poor performances at Euro 2024 so far, but he has proven to be a reliable attacking outlet for Southgate through the years.

The Three Lions are set to revert to a back three, a shape that brought them so much success at previous tournaments and could unlock Trippier's attacking potential. 

Tripppier has created more chances (seven) and made more line-breaking passes behind the defensive line (six) than any other England player at the tournament so far. 

Switzerland - Granit Xhaka

A familiar face to many within the England camp, Granit Xhaka will be given the task of halting the influence of Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. 

But the former Arsenal midfielder has added an extra element to his game, often offering a threat in the more advanced areas for Switzerland. 

Xhaka has created more chances (eight), completed more passes (254) and made more line-breaking passes (51) than any other Switzerland player so far at Euro 2024.

MATCH PREDICTION: ENGLAND WIN

Despite the nature of their victory over Slovakia, England are still predicted as favourites to reach the semi-finals of Euro 2024, winning 44.9% of pre-match simulations in Opta's data-led predictions.

The Three Lions have lost just one of their last 24 meetings with Switzerland in all competitions (17 wins, six draws), and are unbeaten in 13 (nine wins, four draws), which perhaps contributes to their favourable win probability. 

This will be the fourth meeting between England and Switzerland at a major tournament, their third at the European Championships (two wins, one draw previously). 

However, Switzerland have built new-found belief at these European Championships and will have confidence of causing an upset. 

Yakin's side have lost just one of their last 14 in the competition (five wins, eight draws), having endured a run of six losses in eight matches (two draws) at the tournament beforehand. 

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

England - 44.9%

Draw - 29%

Switzerland - 26%

Nuno Mendes insists he is prepared to face Kylian Mbappe ahead of Portugal's quarter-final meeting with France at Euro 2024. 

Mbappe, who officially joined Real Madrid at the start of the month, played alongside Mendes at Paris Saint-Germain for two seasons. 

The France captain has scored once for Les Bleus at the tournament, a penalty against Poland in their final Group D fixture and is yet to sparkle so far. 

However, Mendes knows all too well the threat Mbappe carries, and is relishing the opportunity of facing him at the Volksparkstadion on Friday. 

"I don't think he will be playing on my flank, but if it happens I'm prepared," he said. "I train every day for these moments and we are prepared to face them.

"They have high-level players, but we also have great players. We need to do everything we can to cancel France's strengths and play our game."

All eyes look set to fall on Mbappe and Cristiano Ronaldo, as they look to spearhead their sides to the semi-finals of the competition. 

Ronaldo saw his penalty saved in extra-time of Portugal's last-16 tie against Slovenia and is yet to score at Euro 2024, despite registering 20 shots at the tournament. 

Mendes has had the luxury of sharing a dressing room with both Mbappe and Ronaldo, acknowledging the threat both possess ahead of their meeting in Hamburg. 

"They are high-level, excellent players who can make a difference at any moment," Mendes said.

"I shared a dressing room with both of them and it was a pleasure to play with Mbappé and play with Cristiano.

"They are incredible, from one moment to the next they make a difference."

Newcastle United have confirmed the appointment of Paul Mitchell as the club's new sporting director.

Mitchell, who previously worked for Southampton and Tottenham, replaces Dan Ashworth who joined Manchester United earlier this week. 

Ashworth's leave was due to run until mid-2025, but it emerged on Monday that the two clubs had agreed a compensation package to 

The 42-year-old has been out of work since October 2023, having most recently been the sporting director at Ligue 1 side, AS Monaco. 

Speaking on his arrival to St. James' Park, Mitchell said: "It's with immense pride that I accept the responsibility of being Newcastle United's new sporting director. 

"I've seen the recent growth and ambition of the club. This, plus the amazing fan base, made the decision to join an easy one.

"I can't wait to get started and help continue the organisation's growth and long-term competitiveness in all areas of elite football performance."

Mitchell's time in the Premier League saw him start with Southampton, where he is credited for the signings of Toby Alderweireld and Sadio Mane, earned him a move to Tottenham.

As head of recruitment with Spurs, he would help mastermind the signings of Dele Alli, Heung-Min Son and Kieran Trippier before leaving for RB Leipzig in 2018. 

Newcastle chief executive Darren Eales added: “We are delighted to welcome Paul to Newcastle United. He brings a successful track record and wealth of experience to the club.

“His extensive and diverse experience in football leadership, cultural change and recruitment mean he is the ideal person to lead our sporting directorate.

“We look forward to working with Paul and supporting him in our pursuit of long-term, sustainable success.”

Ecuador head coach Felix Sanchez has said it is an honour to face Lionel Scaloni's Argentina ahead of their Copa America quarter-final on Friday. 

Sanchez, looking to secure Ecuador's first victory over Argentina since October 2015, praised his opposite number for his role in their 2021 Copa America and 2022 World Cup successes. 

"Scaloni has built something with which he has made history," Sanchez said. 

"It's a team that, as a spectator, is great to watch. It is an honour to be able to play against a team of this level."

Argentina are expected to be without captain Lionel Messi for the fixture at the NRG Stadium after sustaining a hamstring injury in their 1-0 win over Chile. 

However, Sanchez insisted that his side will still face a tough task despite the absence of Argentina's all-time leading goalscorer. 

"Obviously, he is a player who makes a difference," Sanchez said. "We have played against them with him and without him.

"The way they play does not change because they have managed to create a solid group and a very defined playing style that can be tweaked depending on the situation.

"We have to be prepared for any possibility and, based on that, adjust."

Sanchez, who took over from Gustavo Alfaro in March last year, has faced La Albiceleste on two occasions, losing both 1-0. 

Asked if he would do anything different this time around, he said: "We have to try to compete in the best way against a team that is difficult to score goals against.

"They are very solid and have many offensive variables.

"Something has to be changed to try to go toe to toe with them. Our last few matches against Argentina have been closely fought encounters.

"But now we know that we have to win to advance and our aim is to give ourselves every chance to do that." 

Manchester United have confirmed Erik ten Hag has signed a contract extension.

The new terms take manager Ten Hag through to the end of the 2025-26 season.

Ten Hag's job looked under threat after United finished eighth last term, their lowest-ever finish in the Premier League.

Yet a 2-1 victory over Manchester City in the FA Cup final, combined with an apparent lack of top-class managerial options, meant United instead decided to stand by the Dutchman.

"I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together," Ten Hag said in a statement on United's official website.

"Looking back at the past two years, we can reflect with pride on two trophies and many examples of progression from where we were when I joined.

"However, we must also be clear that there is still lots of hard work ahead to reach the levels expected of Manchester United, which means challenging for English and European titles.

"In my discussions with the club, we have found complete unity in our vision for reaching those goals, and we are all strongly committed to making that journey together."

United have won 54% of their top-flight games under Erik ten Hag (41/76), with only Alex Ferguson (65%) having a higher win percentage in charge of the Red Devils in the Premier League.

Dan Ashworth, United's freshly appointed sporting director, said: "With two trophies in the past two seasons, Erik has reinforced his record as one of the most consistently successful coaches in European football.

"While the club's review of last season highlighted areas for improvement, it also reached a clear conclusion that Erik was the best partner for us to work with in driving up standards and outcomes.

"This group of players and staff have already shown they are capable of competing and winning at the top level; now we need to do it more consistently.

"With our strengthened football leadership team now in place, we are looking forward to working hand-in-hand with Erik to achieve our shared ambitions for this football club."

Phil Foden wants England's players to take responsibility as they aim to discover their best form at Euro 2024.

England have limped through the tournament so far, and looked to be heading out in the last 16 until Jude Bellingham's last-gasp overhead kick against Slovakia.

The Three Lions turned things around in extra time, with Harry Kane heading in the winner, but the level of their displays continues to be underwhelming.

Gareth Southgate, who will manage his 100th match in charge of England when they take on Switzerland on Saturday, has taken much of the criticism, but Foden says the players must shoulder responsibility.

"The players have got to take some of the blame," Foden said.

"There has to be some leaders to get together and find out a solution to why it is not working.

"There is only so much the manager can do. He sets you up in a system and tells you how to press. If it is not going like that, you have to [work it out].

"I feel sorry for Gareth. In training, he has been telling us to press and be high up on the pitch and I feel like sometimes, it has to come from the players.

"We have to be leaders. In games we could have got together a little bit more and worked out a solution.

"So yes, we have spoken about it more. If it happens again in a game, we can get together and find a solution, see where it is going wrong and adapt our press."

Southgate will be just the third manager to hit the 100 milestone in charge of England. Walter Winterbottom drew his 100th match (3-3 against Northern Ireland in 1958), while Alf Ramsey won his 1-0 against Wales in 1972.

England have now reached the quarter-final in all four of their major tournaments under Southgate, the first time they have ever reached the last eight at four consecutive Euros/World Cups.

They have progressed from two of their four Euro quarter-final matches, with three of the four such games being decided on penalties.

Manchester United expressing their commitment to Erik ten Hag can only build togetherness, so says Wes Brown, who urged the Red Devils to improve next campaign.

Ten Hag was reportedly nearing the exit door at Old Trafford after guiding United to eighth in the top flight last season, their lowest finish in the Premier League era.

Yet the Dutchman saved his job with the FA Cup final victory over fierce rivals Manchester City, securing his second trophy in as many seasons and sneaking into the Europa League in the process.

Former United defender Brown believes the club's backing of the manager can only improve the mood in the squad, who must perform better for Ten Hag when the 2024-25 campaign begins.

"He's done well, we obviously won the cup last season against Man City," said Brown, speaking to Stats Perform at the Home of Adidas football in Berlin. 

"I think expectations are always going to be high for any manager at Manchester United. But since we were let down a little bit in the league last year, we want to be in the Champions League, we want to finish as high as we can.

"I think that is a priority. No one knows [the new] signings yet, that normally happens after a major tournament, so we're not sure what's going to happen there yet.

"But I really like the manager and at times the players have let themselves down. But you can see there's a togetherness coming together and he just has to keep that going now.

"He knows where he's going to be now for the next few years. With that all sorted out, he can now move on and do the job to the best of his ability."

Thomas Tuchel, Mauricio Pochettino and Thomas Frank were all linked to the United job as speculation loomed over Ten Hag's future.

Brown, who played 232 times for United after coming through their academy, says ending those rumours should positively impact Ten Hag's players.

Asked if uncertainty around Ten Hag's future would impact the squad, Brown responded: "I think it does. I've probably been in the same situation at other clubs.

"It definitely helps going forward, if anything you don't think about it, it's all done now.

"It definitely helps in the sense of coming together as a team and we're all in it together, and we can now move forward for the next few years and make the club better again."

Ten Hag will be expecting additions to a squad that was ravaged by injury struggles last term, especially in defence.

Raphael Varane has left the club, while Lisandro Martinez and Harry Maguire struggled with injuries last campaign.

United are in the market for centre-back options, with Bayern Munich's Matthjis de Ligt and Jarrad Branthwaite, of Everton, both linked as potential additions.

Brown insists that position must be the priority for United in the transfer window.

"Branthwaite had a good season," Brown added. "It's been difficult for Everton, but his personal performances have been very highly rated and De Ligt as we know is a great player.

"Depending on what happens at Munich, you never know, but I think a priority is a defender coming in alongside Martinez and if we could get one of them, I'd be very happy as a fan."

Lionel Messi is a doubt for Argentina's Copa America quarter-final tie against Ecuador, so says Lionel Scaloni.

With the holders having already booked their progression to the last eight, Messi, who is the record appearance maker at the Copa America, sat out Argentina's final Group A match against Peru.

His absence was not felt as Lautaro Martinez's double propelled Argentina to their third win of the tournament.

However, ahead of Thursday's knockout clash with Ecuador in Houston, Scaloni suggested the 37-year-old may miss out again.

"We will wait a few hours and make a decision. Another day is always better. We'll decide on the basis of the response we get today," Scaloni said on Wednesday.

"We'll try to get him to play and if he doesn't, we'll try to find the best thing for the team.

"I'm going to talk to him today, I think it's fair that he takes his time and trains as much as he can."

Should Messi not make it, then Scaloni will likely lean on the tournament's leading scorer Martinez, who has netted four goals so far despite starting only one match.

Regardless of Messi's fitness, Argentina, who beat Ecuador 1-0 in a pre-tournament friendly, are big favourites to progress to the semi-finals, with Opta's predictive model handing them a 68.4% chance of victory.

Yet Scaloni knows Ecuador must not be underestimated.

"Ecuador are a well-drilled side with good players and a good coach," he said.

"They are one of the best teams in the Copa America. They have a real chance of challenging for the title.

"Anyone can easily reach the final and compete with the best in the world.

"Yesterday's game between Colombia and Brazil was of a very high standard. Uruguay are also doing very well."

Argentina have won their last eight matches, including friendlies, equalling the longest winning streak under Scaloni.

A win over Ecuador will set a new record for La Albiceleste since Scaloni's debut as coach in September 2018.

Inter Miami won their fourth straight MLS game as Julian Gressel provided another assist in the Herons' 2-1 victory at Charlotte FC.

With Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez away on Copa America duty, Gressel has stepped up to help fill the void for Gerardo Martino's side.

And he delivered again as his brilliant cross teed up Benjamín Cremaschi for an 86th-minute winner.

Dean Smith's Charlotte team were subsequently reduced to 10 men when Patrick Agyemang, who had earlier cancelled out Robert Taylor's opener for Miami, saw red deep in stoppage time.

Miami stay top of MLS, two points ahead of FC Cincinnati, who they face next, in the Eastern Conference.

Charlotte, meanwhile, sit sixth in the same conference after suffering back-to-back defeats.

Data Debrief: Gressel takes centre stage again

Fresh from recording his 100th MLS goal contribution in Miami's win over Nashville SC, Gressel made it 101 with his sublime assist late on.

Gressel has contributed to goals in his last five games in the league (one goal, four assists), while Miami have scored in 20 of their 22 games, more often than any other team in MLS this season.

Peter Vermes urged his Sporting Kansas City players to take responsibility for their own position ahead of the upcoming MLS road trip to Colorado Rapids.

SKC ended a three-game losing streak with a 2-0 victory over Austin FC in their last encounter, just their second victory in 15 league games.

Kansas City are still bottom of the Western Conference and 11 points adrift of the playoff spots, though Vermes is desperate for fighting spirit ahead of a testing schedule.

"We can't wait, we have a lot of games that are important coming up," SKC head coach Vermes said at his pre-match media availability.

"Each game has its own importance to it, this all started last week but we need to keep going.

"We go in with a plan, we have an idea, it sometimes comes down to how the guys recover. Hopefully no one gets injured, but also just minutes – it's going to be really important.

"Each guy himself has to be ready for the responsibility of the position and knowing what we do when we have the ball, when we don't, they have to go into the game with that.

"We don't have a lot of training time in between games, so they all have to be ready for that."

The Burgundy Boys will be out to extend their home unbeaten run to five games in this clash, though they suffered a 3-0 defeat to Los Angeles FC last time out on the road.

Colorado are fourth in the West standings but nine points adrift of the top two, a gap they will hope to shorten at Dick's Sporting Goods Park.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Colorado Rapids – Rafael Navarro

Rafael Navarro has scored in each of his last five home appearances for the Rapids, and will fancy his chances of extending an impressive run this time around.

The only players with a longer streak in regular-season play in Colorado's history are Diego Rubio (six in 2022) and Mark Chung (also six in 2003).

Sporting Kansas City – William Agada

Goals have been hard to come by for the Kansas City side, with William Agada leading the way this season in MLS with five strikes.

Agada has managed that tally from 20 games, averaging a goal every four matches, but will hope to add to his scoring returns in Colorado.

MATCH PREDICTION – COLORADO RAPIDS WIN

The Rapids are the favourites for victory on home soil in this clash, owing to a remarkable head-to-head record in meetings between this pair.

Colorado are unbeaten in 10 straight regular-season home matches against SKC (W5 D5) and have lost only two of their 28 home league matches against them since August 2000 (W13 D13).

This will also be Colorado’s third Independence Day meeting with Sporting, having won in both 2003 and 2005, with the expectation that history will repeat itself here.

SKC are hardly in fine form either, having managed just their second win last time out in their previous 15 MLS matches (D2 L11).

However, they managed the club's first clean sheet since a scoreless draw at LAFC on March 9, and will hope to build on that performance here.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Colorado Rapids win – 48.2%

Draw – 25.9%

Sporting Kansas City win – 25.9%

Pedri hopes Spain team-mate Nico Williams will soon join him at Barcelona after the pair's quest for Euro 2024 glory is over.

The youthful La Roja duo have been integral to Spain's perfect start at the international tournament in Germany, winning all four matches to reach the quarter-finals.

Williams netted a fine solo goal in Sunday's 4-1 hammering of Georgia, becoming the first player on record at the Euros (since 1980) to score, assist and complete 100% of his passes (46/46) in a game he started.

Germany await for Luis de la Fuente's side on Friday in the last eight, yet regardless of that result, Pedri wants to be playing in LaLiga with winger Williams next season.

Barcelona have been linked with a move for the Athletic Bilbao forward, with Liverpool reportedly also interested, and fellow Spain winger Lamine Yamal has already endorsed a move to the Blaugrana.

Pedri echoed Yamal's sentiment, telling Spanish outlet Mundo Deportivo that Williams joining would mark a significant acquisition for Barcelona.

"We don't talk about it much. It's a decision that he and Barca have to make," the midfielder said. "Yes, it's clear that he would be a spectacular signing.

"We're already seeing what he's doing at the Euros. Hopefully he can be with us, but we don't know yet because he has a contract with Athletic.

"Whatever has to happen, will happen."

Chelsea are also said to have an interest in Williams, who has three years left on his contract in Bilbao.

Williams, who plays club football with brother Inaki, previously suggested his future remains at his current club, rather than elsewhere.

"I am very happy in Bilbao and that is all I have to say," Williams said in an interview last month. "Yes, I am quite clear, in the end, as I have told you, Athletic is my home."

Cristiano Ronaldo will bounce back from his Euro 2024 disappointment and find form due to his elite mentality, according to former Manchester United team-mate Wes Brown.

The Portugal captain is the record appearance maker (29) and goalscorer (14) at the Euros, yet has failed to find the back of the net in this edition of the competition.  

Ronaldo was reduced to tears after his penalty was saved by Jan Oblak in extra time before making amends and scoring in their last-16 penalty shoot-out win over Slovenia.

That brought questions once more over the veteran forward's ability and influence for Roberto Martinez's side, who face France in the quarter-finals on Friday.

However, Brown, who spent six years with Ronaldo at Manchester United, believes his former team-mate has the mentality to recover and prove his doubters wrong in Germany.

"Mentality [wise], there's no one better," Brown said, speaking to Stats Perform at the Home of Adidas football in Berlin. 

"He'd be disappointed he didn't score the penalty in normal time, that would have frustrated him, but there were a lot of people I was talking to, and they thought he might not even start games.

"I totally disagreed and thought he's still got it to perform. He will be disappointed he's not scored, but he's a team player, he's won the competition before, and he just wants to do well, helping the team.”

Though the five-time Ballon d'Or winner has a list of records to his name, he has added some unwanted statistics to his displays after an underwhelming Euro 2024.

Ronaldo is the biggest expected goals (xG) underperformer in the tournament (0 goals from 2.75 xG), while he has had nine shots on target, which is the joint-highest along with Germany's Kai Havertz.

No player has had as many shots as Ronaldo during UEFA's flagship international competition either. He is five clear of any other player, while only Havertz has a higher xG (3.6 to Ronaldo’s 2.75).

Ivan Toney remains confident of grasping his England opportunity at Euro 2024 when that arrives, though acknowledged the frustrations over a lack of minutes in Germany.

The Brentford striker came off the bench against Slovakia in the last 16 with a minute of normal time remaining, as Jude Bellingham's stunning overhead kick forced an additional 30 minutes in Gelsenkirchen.

Toney provided the assist for Harry Kane's winner just 50 seconds into extra time, the fastest such goal in Euros history, with a smart flick-on after Eberechi Eze's scuffed volley.

Yet that was Toney's first appearance at the competition, and a maiden outing of his career at a major tournament, with Gareth Southgate admitting the forward was "disgusted" with the late introduction.

"It's always going to be tough," Toney said at a pre-match press conference on Wednesday, three days before England meet Switzerland in the last eight.

"It's tough for all of us as we play week in, week out for our clubs. I have been in this position before and when I get an opportunity I'll take it."

Toney, indeed, took his opportunity against Slovakia, managing 22 touches in just 30 minutes, only six fewer than team-mate Kane, who played 105.

Having enjoyed a prolonged spell as Thomas Frank's first-choice striking option at Premier League side Brentford, Toney admits he is still getting to grips with playing a supporting role to Kane.

"At my club, there is a guy called Michael Caufield [a sports psychologist] and he talks about controlling your emotions," the 28-year-old added.

"Yes, I was annoyed but there was still 30 minutes of football to play [including extra time] and you have got to come out of that mood and focus.

"I feel like, people call them substitutes, others finishers. I think you have to be ready and there's more than 11 players needed to win a tournament."

Southgate and Toney smoothed the relationship "by winning", the current England international joked in front of the media.

The England manager may still need to call upon Toney on Saturday, however, if penalties are required to settle an enticing last-eight meeting with Switzerland.

"If I score, I score. If I miss, I miss," he said. "You have to step up and you have to have the courage to take a penalty. For those who racially abused a player for missing a penalty, more fool them."