An old-timer refuses to look in the mirror and realise his time is up. He can’t accept that stepping away would be the right thing for his country. Joe Biden, um, wait, Cristiano Ronaldo had a difficult Friday night, ending his tournament goalless after taking 23 shots. Perhaps, in a brief moment of self-reflection, he’ll realise that his lot from here on in is dismantling Saudi Pro League relegation battlers. Or perhaps his Portugal manager, Roberto Martínez, gives him a cuddle, whispers something about his selflessness in refusing to ever find the net, and ingrains a novel thought: FOUR MORE YEARS!
Germany’s dreams of glory are also over as is Turkey’s underdog run, and England looked as if they were heading out until Bukayo Saka decided enough was enough against Switzerland, apparently turning the Düsseldorf Arena into the Emirates as he cut in from the right to lash in the equaliser. Cue the extra 30 minutes and a penalty display which was thoroughly un-English. Where were the nerves? Where was the sense of history crashing down on them? Where was Ricardo, gloves off, sending them out in the quarters?
Instead there was the audacity of a newest generation, one representing a break from the first, more cathartic penalty win of the Southgate era: none of the five scorers lined up against Colombia six years ago. All were ice-cold in their approach, even Saka when he had so many reasons not to be. The racists were ready to bust out a sequel to their original three years ago, and such is the peculiarity of their situation, they were, as Rio Ferdinand pointed out, probably celebrating when Saka slotted into the bottom right corner. His smile upon scoring will go down as one of the most wonderful images of this tournament.
Meanwhile Jordan Pickford has normalised his excellence in an England shirt, establishing a reputation as a nerveless shootout operator who has the perfect combination of crazy and calm. But the sight of his water bottle, with the perfectly typed-up and formatted guide on where to dive, was something to lament, highlighting the formalisation of the spot-kick cheat sheet. There was something more romantic about the old way, of a crumpled, sweat-stained, handwritten note tucked into the socks, as Jens Lehmann showcased at the 2006 World Cup against Argentina. Nonetheless, the more refined approach is working out pretty well for Pickford, to the point that penalties should almost be welcomed by England as the final week begins. Away to the last four we go.

It’s a rest day! But you can still keep up with all the latest Euros news, views and previews you could possibly need here.

Congratulations to all those who responded to the danger hovering over our beautiful country. Long live diversity, long live the republic, long live France. The fight goes on.”

Marcus Thuram responds to news that the left-green alliance have kept the far right out of power in France.

Given the huffing and puffing and general immobility of various ageing forwards during Euro 2024, I’m surprised that Big Website hasn’t put together a quiz – ‘Professional Footballer or Easter Island Statue?’” – Darren Leathley.

Send letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s prizeless letter o’ the day winner is … Darren Leathley. Terms and conditions for our competitions can be viewed here.

German referee Felix Zwayer will take charge of England’s Euro 2024 semi-final against the Netherlands. If the name’s familiar it’s probably because you remember Jude Bellingham being fined €40,000 for comments he made about him after a Dortmund match in 2021.

Cody Gakpo reckons playing bobbins and going through is a skill that England and Netherlands have in common – and even if they improve it doesn’t guarantee progress. “England won so that’s a good sign – like us! In the end, [winning is] the most important thing,” cheered the Dutch winger. “You can play good football but still go out. Hopefully, this is not the last you’ve seen of us!”

And Dutch teammate Micky van de Ven has hailed England’s quality but believes they have played “really defensively” at the tournament. “I think we will have a Premier League-style game”, countered the Spurs defender. “The rhythm and the level of the game will be high.”

Turkish president Recep Tayyip Erdoğan was pretty miffed that Merih Demiral was banned for the 2-1 defeat by Netherlands for making a wolf salute. “The punishment against Merih is not about Merih personally. In fact, it is a punishment given to Turkey as a nation,” roared Erdogan. “To be honest, Uefa’s two-match ban on Merih has cast a serious shadow over the championship. It is inexplicable, it is a purely political decision.”

And Spain midfielder Pedri has forgiven the retiring Toni Kroos for the tackle that gave him tournament-ending knee-knack. “This is soccer and these things happen. Your career and your record remain forever,” soothed Pedri. “The hardest moment has passed and the road back has already started.”

As mentioned above, Spain called time on the Real Madrid and Germany great Toni Kroos’s career by sending the hosts tumbling out of the tournament. Kroos has been one of the smoothest passers to grace the game, running high-tempo matches in a gloriously unruffled manner for club and country like a man who has learned to slow time. He leaves without a European Championship winners’ medal but, let’s be honest, he’s not short of silverware having won seven titles and four domestic cups for Bayern and Real Madrid, we well as five Big Cups and the biggest of all, the World Cup. “Thank you football! What a beautiful game,” he said. “And … you’re welcome! Over and out.”

Sid Lowe v Rodri Q&A! Sound the Sid Lowe v Rodri Q&A Klaxon!

Should England drop captain Harry Kane after an underwhelming Euros thus far? Paul MacInnes says not.

Innovative disruptor Jordan Pickford knows which way the penalties are going and is becoming England’s main man, according to Barney Ronay.

Marc Cucurella drinks Estrella, eats paella and his hair is massive – Sid Lowe takes a look at Spain’s new cult hero.

Meanwhile, Ben McAleer reckons a Pedri-less Spain should put their faith in Dani Olmo after his supersub performances this tournament.

Sometimes it is better to be lucky rather than good, writes Jonathan Wilson.

A week is a long time in football, as Jonathan Liew’s Euro 2024 diary will tell you.

Total Football has a new arch: hit the big man. Jonathan Wilson discusses the merits of Wout Weghorst and how he is shaping the Netherlands’ push for the final.

Which team is the leading light of the Euros? Marcus Christenson has the official power rankings.

And new Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has visited Stamford Bridge – and looks delighted to have found the Tudor banquet room. “In this moment, when you join a club you try to analyse what the club and team needs to improve and do the right things,” Maresca chirped. “For me, it’s clear we need to create as soon as possible the right mentality and culture, a culture the fans can be proud of. We are going to try to be an aggressive team on the ball and off the ball and we need to create this connection between the fans and the club, especially at home.”

After reaching the semi-finals of Copa América Joseph Lowery asks: are Canada now the best team in North America?

Arsenal superstar Martin Ødegaard really wishes he was playing at the Euros, but had to settle for a hot chat with Ed Aarons instead.

Manchester City are claiming the Premier League has treated them unfairly in assessing their commercial income by relying on the analysis of a data company that also works for their rivals. Matt Hughes has the exclusive story.

Mason Greenwood held constructive discussions at Manchester United regarding a move away. Marseille have lodged a bid for the forward and talks are advanced, with United valuing the player at £40m. United are closing in on signing Joshua Zirkzee from Bologna, but are deliberating over whether to trigger his €40m (£34m) release clause or negotiate a higher fee that would allow payments by instalments.

In another blow to Bologna, Arsenal are hoping to complete the signing of Riccardo Calafiori this week.

Jürgen Klinsmann is given a warm reception by Germany fans at the Brandenburg Gate after guiding the nation to third place at the home 2006 World Cup following a 3-1 win over Portugal in Stuttgart on 8 July 2006. Klinsmann was voted German Manager of the Year for 2006.