Euro 2024 Daily: Spain v Germany is a heavyweight tussle for the ages

France or England? This was the toss-up before the Euros for who would win the whole thing, and it’s still, just about, a valid question. Both are in the last eight; both still possess an array of the world’s best. Both have also done their bit for science, using this tournament to offer an alternative cure to sleep deprivation. Results over entertainment has been the mantra of the favourites, with the French overly reliant on Monsieur Own Goal, a Golden Boot contender, and the English refusing to adopt a truly left-wing agenda (electoral views completely unintended).

The two sides actually enjoying themselves are Germany, with 10 goals so far, and Spain, who have seven different goalscorers at the tournament. Somehow, Lamine Yamal, who adds £10m to his release clause every time he cuts in from the right, is not one of those. Julian Nagelsmann’s sk8ter-boy vibes have ensured Germany feel emboldened, not burdened by host status, and Luis de la Fuente’s professorial aesthetic exudes a certain confidence, too. The bad news? One of them’s going to have a really rubbish Friday night.

Spain meeting Germany in a quarter-final feels premature, particularly when considering the dominance of the two heavyweights earlier in the century. The pair’s last Euros meeting was in the 2008 final, when Fernando Torres’ cheeky dink was enough to win it, and Carles Puyol’s header gave the Spaniards further joy in the World Cup semi-final two years later. Spain won the following Euros, Germany the next World Cup. Cue a decade of not-so-greatness for the pair, their 1-1 group-stage draw in Qatar two years ago preceding early exits. Spain’s recovery was quicker, winning the Nations League last year, while Germany got their act together just in time, helped by a phone call to the ex who made them happiest.

Toni Kroos’ final fling could come any day now. The 34-year-old’s unretiring and retiring announcements this year would not look out of place in the circles of Pakistani cricket, but he has been Germany’s paracetamol, short-term relief to avoid the pain of embarrassment at home. It’s fitting he meets Spain in the farewell tour after all those years in Madrid and all those pals on the other side who wish him well – but would also like him to Do One. “I love Toni, care about him,” Joselu, his ex-Real teammate, wholesomely said before turning into a mob boss. “But I think that Friday is Toni’s last game … we hope to retire Toni.” Stuttgart could get spicy.

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Montella has become one of us now. He hugs and kisses everyone. He hugged me tightly and said ‘We dedicate this victory to the Turkish nation and especially to you’.

The Turkish FA president, Mehmet Buyukeksi, claims Vincenzo Montella went all Kylie & Jason after the dramatic last-16 win over Austria.

I want to thank Cristiano Ronaldo for his sterling work in promoting Thornton Heath (postcode CR7), the pride of Croydon” – Martin Davies.

Regarding the Dutch team going on the Tin [yesterday’s Quote of the Day], they will only be following their TV pundits who regularly enjoy a tipple while on the air. Here’s Pierre van Hooijdonk, among others, getting stuck in” – Gerry Rickard.

I agree with Pete Smith (yesterday’s letters) – it’s time we give the England players and Gareth a break. Where did this expectation that we play nice football come from anyway? We aren’t West Ham fans all of a sudden are we? Besides, didn’t the Hammers win a European trophy playing not-very-nice football with a manager they were all sick of?” – Ben North.

Good to see Mark Matics win letter o’ the day yesterday, but someone should tell his brother, Matthew, that his number’s up. I’ll get my coat” – Martyn Shapter.

Send letters to the.boss@theguardian.com. Today’s letter o’ the day winner is … Gerry Rickard, who wins a copy of Euro Summits: The Story of the Uefa European Championships 1960 to 2016, by Pitch Publishing. Visit their bookshop here. Terms and conditions for our competitions can be viewed here.

Turkey’s ambassador to Germany has been summoned to the foreign ministry in Berlin over the rightwing extremist “wolf salute” displayed by Merih Demiral after he scored against Austria in the last 16.

John Stones has urged England to grab the second chance offered by escaping defeat to Slovakia. “I thought we were going home after 60 minutes of the game,” cheered Stones, which makes us wonder what he was thinking for the next 34 minutes.

Phil Foden has generously suggested that England’s players are just as responsible as their managers for the team’s poor form. “I feel sorry for Gareth,” Brent mused Foden muttered. “In training he has been ­telling us to press and be high up on the pitch.”

Ivan Toney has admitted to feeling miffed when Gareth Southgate summoned him from the bench in the 94th minute against Slovakia. “I think my face said it all,” Toney trilled. “Everything is sorted now. We’re friends!”

And Granit Xhaka may have talked himself out of a move to Serie A by twisting the knife on last-16 opponents, Italy. “I have never seen the Azzurri in such difficulty on the field as against us,” Xhaka said. “We won even before going on the pitch, just as they did with us three years ago. They were scared.”

Philippe Lahm, our snazzy columnist, explains why Spain are the team to beat – and how hosts Germany can do it on Friday night.

Paul MacInnes checks in on Switzerland, where the tournament’s surprise package are preparing to face England with a few rounds of Uno.

Who are heading for the semi-finals? Ben McAleer runs the rule over all four quarter-final ties and picks his winners.

How to win a major tournament: what can Greece, Spain and Argentina teach Euro 2024 hopefuls? Louise Taylor takes a look.

And why there have been so many own goals at these Euros, asks Richard Foster, possibly while wearing goalie gloves and throwing his hands in the air.

Concerns over the hospital care of former Arsenal and Everton footballer Kevin Campbell have been raised by a health trust, an inquest has heard. Campbell died at the age of 54 at Manchester Royal Infirmary (MRI) on 15 June after he was admitted there a month earlier.

England star Georgia Stanway has joined criticism of Blackburn Rovers amid reports that the women’s team will be paid minimum wage on 16-hours-per-week contracts next season.

In potentially very good news for teatimely football emails, Erik ten Hag has extended his Manchester United contract until 2026. “I am very pleased to have reached agreement with the club to continue working together,” the Dutchman cheered.

In bad news for Aaron Ramsdale, David Raya has made his loan move to Arsenal permanent. “I’m exciting to see what the future holds,” roared the Spanish keeper. In other transfer news, West Ham could prise Max Kilman from Wolves for a cool £40m.

The Premier League will take a look at the raft of top-flight transfers that took place in and around the PSR-fuelled ‘unofficial deadline day’ of 30 June.

And it’s Copa América power rankings time: Argentina are on top, Venezuela and Canada are dark horses – but USA! USA!! USA!!! and Mexico are already out.

To Euro 1992 and official mascot Berni, who may or may not be haunting your dreams, who’s stood in front of the massed England fans and their flags in Malmö before the goalless draw with eventual winners Denmark. It didn’t get any better for Graham Taylor’s team.