England were the biggest climbers before semi-finals which could disrupt Spain’s impressive rhythm

They had to come through one hell of a battle against Germany, losing Pedri to injury after eight minutes, but in the end the players stood there, arms aloft, having made the semis thanks to Mikel Merino’s late headed goal. Dani Olmo had said beforehand that the game felt like a final and afterwards it was difficult to comprehend that Spain were not even in the final yet. Against France, they will be without the suspended Dani Carvajal and Robin Le Normand, with Jesús Navas and Nacho Fernández likely to deputise. It could disrupt the selección’s rhythm but they should have the squad to cope with the difficulties. Olmo started on the bench against Germany but in the end was arguably Spain’s best player.

• Striker scored against Switzerland without looking at ball
• ‘People may see it as crazy but it is what I do,’ he says

Ivan Toney has said he will carry on with his “no-look” penalties at Euro 2024 after scoring his spot-kick against Switzerland. The Brentford striker was one of five England players to score in the shootout but the only one to do so without looking at the ball when he kicked it.

“I never look at the ball,” the Brentford striker said. “Considering it is my routine I just think it is what I do but some people may see it as crazy. But it is just my routine and I’ll stick to it. It’s been working and it can work whenever it is needed.”

• ‘It feels incredible. I always wanted to play for Chelsea’
• Alisha Lehmann joins Juventus from Aston Villa

Chelsea have signed the Paris St-Germain forward Sandy Baltimore on a four-year contract as the new head coach, Sonia Bompastor, continues her overhaul of the squad. The former Lyon coach replaced Emma Hayes this summer and Baltimore becomes her second signing after that of the Barcelona midfielder Julia Bartel. Lucy Bronze is expected to join in the coming days.

Baltimore, a 24-year-old France international, is a graduate of the PSG academy and made more than 200 appearances in nine seasons. “I’m very happy to join Chelsea. It feels incredible. I have always wanted to play for Chelsea and now look, it has happened,” she said.

The Dutch are the big movers after a return to form while France, England and Portugal have plenty to think about

A dominant 4-1 win against Georgia in the last 16 means Spain stay top of our rankings. They fell behind in the first half but the end result never felt in doubt. Luis de la Fuente’s side had 36 attempts to Georgia’s four; they attempted 823 passes and completed 94%. Or put it this way: Georgia were outplayed, yet they didn’t play badly. Spain were simply superb. Again. The starting XI seems settled now but there can be no complacency because the options from the bench are so strong. Against Georgia, De la Fuente put on, among others, Dani Olmo and Álex Grimaldo, with the former scoring. Now for Germany …

Everything you need to know (and more) about every squad member in Germany. Click on the player pictures for a fuller profile and match ratings