Summary

  • Recap Ivan Toney press conference

  • Build-up to England's Euro 2024 quarter-final against Switzerland on Saturday

  • Reaction as Turkey and Netherlands complete last eight line-up

  • Other quarter-final matches: Germany v Spain & Portugal v France

  • Get Involved: #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

  1. What's happening elsewhere in football?published at 14:43 3 July

    Before we hear from England's Ivan Toney, here is a quick reminder of some of the top football stories away from the Euros:

    Remember, you can find news, views and analysis dedicated to every club in the Premier League.

    Just click on this index and choose your club.

    If you are using the mobile app, click on the bell icon to receive notifications on your club.

  2. Get Involvedpublished at 14:36 3 July

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Agree with Nedum’s article today…performances across the Euros have been underwhelming. Some perspective for us England fans that Portugal also couldn’t score against Slovenia and Denmark were very unlucky with two marginal VAR calls going in Germany’s favour

    Joe

  3. 'The stakes are frequently so high, people are scared to make a mistake'published at 14:30 3 July

    Nedum Onuoha
    Former Manchester City defender in his BBC Sport column

    What we are seeing more often than not is results-based football, which puts us in this position where, at times, it might not be as entertaining as we all want it to be.

    There's more of an approach to it, whereby you make sure you're defensively solid first and you try and be expressive second.

    The Champions League final is a similar case in point. Very often it features a least one, if not two, of the best teams in Europe. Very rarely does it produce a spectacle which matches up to the talent on the field.

    The stakes are frequently so high, people are scared to make a mistake.

    There's an element of players and managers at Euro 2024 being reluctant to take chances, because you know the team are good enough that if you go behind the game might be over.

    Read more from Nedum Onuoha's column here.

  4. Man Utd to cut 250 jobspublished at 14:26 3 July

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport

    Old TraffordImage source, Getty Images

    Manchester United are to cut 250 jobs as part of a determination to slash costs and scrap some "non-essential" activities.

    United director Sir Dave Brailsford has led a wide-ranging review of club operations since Inoes’ co-ownership of the club was confirmed in December.

    Sir Jim Ratcliffe had already told staff of his desire for them to return to working from club premises.

    However, club sources now say financially significant transformation is required to halt the steepling rise in year-on-year costs.

    The review has concluded, structure-wise, the size and shape of the club does not reflect the current football performance and they have more staff than they need.

    Sources say cost savings have been identified around "non-essential" activities, which are to cease.

    It is yet to be clarified what these activities are, but the aim is to reduce headcount and employee costs. United have about 1,000 full-time members of staff.

    The move is bound to be greeted negatively, with many pointing out poor recruitment around the first team has wasted far more money than will be saved by cutting the rank and file workforce.

    Read more here.

  5. Shaw 'prefers to speak after playing'published at 14:19 3 July

    Alex Howell
    BBC football news reporter at the England camp

    Luke Shaw is no longer speaking at the England press conference this afternoon and striker Ivan Toney is replacing him at short notice.

    We've been told there is no injury concern or setback after this morning's training session.

    Instead, Shaw had a change of heart over speaking to the media for the first time this tournament.

    He felt he would rather talk when he has returned to action.

  6. Toney subbed in for Shaw - but not a fitness issuepublished at 14:14 3 July

    England v Switzerland (Sat, 17:00 BST)

    England

    So we will be having an England press conference shortly - and it was initially supposed to be with defender Luke Shaw.

    However, Brentford forward Ivan Toney has now replaced him.

    A reason for the switch has not been confirmed but is not thought to be a fitness issue. If we hear anything more on that development, we will bring you it.

    Shaw so far has not made an appearance at this Euros because of injury. He has been in team training the past few weeks and was involved in this morning's training session.

    As our England camp reporter Alex Howell said on Monday, Shaw was in his match shirt on the bench on Sunday night and seems to be getting closer to making his first appearance of the tournament.

    Luke ShawImage source, Getty Images
  7. Get Involvedpublished at 14:09 3 July

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    The Austria v Turkey match was a great game and one of the main reasons was, the performance of the Portuguese referee. He set the tone for the match from the off. He told fallen players to get up, not entertaining any theatrics or soft calls. Once both sets of players realised this, the football flowed. Hopefully, someone in Uefa noticed and have him marked down for the closing stages.

    John

  8. English officials get key gamespublished at 14:04 3 July

    Simon Stone
    BBC Sport

    England's progression to the quarter-finals of Euro 2024 is potentially going to scupper the chances of Premier League officials being appointed to the final in Berlin.

    However, the appointments of Anthony Taylor and Michael Oliver, plus their respective teams, to the two quarter-finals in the top half of the draw - Germany v Spain and Portugal v France - underlines how highly regarded they are by Uefa.

    It is worth remembering that in the middle of the new season when critics start complaining that standards have never been so low.

    Uefa's head of referees Roberto Rosetti spoke last week about the positive performances of officials so far at the Euros.

    Taylor and Oliver are among the very best.

  9. No final whistle for English officialspublished at 13:58 3 July

    English Premier League Ref Anthony Taylor officiating a Euro 2024 game.  He is wearing a black top.  He has his left arm raised whilst holding a whistle towards his mouth with his right hand.Image source, Getty Images

    All eight English officials have been appointed to Uefa Euro 2024 quarter-final fixtures.

    Spain v Germany - Fri, 5 July (17:00 BST)

    Referee Anthony Taylor, his assistants Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn as well as VAR Stuart Attwell are among the team selected to take charge of the host nation's match against Spain.

    France v Portugal - Fri, 5 July (20:00 BST)

    For this contest, referee Michael Oliver will once again be in action too, leading a team involving assistants Stuart Burt, Dan Cook as well as David Coote (assistant VAR).

  10. Which Euros players do Premier League fans want to sign?published at 13:52 3 July

    Riccardo Calafiori (Bologna)

    Spain centre back Riccardo Calafiori standing during a Euro 2024 match.  He's wearing a blue Italy strip with the number 5 on the frontImage source, Getty Images

    Riccardo Calafiori joined Bologna from Swiss side Basel in August.

    Italy have always produced great defenders and, in 22-year-old Calafiori, they may have another. He even looks a bit like 2000s legend Alessandro Nesta.

    An uncapped flier when named in head coach Luciano Spalletti's Euro 2024 squad, Calafiori quickly made himself indispensable. He missed the last-16 tie against Switzerland as Italy were knocked out.

    • Leon, Arsenal: Calafiori would be a good signing as back-up for Gabriel - and maybe even challenge for a spot?
    • Josh, Chelsea: Calafiori would be a great option. He is young but already has lots of experience and would strengthen our backline.
    • David, West Ham: We need to push to sign Calafiori. A centre-half who is comfortable on the ball, skilful and prone to the odd lapse? Perfect.

    See the other stand-out players at Euro 2024 here.

  11. Get Involvedpublished at 13:45 3 July

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Georges Mikautadze has been impressive. Good choice for West Ham or maybe Crystal Palace. Alessandro Bastoni is another great player that United could use. Nico Williams looks great too. Doubt he would come to the Premier League though.

    Tom, Laugharne

  12. Which Euros players do Premier League fans want to sign?published at 13:40 3 July

    Georges Mikautadze (Metz)

    Georges Mikautadze celebrates a goal during Euro 2024.  He is wearing a red Georgia top with a white number 22 on the frontImage source, Getty Images

    Georges Mikautadze scored three goals from six shots at Euro 2024 and his conversion rate of 50% compares favourably to some of the other players at the tournament.

    Surprise packages Georgia grabbed the headlines with their win over Portugal and Mikautadze scored in each of their three group games.

    The 23-year-old also managed 13 goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances for Metz last season despite their relegation.

    • Sonny, Ipswich Town: Mikautadze would be a dream signing given how good he has been. Although he would blow our budget off the roof, he would be worth it.
    • Mark, Leicester City: Without doubt, Mikautadze. He is another gem from the lower French leagues, just like Riyad Mahrez.
    • Tom, Wolves: I would be all over Mikautadze. Quick, relatively young and knows where the back of the net is. He has really impressed me.

    Check out the full BBC Sport article on the other stand-out players here

  13. England not the only side to strugglepublished at 13:37 3 July

    Following on from Nedum Onuoha's comments, it is fair to include England in the teams that have struggled to produce performances with the same energy and verve we normally associate with their star players, such as Jude Bellingham, Phil Foden and Bukayo Saka.

    But while the Three Lions haven't exactly set the world alight at the Euros, neither have many of the other expected favourites.

    Italy are out. France finished second in their group and edged past Belgium in the last 16, scoring only three goals in the process - none of which came from open play.

    Portugal needed a penalty shootout to beat Slovenia and reach the quarter-finals after failing to score in normal time or extra time.

    The Netherlands finished third in their group. England, at least, won theirs.

    Few of the traditional big hitters have managed to find their form at the Euros. But some will - as the Netherlands did against Romania in the last 16. Could England?

    Click here to find out more reasons for England fans to be cheerful.

    Bukayo Saka, Jude Bellingham and Phil FodenImage source, Getty Images
  14. Get Involvedpublished at 13:30 3 July

    #bbcfootball, via WhatsApp on 03301231826 or text 81111 (UK only, standard message rates apply)

    Austria v Turkey was a great game last night! Uefa must feel relieved as there hasn't been many others at the entire tournament. It's all very flat and it's difficult to look further than the players having way too many games in a season, and way too much money involved. International football looks dead on its feet.

    Chris

  15. 'Why football at Euros is different to what we're used to'published at 13:25 3 July

    Nedum Onuoha
    Former Manchester City defender in his BBC Sport column

    Germany national teamImage source, Getty Images

    I think the time has come to rethink our perceptions of what international football is, and redefine our expectations of major tournaments.

    There is a sense from a lot of people watching Euro 2024 that the big guns have not fired; that the star players have not sparkled and the top teams have underwhelmed.

    There are significant reasons for this.

    As we sit here now in July, a lot of clubs are starting their pre-seasons. But for players involved with their national teams in Germany, last season hasn't finished yet.

    In some cases they're playing their 60th or 70th game of the season. Fatigue is a big factor in games played in the hottest months of the summer.

    Let's be clear, the best version of these teams and individual players - the ones thrilling us in the Champions League and Premier League - are not necessarily happening right now.

    That is significant when we are passing judgment.

    Read more of Nedum Onuoha's BBC Sport column here.

  16. Postpublished at 13:24 3 July

    There are certainly plenty of players attracting the interest of Premier League fans, and surely their clubs will have scouts at all the matches at Euro 2024.

    But while plenty of previously unheralded players have caught the eye, some of the star attractions at the tournament have failed to fire.

    BBC Sport columnist Nedum Onuoha has a theory as to why that might be...

  17. Which Euros players do Premier League fans want to sign?published at 13:18 3 July

    Christoph Baumgartner (RB Leipzig)

    Austria midfielder Christoph Baumgartner in a running motion whilst playing a game at Euro 2024Image source, Getty Images

    Christoph Baumgartner has made nine goal contributions in his past nine games for Austria (six goals and three assists).

    The vibrant displays of Ralf Rangnick's Austria, up to Tuesday's 2-1 defeat to Turkey in the last-16, have been underpinned by RB Leipzig's Baumgartner, a 24-year-old attacking midfielder with an eye for goal.

    He scored against Poland and set up Marcel Sabitzer's winner against the Netherlands in the final group game to help Austria win Group C above France, and was only denied a late equaliser against Turkey by a wonderful save from Mert Gunok.

    • Tomos, Aston Villa: Would absolutely love the Villa to sign Baumgartner. He looks modern but is also a throwback in his style and skill. Get him in, Unai Emery.
    • Andrew, Brighton: Have been impressed by Baumgartner. Would give another attacking option.
    • Stanis, Crystal Palace: With Oliver Glasner's knowledge, we need to look at the Austria attacking players plying their trade in the German Bundesliga, especially Baumgartner.

    You can see the full article here on the BBC Sport website.

  18. Which Euros players do Premier League fans want to sign?published at 13:10 3 July

    Nico Williams (Athletic Bilbao)

    Spanish winger Nico Williams celebrating a goal against Georgia during Euro 2024.  He is making a glasses gesture on his right eye, whilst pointing to the camera with his left.  He is wearing a red spain jersey with yellow trimmingImage source, Getty Images

    Against Georgia, the 21-year-old became the first player to score, assist and complete 100% of their passes in a game since Euros records began in 1980.

    The winger was expected to have a big tournament and he has not disappointed. If he keeps his form up, Williams could be one of Europe's most in-demand players after the tournament.

    Here's what some Premier League fans think about Nico Williams:

    • Sean, Liverpool: It has to be Williams. He has all of the attributes I think will energise the front six under Arne Slot. He has pace, movement, an eye for goal and the confidence of youth. Mohamed Salah may well be gone from this team next year and we need to plan for that.
    • Robert, Manchester United: Williams would be such an improvement on our current wingers and can play both sides. Him on the right and Alejandro Garnacho on the left would be frightening.
    • Ben, Tottenham: Young and talented, incredibly quick and technical. He has the perfect profile for Ange Postecoglou's system.

    Check out who else has got fans talking, here on the BBC Sport website

  19. German police investigating alleged assault by stadium security on fanpublished at 13:01 3 July

    Uefa says it "condemns any violent behaviour" after German police opened an investigation into an alleged assault during Monday night's last-16 tie between Portugal and Slovenia in Frankfurt.

    Footage on social media appears to show a fan being assaulted by stadium security staff.

    European football's governing body said in a statement that it was not in a position to comment further until the investigation had been completed.

    "Uefa is aware of an incident which took place between stewards and a fan from the Portugal vs Slovenia match and condemns any violent behaviour," the statement read.

    "The incident in the video is now the subject of a police investigation."

  20. Palhinha to Bayernpublished at 12:52 3 July

    Alex Howell
    BBC football news reporter

    Joao PalhinhaImage source, Getty Images

    Joao Palhinha is set to join Bayern Munich from Fulham in a deal worth €51m (£43m) plus €5m (£4.2m) add-ons.

    The midfielder was close to joining Bayern last year but a deal collapsed on deadline day.

    Palhinha is part of the Portugal team that has reached the quarter finals of Euro 2024.

    The deal will be a club record sale for Fulham and comes just days after Marco Silva has rejected the chance to move to Saudi Arabian club Al-Ittihad.