Euro 2024 quarter-finals predictions: Can England make the last four?

The business end of Euro 2024 has arrived. In a tournament that has so far failed to delight, the time is now for the real contenders to step up. Each nation is just three games and a lot of bitten fingernails away from lifting the Henri Delaunay Cup in Berlin on July 14. Which of the remaining eight will form the final four? These are Telegraph Sport’s predictions.

Spain vs Germany, 5pm, Friday, July 5

In the eyes of many, this quarter-final is the real final.

Germany is always a challenge, and Germany in Germany is an even bigger challenge. This young, brave Spanish side could control the game from start to finish but ultimately come up short to the Germans on penalties.

Germany will pose a threat on the wings. Jamal Musiala is dangerous at his worst and lethal at his best; his pace and trickery will be difficult for Dani Carvajal to deal with. If he can cut inside of Carvajal, he will find success against Robin Le Normand and provide the Germans with set-piece opportunities. Spain are the shortest side in the tournament and will struggle to deal with Germany’s threat from set-pieces, particularly if Niclas Fullkrug is introduced early. Some magic from Lamine Yamal could find Spain an equaliser late on, before a predictably dull extra time takes the game to penalties.

Prediction: Spain 1-1 Germany (Germany win on penalties)

France vs Portugal, 8pm, Friday, July 5

The two teams even more predictable than England face off in a repeat of the 2016 final. France have not shone, but they have found a way at every opportunity. Fundamentally, they are well suited to knockout football and a decade of French success on the international stage has given Didier Deschamps the nous to steer his team to victory.

It is the sort of game you can make a bingo card for and call yourself a winner by half-time. Be it a Rafael Leao dive, a Cristiano Ronaldo free-kick blazed over the bar or a dire lack of attacking ambition from the French, you know what you are in for when you tune in.

France may rarely look like winning, but they never look like losing. And when it comes to international football, that is of greater importance. Extra time would not be a surprise.

The French to go through, particularly if Joao Cancelo and Pepe leave space for Kylian Mbappe to take advantage of.

Prediction: France 1-0 Portugal

England vs Switzerland, 5pm, Saturday, July 6

It will be close and it will not be beautiful, but England should get over the line. Morale is high after the dramatic victory against Slovakia, the players are starting to gel and it might just all come together.

England have been more effective going forward against a three at the back this tournament, which Switzerland play. It will give England more ball in the final third because of their numerical advantage in midfield, meaning it should be easier to progress the ball from defence to midfield. If left wing-back Michel Aebischer does drift inside to help the Swiss midfield, Bukayo Saka will be given space to drive down the right to create opportunities.

England will need to start with more of an attacking emphasis than we have seen so far. Kyle Walker’s pace and John Stones’s reading of the game at the back will remove the threat of Breel Embolo on the counter-attack. Ruben Vargas could pose a threat but if Declan Rice and Kobbie Mainoo can shut him out of the game, England will surprise many.

Prediction: England 2-0 Switzerland

Netherlands v Turkey, 8pm, Saturday, July 6

There is just something about them... The spirit of 2002 and 2008 is well and truly alive in the next generation of Turkish football. Arda Guler has established himself as a real threat rather than a raw prospect, Hakan Calhanoglu is back from suspension and Mert Gunok’s confidence is sky high after his Gordon Banks impression.

If Turkey stick to the back five they trialled against Austria, expect another upset. Barring a fortunate deflection and some quick-thinking from Wout Weghorst, the Netherlands found it difficult to break down Poland’s back five. Turkey’s mixture of industry and creativity in the middle of the park will prevent Xavi Simons and Tijjani Reijnders from progressing the ball forwards, while their impressive wing-backs will not give Cody Gakpo, Donyell Malen and Steven Bergwijn the time and space to get in behind.

As for Memphis Depay? The Netherlands would be better off playing Weghorst, who has proved much more effective and will also be better suited to exploiting Turkey’s weakness of defending crosses into the box, but will likely stick with Depay.

Expect Turkey to come out of the blocks flying and take an early lead before the Oranje equalise and push forward in search of a winner, giving the Turkish attack time to strike on the counter.

Prediction: Netherlands 1-3 Turkey