Chorus of praise:Kimmich: The team made it very easy for me

Joshua Kimmich patiently answered media questions in the tunnel, brimming with joy. He had just made his EURO debut in the 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland, deputising as right-back and turning in a commanding display. “The coach approached me two days before the match and said he considered fielding me at right-back,” revealed Kimmich, who had played in the position in training before the encounter. “On the eve of the match he informed me.”

Joachim Löw's decision was vindicated. Kimmich supplied impetus up front over and over, pushing up boldly and joining in passing combinations. “His movements were very good,” praised Löw, “he whipped good crosses from the right and kept the defenders busy. I couldn't detect any nervousness.”