Boris Johnson has joked with Chancellor Angela Merkel that Germany had broken its tradition of beating England in the football.
Ms Merkel said the German's Euros defeat at the hands of Gareth Southgate's men was not "a voluntary offer" to improve her reception in Britain on Friday - but she was glad England fans were happy.
The Prime Minister told a joint press conference after their meeting at Chequers: "In the course of that time some things have changed beyond recognition but for much of your tenure it was certainly a tradition, Angela, for England to lose to Germany in international football tournaments.
"I'm obviously grateful to you for breaking with that tradition, just for once."
Mrs Merkel replied: "On football, obviously this was not a voluntary offer on my side to create the right climate, the right mood for this visit.
"But I have to accept it and the result is as it is, that England was happy is obviously something we understand."
She added: "You deserved it. We were a little bit sad I must admit but now best of luck to the British team to all of the matches."
England’s historic triumph at Wembley on Tuesday ended a 55-year wait for a knockout victory against Germany.
Second-half goals from Raheem Sterling and captain Harry Kane sent more than 40,000 England fans inside the stadium into wild celebrations and set the team on a path for Euros glory.
England are now headed to Rome for their quarter final clash with Ukraine on Saturday.
Mrs Merkel expressed concerns about the number of spectators allowed to watch games as England prepares to host the semi finals and the finals at Wembley next week.
Crown capacity will be increased to more than 60,000 fans under the Government's pilot scheme.
Mrs Merkel was asked about the plans at the joint news conference.
"I say this with grave concern. I have also said this to the Prime Minister," she said.
"We in Germany, as you know, have less people attend games in the Munich stadium but the British Government will obviously take its own decision.
"But I am very much concerned whether it is not a bit too much."
But Mr Johnson said there were no plans to reduce spectator numbers.
"Of course we'll follow the scientific guidance and the advice if we receive any such suggestion," he said.
"But at the moment...the position is very clear in the UK, which is that we have certain events which we can put on in a very careful and controlled manner with testing of everybody who goes there."
The leaders met at the PM's Chequers retreat in Buckinghamshire in what is expected to be the German Chancellor's last visit to the UK before she steps down later this year.
Mrs Merkel also addressed a virtual meeting of the Cabinet, the first foreign leader to do so since Bill Clinton in 1997.
The pair enjoyed a working lunch of English asparagus tart, Oxfordshire beef fillet and baked custard tart.
