Two European behemoths collide on Tuesday night as crisis nation Germany meet France in a friendly at Signal Iduna Park.
Germany have undoubtedly enjoyed some highs in the 21st century but have also endured some wretched lows and there’s no denying a dark cloud has descended over Die Mannschaft as they prepare to host Euro 2024.
Their humbling 4-1 defeat at the hands of Japan saw Hansi Flick become the first-ever manager of the German national team to be sacked. The 2014 World Cup winners are winless in five after crashing out early in Qatar last year.
On the contrary, it’s all sunshine and rainbows for Didier Deschamps and Les Bleus. Their 2-0 victory over the Republic of Ireland last week ensured they maintained their 100% record in Euro 2024 qualifying.
Here’s 90min’s preview of Tuesday’s international friendly.
Germany vs France H2H Record (Last Five Games)
Current Form (Last Five Games)
|
Country |
TV channel/live stream |
|---|---|
|
United Kingdom |
N/A |
|
United States |
N/A |
|
Canada |
DAZN |
There are bound to be wholesale changes to Germany’s starting XI following Saturday’s humiliation.
Thomas Muller, Julian Brandt and Robin Gosens could all come back in after appearing off the bench last time out, while Kevin Schade may replace Kai Havertz up top with Niclas Fullkrug absent through injury.
Malick Thiaw is in contention to replace Niklas Sule at the heart of Die Mannschaft’s defence, with Pascal Gross perhaps deserving of a maiden start after making his debut off the bench against Japan.
Germany predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Ter Stegen; Henrichs, Thiaw, Rudiger, Gosens; Kimmich, Gundogan; Sane, Muller, Schade; Gnabry.
Deschamps will be without Olivier Giroud for Tuesday’s friendly after he picked up an ankle injury in France’s win over Ireland. In his absence, Marcus Thuram, who’s started the season strongly with Inter, and Randal Kolo Muani will be competing for a starting berth.
Eduardo Camavinga could come into the side after earning minutes off the bench last time out, while Arsenal defender William Saliba is also vying for a start. The France boss will want to give game time to as many members of his squad as he can.
France predicted lineup (4-2-3-1): Maignan; Pavard, Saliba, Disasi, Hernandez; Camavinga, Tchouameni; Coman, Griezmann, Mbappe; Thuram.
German great Rudi Voller will take charge of the hosts for Tuesday’s game and will hope his side come out of it relatively unscathed. While they are deprived of quality in a couple of areas, Germany are blessed with heaps of talent and, on paper, are capable of competing against any nation in the world.
However, they’ve looked nothing short of a mess for the past few years and it’s hard to envisage Voller turning it around in a matter of days.
France are purring, and although Deschamps will almost certainly rotate on Tuesday night, the efficient swagger Les Bleus are playing with suggests they should stroll to a comfortable victory.
Prediction: Germany 0-2 France
READ THE LATEST EURO 2024 NEWS, PREVIEWS & PLAYER RATINGS
Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
90Mins
