We take a look ahead to Thursday’s UEFA Nations League clash between 2018 World Cup winners France and 2014 winners, Germany.
Germany: ‘Die Nationalmannschaft’ are without Mesut Ozil, who has retired from international duty following the World Cup due to the fallout over his meeting with Turkish President Erdogan.
Jonas Hector will not join up with the squad due to his recent workload. Veteran midfielder Sami Khedira was among those left out of the squad, while youngsters Thilo Kehrer and Kai Havertz have been called up for the first time.
Manchester City’s Leroy Sane also returns after his controversial exclusion from the World Cup squad.
France: Didier Deschamps has retained the entirety of the squad that triumphed in Russia, with the exception of captain Hugo Lloris and fellow goalkeeper Steve Mandanda, who are both ruled out through injury. Deschamps called the uncapped Benjamin Lecomte as a replacement on Monday. The 27-year-old Lecomte, who plays for Montpellier, is regarded as one of the most promising goalkeepers in the French league.
Paris Saint-Germain keeper Alphonse Areola is expected to make his first appearance for ‘Les Bleus’ in Munich.
Germany manager Joachim Löw:
“Players (Ozil) who have resigned will not have a role to play in future.
“I think everything has been said about this. When a player announces his resignation like that, you don’t pick him for the squad eight or nine weeks later.
“From our training sessions, I feel like we are changing one or two things, and I hope that people see that tomorrow (Thursday).”
France manager Didier Deschamps:
“It’s a galvanising effect to have this title, in terms of confidence. This title of world champion, you have to manage it but it’s not a weight or a burden to carry. It’s quite the opposite.
“With all the positive aspects being world champion has brought, on the sporting front but also from a human and psychological standpoint, it’s a huge boost.
“It won’t prevent them from going through tougher times, but it’s not necessarily linked to the tag of world champion,” he added.
Did you know?
The two nations have faced off 29 times, with France winning 13 games, Germany 10, and six draws.
Germany and France last met in 2017 – a 2-2 friendly draw in Cologne – while their last competitive meeting saw France win 2-0 in the Euro 2016 semi-finals.
Possible lineups:
Germany XI: Neuer, Schulz, Hummels, Boateng, Kimmich, Gundogan, Kroos, Brandt, Muller, Reus, Werner.
France XI: Areola, Mendy, Umtiti, Varane, Pavard, Kante, Pogba, Matuidi, Griezmann, Mbappe, Giroud.