Seven months ago, Germany emerged victorious with a 2-1 win over France. This weekend's fixture marks the first match of the year for both teams as they gear up for Euro 2024.
Despite facing disappointment in the World Cup 2022 and barely avoiding relegation in the Nations League, France had a stellar showing in the Euro 2024 qualifiers, winning all but one of their matches.
Didier Deschamps's squad secured first place in their group, setting up a reunion with the Netherlands and Austria, along with one of four playoff hopefuls, in the upcoming Euro 2024 group stage. France's upcoming friendlies with Germany and Chile offer them final opportunities to fine-tune their squad before the Euros, where they aim to end a 24-year drought without winning the title.
Meanwhile, Germany has been devoid of competitive action since their disappointing World Cup exit in 2022. Under Julian Nagelsmann's leadership, Germany has struggled to replicate their previous successes, winning only three out of eleven friendly matches. Despite their recent form, Germany managed to defeat France in September, ending a six-game winless streak against them.
Both teams will be eager to make a statement in this encounter, with Germany looking to build momentum under Nagelsmann and France aiming to continue their impressive form heading into Euro 2024.
INJURIES & SUSPENSION
France has had relatively few injury setbacks in their squad selection, with only one player being forced to withdraw due to injury so far. However, it's a significant loss as Atletico Madrid forward Antoine Griezmann, a key figure for the team, has been sidelined with an ankle injury.This injury brings an end to Griezmann's remarkable streak of 84 consecutive appearances for France. Apart from Griezmann and Kingsley Coman, who is also sidelined with a knee injury, manager Didier Deschamps has a talented and experienced squad at his disposal.
Moussa Diaby from Aston Villa has earned a recall to the squad after a year-long absence, while Ibrahima Konate from Liverpool, who has struggled with injuries, is back in the team but may be kept on the sidelines due to his recent hamstring issue.
In contrast, Germany has faced some setbacks in their camp, with uncapped midfielder Aleksandar Pavlovic and experienced goalkeeper Manuel Neuer both having to leave the squad.
Neuer's absence is particularly concerning as he is now doubtful for his team's upcoming Champions League quarter-final against Arsenal due to an adductor injury. With Neuer out, Real Madrid midfielder Toni Kroos, making his return to the national team setup for the first time since Euro 2020, is set to earn his 107th cap for Germany, making him the second-most capped player after Thomas Muller.
Despite Kroos's return, Germany has had to omit several key players from their squad since their loss to Austria in November, including Leon Goretzka, Serge Gnabry, Leroy Sane, Mats Hummels, Niklas Sule, and Kevin Trapp. Additionally, Timo Werner, despite showing promise on loan at Tottenham Hotspur, has also been left out of the squad.
POSSIBLE LINE-UPS
France possible starting lineup:Maignan; Clauss, Pavard, Upamecano, T. Hernandez; Rabiot, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Dembele, Giroud, Mbappe
Germany possible starting lineup:
Ter Stegen; Kimmich, Tah, Rudiger, Raum; Kroos, Gundogan; Musiala, Wirtz; Havertz, Fullkrug
EXPERT PREDICTION
France 2-1 Germany
With a number of experienced players no longer part of the Germany squad and head coach Nagelsmann still fine-tuning his preferred lineup, the German team might feel somewhat experimental this week. However, this approach is unlikely to lead to success against a well-established France side.
Despite the absence of Antoine Griezmann, who often plays a pivotal role for France, manager Didier Deschamps's team should capitalize on Germany's current situation and assert their dominance, setting a strong foundation ahead of Euro 2024.
