Alex Keble provides tactical insight for the most high-profile group game as France face Germany.
France v Germany
Germany have been largely written off in this tournament following a pretty disastrous last few years of management from Joachim Low, and indeed they continue to look a little confused in the bigger matches.
Stuck between styles and attempting an awkward rebuild, there is every chance Low’s side stutter to ignominious defeat just as they did at the 2018 World Cup.
However, there is more than enough quality in Low’s first 11 to cause France problems in their opener.
The reintroduction of Mats Hummels, coupled with Germany’s new 3-4-3 (introduced after the 2-1 defeat to North Macedonia), has strengthened their central defence, plus the new formation has allowed two playmakers to sit close to Thomas Muller as inside forwards. This style suits Timo Werner, Kai Havertz and Serge Gnabry.
If Low has stumbled on a system that works he might just pull off a huge shock on match day one.
Didier Deschamps trialled a diamond 4-4-2 in France’s final friendly, and if he is to carry this into the opener then Germany’s wing-backs Joshua Kimmich and Robin Gosens can excel.
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