It's a classic European encounter taking place tonight in Lyon. France kicks off its 2024 campaign with the highlight being the Euros this summer in Germany... their opponent tonight.
As we meet again. Six months after Rudi Völler's Germans clinched victory in Dortmund against Didier Deschamps' French side (2-1), the two teams meet again for another friendly encounter, this time at Lyon's Groupama Stadium (9:00 PM). A France-Germany match is never without significance. There will be lessons to be drawn from this new classic of the continent. Even though the Nationalmannschaft has been less successful in recent years, both teams are contenders for the European title in July... in Germany.
Before facing Chile next Tuesday, the last match before the pre-Euro preparation games, Didier Deschamps is taking this duel very seriously. A typical 4-3-3 formation is planned for tonight with Samba in goal, as Maignan has missed part of the week's training. The Lens player will lead a defense once again with the presence of Koundé and Lucas Hernandez on the sides. For the central defense, Pavard is expected to be paired with Dayot Upamecano.
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Zaïre-Emery to replace Griezmann
In midfield, the coach is likely to trust Zaïre-Emery for the second time. The Parisian was injured in the ankle while scoring his first goal for the national team last November. To accompany him, Tchouameni is expected to occupy the defensive midfield role, while Rabiot will likely have more responsibility in the absence of Griezmann. Upfront, no surprises with Dembélé on the right, captain Mbappé on the left, and Marcus Thuram preferred over Giroud and Kolo Muani up top.
Ter Stegen is warned, as he replaces the injured Neuer and returns to Bayern Munich. As for the rest of the lineup, Julian Nagelsmann would field a 4-2-3-1 formation with Kimmich and Mittelstädt, who would make his debut, as full-backs. Tah and Rüdiger are expected in central defense. Kroos makes his grand return to the national team and will start alongside Andrich to form the double pivot. Upfront, Musiala, Gündogan, and Wirtz are expected to start in support of the striker, Kai Havertz.