Germany vs France preview: Winners of last two WCs set to start Nations League with a bang

The winners of the last two World Cups face off in Munich on Thursday as the UEFA Nations League begins

World champions France are up first for Germany in the inaugural Nations League clash.

It has been less than a year since the sides played out a 2-2 draw in Cologne, with Alexandre Lacazette twice putting Les Bleus in the lead only for their hosts to twice hit back in an exciting friendly.

Since then, the fortunes of the sides have differed dramatically, with France going on to win in Russia thanks to their pragmatic play, while Germany stunningly crashed out in the group stage.

Didier Deschamps has not made dramatic changes to his France squad, while for the hosts, there is a sense that this game represents a new beginning.

Squads & Team News

Mesut Ozil has stood down from international football amid accusations levelled of racism towards the association. Sami Khedira and Sebastian Rudy have dropped out of the squad that travelled to Russia along with goalkeeper Kevin Trapp, Marvin Plattenhardt and Jonas Hector.

Joachim Low, who could start with Leroy Sane after he was controversially left out of the World Cup squad, has no injury issues.

France are without captain Hugo Lloris, who has a muscular problem in his thigh. Montpellier goalkeeper Benjamin Lecomte has been called up in his stead, although with Steve Mandanda also missing, Alphonse Areola is expected to make his international debut.

Otherwise, head coach Didier Deschamps has been able to lean upon the same squad that won in Russia.

Potential Germany starting XI: Neuer; Kimmich, Hummels, Boateng, Schulz; Gundogan, Kroos, Goretzka; Muller, Werner, Reus

Potential France starting XI: Areola; Pavard, Varane, Umtiti, Mendy; Pogba, Kante, Mbappe, Matuid; Giroud, Griezmann

Match Preview

Germany are a side still reeling from World Cup elimination and the fall-out caused by Mesut Ozil’s retirement from the international game amid dramatic accusations of racism.

While those stand unproven at present, what is under no doubt is that the 2014 world champions underperformed dramatically in Russia. Defeats against Mexico and South Korea were as poor as they were unexpected, while even their victory over Sweden was achieved with little assurance.

Thursday’s match in Munich stands as an opportunity for Joachim Low and his side to start putting things right, and a strong performance against the team that claimed their crown would be an ideal beginning.

France, meanwhile, claimed their second World Cup with a mature and streetwise brand of football. At times, Didier Deschamps’ men were spectacular, notably in their last-16 victory against Argentina, but more often they simply did what needed to be done to get results. It was not always popular with neutrals, especially as they stymied an attractive Belgium side in the semi-finals, but the prize was worth it.

Since losing to Germany 1-0 at World Cup 2014, they are unbeaten in three meetings with their neighbours, scoring two goals on each occasion.

Betting & Match Odds

Germany are considered slight favourites to cause an upset in this clash at 8/5 by bet365, while France are priced at 19/10. Meanwhile, a draw is 12/5.

TV Channel, Live Stream & How To Watch

In the United States (US) the game will available to watch on ESPN2 and stream live online using ESPN+.

The game can be watched live on television in the United Kingdom (UK) via Sky Sports Football or Sky Sports Mix and it can be streamed live online using Sky Go.