Germany vs. France preview: Team news and predicted lineups
Here is our preview of Tuesday's international friendly between Germany and France, including our predicted lineups.
Germany are winless in five matches and are coming off an embarrassing 4-1 home defeat to Japan, a low point in Flick's tenure in which the visitors deservedly ran out comfortable winners.
France, on the other hand, have won their last four matches, most recently seeing off the Republic of Ireland 2-0 in Paris on Tuesday.
Marc-André ter Stegen, still playing in the absence of the long-term injured Manuel Neuer, will be hoping for more support from his defense this time around after making a number of impressive saves against Japan to prevent the defeat from getting any worse.
After a poor defensive performance against Japan, Germany's interim trio are likely to make several changes at the back, with Joshua Kimmich expected to move from right-back to his natural position of central midfielder. That's provided he's fit to play, as the Bayern star has been struggling with a muscle problem.
Benjamin Henrichs could then start on the right side of the backline, while Gosens could come in on the left at the expense of Nico Schlotterbeck, who struggled mightily last time out.
According to Bild, Niklas Süle has left the team camp as his wife is due to give birth to the couple's second child. Whether the Borussia Dortmund centre-back will miss the game is unclear, but Malick Thiaw is likely to replace him alongside Antonio Rüdiger in the middle of defense.
Kimmich is likely to play alongside Ilkay Gündogan in the middle of the park, with Emre Can moving to the bench.
Leroy Sané and Florian Wirtz, two of Germany's best players against Japan, should retain their places further forward, while it's more doubtful if Serge Gnabry and Kai Havertz will keep their places, with the likes of Julian Brandt and Thomas Müller pushing to start.
Germany will still be without Jamal Musiala and Niclas Füllkrug, who were forced out of the squad last week through injury.
France will be without Olivier Giroud, who was forced off against Ireland with an ankle injury. Marcus Thuram is expected to replace him after scoring off the bench last time out.
Click here to see our predicted Germany vs. France lineups.
